Discover the secrets of the Osborne family and the proto-goblins in Shadow of the Green Goblin.
The world of comics is about to receive a shocker as Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin, a four-issue limited series, promises to bring to light “the Osborne family’s darkest secret.” But what is behind this enigmatic title?
The appearance of the proto goblin
This new saga takes us back to Peter’s early days as Spider-Man, a time when echoes of his Uncle Ben’s death still resonate. In this context, the story revisits a long-forgotten mystery: Nels van Ader, also known as Proto Dundee. The character has had his only appearance in the Spider-Man #1 comic since 1997.
This mysterious “first time” Goblin is the key to unlocking the dark drama surrounding the Osbornes. Peter runs into this problem, revealing a loose thread that has been hidden for decades.
The man behind the hero
JM DeMatteis, acclaimed for his work on Kraven’s Last Hunt, teams up with artist Michael Sta.Maria to bring this story to life. Fascinated by Peter’s early years as Spider-Man, Dematis seeks to explore a time when Peter still doesn’t understand the true meaning of being a superhero.
The series also delves into the dysfunctional dynamics within the Osborne family. DeMatteis promises to reveal how the birth pain left a devastating mark on Harry and seeded Norman’s original identity as the Green Goblin. “If you think you know everything about Peter and the Osbornes, think again,” warns DeMatteis.
The Genesis of Evil
The figure of the Proto-Goblin represents more than a simple antagonist in the history of Spider-Man. Norman is a distorted mirror of what might have been without the corrupting influence of his own creation. Like Peter Nels van Ader, an experiment was carried out that would change his life forever. However, as Peter discovers a heroic cause, Van Ader becomes a tragic shadow of the danger that lurks when science strays from morality.
In this new story, the emotional impact on Peter is palpable. He not only faces the challenges of Spider-Man, but also the complexity of human relationships and the consequences of decisions made by those around him. This journey into the past is not only an opportunity to uncover long-held secrets, but also to delve deeper into the psyche of young Peter and understand his destiny as a hero still in the process.
Resolve the past
In the wider Spider-Man universe, the Proto-Goblin is an almost mythical figure, an enigmatic character lurking in the shadows of the past. His inclusion in Shadow of the Green Goblin isn’t just a nod to die-hard fans, it’s also a gateway to exploring the deeper, darker history of Spider-Man. By revisiting a forgotten character, this series promises to add a new dimension to the story of Spider-Man and the Osborns.
On the other hand, the series promises to be visually and narratively interesting. The combination of DeMathes and Sta Maria is a promise of quality, combining a passionate script with art that captures the essence of the classic wall-crawler. The duo attempted to connect the present with the forgotten threads of history, giving fans a unique look that celebrates the character’s rich history and opens up new avenues for his future.
The beginning of Proto Dundee
“Norman Osborne was not the first Green Goblin,” says the official description of the first issue. This phrase makes us question everything we know about the Osbournes and their connection to the world of Spider-Man.
The first issue of Shadow of the Green Goblin will be available from April 3, 2024 courtesy of Marvel. In this series, Spider-Man fans are about to embark on a journey that will change their perception of the Spider-Man universe forever. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of the Proto Goblin?