Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #176

 Posted: 2004
 Staff: Jeanne Burch

Story 'He Who Laughs Last...!'

  Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #176
Summary: First Green Goblin III (Bart Hamilton)
Arc: Part 1 of 'The Green Goblin Returns!' (1-2-3-4-5)
Editor: Len Wein
Writer: Len Wein
Pencils: Ross Andru
Inker: Tony DeZuniga
Cover Art: Ross Andru

During a demonstration at city hall protesting the treatment of the elderly, Peter's Aunt May collapses. Although it is a mild attack, the doctors caution Peter that May's condition is "delicate." After she falls asleep, Peter goes to visit another sick person; his friend Harry Osborn, currently undergo psychiatric treatment to cure his "delusion" of being the Green Goblin. Only Peter knows the whole truth: the original Green Goblin, Harry's father Norman Osborn, was accidentally killed during a fight with Peter's alter ego, Spider-Man. Harry tried to take over his father's costumed identity, but failed on his first outing as the Green Goblin and landed in a mental facility instead. Arriving at the office of Dr. Bart Hamilton, Harry's psychiatrist, Peter finds the place destroyed. The police suspect that a patient has done harm to the doctor. "And from the way my spider-sense is tingling -- I'm afraid I know which patient it was!" thinks Peter.

At the apartment he shares with Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson is confronted by someone wearing the green and purple colors of the Green Goblin. "Harry Osborn has been removed from the picture, Thompson--and if you're not careful, you'll soon follow him!" Thompson is not impressed at first, but a sparkle-blast from the Goblin's glove knocks him out. The Goblin is about to leave when Spider-Man arrives. "You need professional help, Harry -- and I'm going to see that you get it!! ... You're not flying anywhere--except back to the nearest psychiatrist's couch!"

"Blast you, insect--stop reminding me of that." The Goblin grabs Flash. "If you're so concerned about saving your friends, my dear web-slinger -- try saving Flash Thompson!!!" And he throws Flash out the window.

 Posted: 2004
 Staff: Jeanne Burch