There couldn’t be a better time for a back-to-basics Spider-Man story set within canon like Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin. Crafted by Spider-Man writing legend J. M. DeMatteis, the first issue did wonders to show a younger and more green Peter Parker who is trying his best while still reeling from the loss of Uncle Ben. In the second issue, Spidey must face Sandman for the second time while the Proto-Goblin grows in strength and scariness.
Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin #2 opens in a small bar in New York. A downtrodden man is talking to a bartender who could barely care about his woes, only to discover he’s Sandman and he’s got a bit of a temper. The danger level ramps things up as the story then goes into the twisted mind of Norman Osborn via captions, whose wife is at the center of the Proto-Goblin’s attacks. DeMatteis reminds us this threat is largely born from the twisted manipulations of the Osborn family.
Two plots are moving in unison, both of which help build out the story. One involves Sandman and an unconventional turn of events between him and Spider-Man, while the Proto-Goblin seeks revenge. At the core of each is the idea of not knowing your strength. Spider-Man, for instance, is afraid of punching someone too hard and killing somebody, while Proto-Goblin grows stronger and more monstrous, yet there is a victim behind the monster’s face.
One of the most intriguing scenes involves a heart-to-heart between Sandman and Spider-Man. They discuss their inability to ever be normal now that they have powers. It’s interesting to see Peter connect with an obvious villain—he was just robbing a bank—and show a bit of humanity in the process. DeMatteis is capturing an interesting time for the hero worth delving into. It’s compelling to think this fits nicely at a very specific time Stan Lee and Steve Ditko were building the character.
Note the neckless.
Credit: Marvel
When it comes to Proto-Goblin, it’s easy to see they’re monsters, but also how they’re deeply human. A key scene shows them looking at their family from afar, and yet can’t approach them without scaring them. Knowing how evil the Osborn family is, and all the terrible things they will end up doing, it’s easy to see them as the true villains.
The art by Michael Sta. Maria is dark and edgy, with great color work by Chris Sotomayor. A lot of this issue takes place in the shadows, especially the Proto-Goblin scenes. Scale is also well done in the Sandman fight scene, showing us a rather normal-looking Spider-Man – no rippling muscles here – facing a huge Sandman. Little details like the impact zone where Spider-Man punches Sandman or a tooth flying at the reader that Proto-Goblin smashed out all add a dynamic, action-packed comic.
Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin #2 continues to evolve at an interesting early time for Spider-Man. Fans of a younger Spider-Man can’t miss this essential read, especially with traditional villains like Sandman involved.
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