Marvel Comics has finally given Harry Osborn a funeral, and it turns out the Green Goblin’s son deserves a better fate than he got the first time around. In The Amazing Spider-Man #1000, a special guest anniversary story called “Requiem for a Goblin” tells the tale of Harry’s death and what it means for his father, Norman, and Peter Parker.
Harry’s Death
Harry Osborn died in the 1976 milestone issue The Spectacular Spider-Man (1976) #200, and “Requiem for a Goblin” shows the funeral held for him afterward. The story is drawn by Humberto Ramos, with art from Victor Olazaba and Edgar Delgado, and lettering by Joe Caramagna, alongside a script from J.M. DeMatteis and Patrick Gleason.
Peter’s Doubt
Peter grapples with the uncertainty of whether Harry died as his best friend or as the Goblin. His psyche manifests spirits of both Harry and Norman, and the ensuing conversation takes place only in Peter’s mind.
Peter Blames Norman
Peter blames Norman for why Harry became the Goblin. He calls the “emotional abuse” Norman doled out “the poisons of his childhood.” The story acknowledges how plagued Harry was by that abuse, even if Peter’s framing is overly simplistic.
Norman Blames His Grandfather
Norman soon appears and instead blames Harry’s grandfather, Amberson Osborn, for why he and Harry turned out the way they did. Norman claims that generational trauma and rage are the “Osborn legacy,” passed down from father to father.
Peter Rejects Determinism
The implication is that Norman’s evil was inherited, but Peter refuses to concede that Harry’s fate was inevitable. He challenges Norman’s short-sighted view of Harry by declaring:
- “We all have a choice!”
- “Harry made his choice at the end!”
- “He chose decency!”
- “He chose self-sacrifice!”
Mary Jane’s Wisdom
The story draws on Mary Jane Watson’s words of wisdom. MJ reminds Peter that he and Harry are best friends, even though MJ had reason to fear Harry, given how he invaded and violated her and Peter’s life.
The Goblin Is an Expression, Not the Root
The story makes clear that Norman’s alter ego and the Green Goblin formula are not the source of his evil. The formula is a voice in his ear that tempts him to don the mask again.
Harry’s Death Is Untouchable
It’s surprising that Marvel has kept Harry canonically dead for more than three decades. “Requiem for a Goblin” confirms that Harry’s death is as iconic and untouchable as Gwen Stacy’s, no matter how many retcons threaten to uproot it.
The Legacy of an Osborn Legacy
The story honors Harry’s legacy while examining the Osborn family’s tragic history. It’s a sincere, mournful look at a character who has spent decades as a tragic figure in Spider-Man’s world.
Marvel has given Harry his due. It’s a story worth reading for anyone who has followed the Osborns’ long, sad history.
Source material: “Marvel Officially Confirms Why Green Goblin Is Evil, And It’s Sadder Than You Think,” Screen Rant.
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