Thanks to the June 2023 Marvel Comics solicitations surrounding Mary Jane, Norman Osborn, and Spider-Man, we may have new clues. The internet has been abuzz for at least a few months now as we brace for the “most shocking issue in 50 years” that will be “heartbreaking.” Figuring out what comes next has been on everyone’s minds, and thanks to a cover reveal and some facsimile editions, we may have some early answers. This is just speculation, but these seem like clues worth considering.
The solicit for Amazing Spider-Man #27 reads:
Grief looms over Peter after last issue’s shocking death!
Since we can count on a death happening in Amazing Spider-Man #25 and #26, everyone has speculated either Mary Jane dies or Norman Osborn dies. If you think Norma isn’t a possible death due to him being a supervillain, you may want to brush up on recent Spider-Man events. The latter death would make sense and be “heartbreaking” since Norman is now Peter’s only friend.
That said, there’s a huge reason to believe Mary Jane is the one who gets killed. As you can see with the Amazing Spider-Man #28 cover below, it appears Gold Goblin, aka Norman Osborn, is still alive. This would put the odds that Mary Jane dies pretty high, although there’s something fans should keep in mind, and that’s misdirection. For all we know, whoever is in that Gold Goblin suit is Mary Jane or some other hero taking up the mantle of Norman.
To add to that argument, Marvel Comics is also releasing two facsimile editions celebrating Green Goblin. Amazing Spider-Man #121 and #122 are the most important Norman Osborn stories ever told, and they’re getting facsimile editions in June. Why would they release these if they weren’t preparing for folks to be hungry to reread his classic tales after his death?
Admittedly this new evidence could go either way, but I’m leaning toward Norman Osborn dying in Amazing Spider-Man #25 and #26. Would Marvel be bold enough to kill Mary Jane, a beloved character and one that literally has her name on the title of a book with Black Cat right now? I’d argue, never.
That said, the shock value Marvel promises would be far less if Norman Osborn dies. He’s died before and come back, so why would we be shocked by his death when he’s already come back before? Of course, this is comics, and nobody is ever dead for long.
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