Summary
- The final fate of Spider-Man’s forgotten villain, the Proto-Goblin, will finally be revealed after three decades in Shadow of the Green Goblin #4.
- Discover the early days of Peter Parker as Spider-Man and delve into the dark origins surrounding the Proto-Goblin’s vendetta against Peter and Norman Osborn.
- Spider-Man fans eagerly await the final fate of the Proto-Goblin in the upcoming issue – will he meet his demise or find redemption?
Warning: Potential spoilers ahead for Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin #4!One forgotten villain from Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery is finally ready to reveal his final fate. Spider-Man has one of the largest, most diverse, and overall impressive cast of villains in Marvel history. Because there are so many high-profile villains deserving of a spotlight, some get left by the wayside by getting forgotten and underused – including Spider-Man’s first Goblin. No, not the Green one.
Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin #4 by J.M. DeMatteis, Michael Sta. Maria, Chris Sotomayor, and VC’s Joe Caramagna will reveal the final fate of the Proto-Goblin. Cover art by Paulo Siqueira and Rachelle Rosenberg can be viewed below, with a preview of the actual issue found further below.
Shadow of the Green Goblin has gone out of its way to expand the lore of Spider-Man’s first Goblin, pre-dating Norman Osborn, but now it’s time for the Proto-Goblin’s story to finally come full circle.
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“What’s Wrong With Me?”: Marvel Admits the Dark Part of Spider-Man’s Origin Every Movie Ignores (Because He’d Be Too Unlikable)
“Shadow of the Green Goblin” explores the early days of Peter Parker’s superhero career, bringing one dark aspect of his origin to light.
The Proto-Goblin’s Storyline Will Finally Conclude After Three Decades
Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin serves as a flashback to Peter Parker’s first days as the Wall-Crawler, dating back to one month after he put on the mask for the first time. It’s during this time that he encountered his first Goblin, the Proto-Goblin. The Proto-Goblin was first introduced into Marvel lore in 1997’s Spider-Man #-1 by Howard Mackie and Dan Fraga. That story depicts how Oscorp research assistant Nels van Adder’s life is altered forever when he agrees to be the test subject for Biogenetic Project Supreme, better known as the Goblin Formula.
Following the experiment, Nels transforms into the Proto-Goblin, a deformed creature with all-red skin and massive claws. He sets out on a vendetta against the man he blamed for his misfortunes, Norman Osborn. After trying to dismantle his plans, Spider-Man becomes a target as well. However, this early chapter of Spider-Man’s life with the Proto-Goblin never reached a proper conclusion, or rather, Nels’ character never received a proper ending – until now.
What Will Be the Proto-Goblin’s Final Fate?
Could He Die?
This upcoming comic book issue promises to reveal the “Final Fate” of the Proto-Goblin. The fate in question remains uncertain until the issue officially hits shelves. The implication could be that this miniseries ends with the Proto-Goblin’s death, but that may not necessarily be the case. The Proto-Goblin could cease to exist following the conclusion of the miniseries (hence his absence from Marvel stories since his debut), but that could also mean that Nels is cured or sees the error of his ways. Spider-Man fans will have to wait and see what happens next.
Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin
#4
goes on sale July 31 from Marvel Comics.
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is the name given to several individuals who have employed a spider-moniker throughout Marvel Comics. Typically gaining their powers through a bite from a radioactive spider, the different Spider-Man heroes employ super-strength, agility, and intellect while utilizing webbing to swing and tangle up their foes. The most notable of these Spider-Men is Peter Parker, who remains one of the most popular superheroes throughout the world.
