Web of Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #47

Background

Weird things have been going on in New York. Inanimate objects coming to life and causing carnage. Spidey doesn't know what or who is behind it. Meanwhile, Harry has been having nightmares since he and Liz returned to the Osborn's old house. In the last issue of Spectacular (146), there was an explosion at the Osborn chemical plant and Pete saw the Hobgoblin flying off.

Story 'The Face In The Mirror'

Back at the ruins of the chemical plant, Spidey is waiting after dark to see if the Hobgoblin returns. He does and they battle, until something rises from the ashes and grabs Pete. It is another of the weird inanimate things that's been happening. Hobgoblin flies off, as surprised by it all as Spidey is.

Spidey eventually manages to break free from the creature and wonders what on earth just happened.

Meanwhile, Gloria Grant and Eduardo Lobo walk arm-in-arm through a mall. It has only been one day since they met in the lobby of the Daily Bugle but they both feel as if they have known each other forever. Eduardo declares it "destiny" while Glory admits to herself that she is "head over heels in love". The new lovebirds walk by a coffee shop. Inside, Ben Urich and Joy Mercado share a table and discuss the next move for their investigation. Ben recognizes Glory as she passes. He also recognizes her companion. But before he can relay this fact to Joy, Inferno arrives at the mall.

Suddenly, the escalator rips loose from its base. It writhes and bucks like a frantic snake. Glory and Eduardo are right at the top of the escalator when it begins. Eduardo gives "a feral snarl", grabs Gloria in his arms and leaps down to the floor below, landing unhurt on his feet. Glory is too shocked by the events to take note of her lover's abilities. Joy and Ben are also drawn into the craziness. Even these two hardened reporters realize they must put the Kingpin story aside and deal with the events happening all around them.

Out in Queens and Peter and MJ persuade May to look after MJ's cousin Kristy. Pete tells MJ he is worried about Harry and swings off to check on him. At Harry and Liz's, Harry is wide-eyed and crazed.

The Hobgoblin shows up and attacks the house looking for the Green Goblin's formula. There is a really good battle between Hobgoblin and Spidey before Harry cracks and reveals the formula is in an apartment safe in the city. He tells Spidey the same information and he goes after Hobgobin.

JJJ is looking out over a burning NYC thinking the apocalypse is upon them, while on the final page Harry digs out a Green Goblin uniform…

General Comments

Oh yes! Conway is back and the change in direction is immediate and effective. Hobgoblin isn't some joke as he was portrayed as in Web of Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #38.

This is serious business. There's plenty of mystery, borne out through the other titles about what's going on in the city. We have a strong, threatening Hobgoblin and, even better, the return of Harry as the Green Goblin.

The battle between Spidey and Hobby at Harry's is impressive and, for the first time in a while, actually different from the usual punch-web, Spidey wins formula.

The continuity through the three titles is good too. The story continues but you can also pick up each book individually and still know what's going on – a really difficult writing skill to master.

There's lots of nice little things that really make the difference – the green panels for the last page the biggest case-in-point.

Overall Rating

Excellent stuff and proof of what a difference a writer can really make. Conway may not be forgiven in many quarters for killing off Gwen but he sure as hell can tell a story.

Footnote

Details by Kerry & Al. Summary and Rating by Kerry.