Spider-man Database

Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 Issue 40

Synopsis:

Submitted by: J. Jonah Reason on Dec 24, 2007

Last edited on: Dec 25, 2007

On the cover of issue #40, we see Spidey standing aggressively over the Goblin who is down on all fours. Flames surround the combatants, and the words "Spidey Saves the Day!" give the readers back some of the hope that was all but lost at the end of the last issue.

The story opens with Peter still bound to the chair in Osborn's secret lab, straining to free himself and thinking of some way to prolong his final few moments on earth. Peter drops Harry's name in hopes of rattling the elder Osborn - and it works, Norman wonders to himself how Parker knows his son. Norman then states aloud that Peter knowing Harry is just one more reason he'll have to die - to prevent Harry from finding out his father's horrible secret identity. Peter, concerned for Aunt May as always, worries about the shock she'll suffer if he's killed and exposed as having been Spider-Man!

Osborn reveals to Spidey that Harry's mother died when Harry was very young, and that he had tried to be a good father... at least in his own mind. Truthfully, we see scenes unfold that show Norman trying to buy Harry's love - but somehow always choosing his business over his son. We also see Osborn have his partner, Dr. Stromm, arrested by police so that he could assume total control of the business. This ruthless act was just the beginning....

Meanwhile, Parker, still working his way free of the ropes binding him, pesters Osborn to tell him how he actually became the Goblin. Osborn, lost in his thoughts, continues telling the story of how he had found a book of Stromm's formulas subsequent to his partner's arrest. Going over them to ascertain their profitability, Osborn created a violent green mixture that exploded in his hands! A team of doctors worked on Osborn, believing his brain had been damaged in the explosion. In truth, the mixture had given Osborn even higher levels scientific intelligence and strength.

Through his convalescence Osborn continued to be particularly nasty to his son.... though all Harry wanted in life was some attention from his father. Osborn describes to Parker how he obsessed over the idea of becoming a costumed criminal until he created the perfect face for his alter ego - the mask of the Green Goblin. A few more pieces of costume and he was ready to take on Spider-Man in hopes of creating a name for himself in the criminal underground.

 (TO BE CONTINUED)