The visionary comic writer J.M. DeMatteis is perhaps best known for his work on Spider-Man’s beloved “Kraven’s Last Hunt” event, and other work on Spectacular and Amazing Spider-Man throughout the ’80s and ’90s. Often weaving a darker, more psychologically oriented take on the Wall Crawler, DeMatteis recently lent his brilliance to a well-received “flashback” limited series, Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin. Now collected in a lovely trade paperback, Shadow of the Green Goblin is a fascinating look at Peter Parker’s early struggles, and a deeper glimpse into the monstrous “Proto-Goblin.”
Shadow of the Green Goblin collects all four issues of the titular limited series as well as 1997’s Spider-Man #-1, a flashback issue that introduced the Proto-Goblin, a villain who would not be seen again for 26 years, until Shadow of the Green Goblin #1. I love that they included the decades-old story that introduced Nels van Adder as the Proto-Goblin, as it enriches the modern take on the story and provides more insight into why DeMatteis felt that Adder’s story deserved a follow-up.
Marvel
My fellow AIPT reviewers have already spoken in length about the individual issues of Shadow of the Green Goblin, all invariably giving the series positive critiques, with David Brooke saying the first issue’s take on Spider-Man was “selfless, brave, relatable.” Peter Parker’s viewpoint continued in this manner throughout the series, perfectly encapsulated in his conversation with the Sandman, where they formed a tragic but understanding connection. DeMatteis also deftly wove in some fascinating new Spider-Man lore – yes, about Adder’s Proto-Goblin, but even more about Norman Osborn’s “wife” Emily, who faked her death years earlier to escape her marriage to the monstrous pioneer.
Of course, no great comic series becomes great without gorgeous artwork, and Michael Sta. Maria’s beautiful illustration perfectly brought Shadow of the Green Goblin to life. From the Proto-Goblin’s complex and heartbreaking emotions to stunning fight scenes, Sta. Maria’s art is evocative, exciting, and pays wonderful homage to classic Spider-Man comics. Plus, Chris Sotomayor’s coloring is brilliant, juxtaposing van Adder’s inhuman red skin against his environment beautifully.
Marvel
I truly don’t have any major complaints about the story itself. I thought it was an interesting reflection on Parker’s earlier adventures, with a more grounded and psychological lens, and that the canon DeMatteis introduced not only worked but added to the story. My main criticism is just how heavily featured the Green Goblin was on covers throughout the limited series. The covers, rendered in beautiful full-page glory in this trade paperback, featured the Green Goblin so much that I think any casual fan picking up this series may have assumed the story was about the Goblin himself. Of course, the story is about the Green Goblin, and how his shadow impacted many even without a direct confrontation, but to me, the covers still felt a bit disingenuous (I know, I know, comic covers rarely tell the full truth).
I loved reading Shadow of the Green Goblin, especially as a comics fan who has only recently begun reading through classic Spider-Man stories. J.M. DeMatteis added such depth, emotion, and nuance to a small throwaway tale in only a way a true master craftsman could, and it was a joy to sit down and experience it all in one go. I would highly recommend Shadow of the Green Goblin to anyone who is a fan of classic Peter Parker adventures, stories that successfully expand existing lore, or anyone who wants to read the tragic tale of the Green Goblin’s predecessor.
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