World Official Goblin Appreciation Thread - Part 1

[Hobgoblin]

What do you think of the claim that the classic Green Goblin design can't be taken seriously, and the various Green Goblin redesigns we've had over the years as a result?

Its a difficult thing to pull off, I admit. i wouldnt mind minor changes to the classic costume (lose the underpants), but I think it could be done.

 

[Spider-ManHero12]

Some preliminary designs Jean Paul Leon did of the Green Goblin for the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon. Seems like we we be getting a Green Goblin that is some sort of a physical transformation at least, like in the Ultimate comics. Actually not the 1st time this has been done in the cartoons, both of the 80s Spidey cartoon's had Osborn actually change into the Green Goblin. Whether the final design will look more classic or more hulkgoblin remains to be seen.

Really like the 1st design a lot, though. Hope they went with something more like that than the 2nd.

I really like the 1st design. Not the 2nd design though.

 

[Godzilla2014]

Its a difficult thing to pull off, I admit. i wouldnt mind minor changes to the classic costume (lose the underpants), but I think it could be done.

I think that while changes would be necessary, I think a lot of people underestimate what general audiences can take seriously on screen.
For example, the color purple: It's not uncommon to hear people suggesting that the color purple be replaced altogether with black, which is just uncreative, drab, and boring, in my opinion. I think The Dark Knight proved that a villain can be not just merely taken seriously, but downright terrifying, even in purple. It's not an automatic deal-breaker.

The "bag of tricks": Not every bag worn over the shoulder is a purse. Soldiers carry Claymore mines in bandoliers worn over their shoulders, and furthermore, there aren't many alternatives for carrying the Pumpkin Bombs. Belt? We're already dealing with enough Batman comparisons, thank you very much and I doubt anyone wants a tactical vest.

Honestly, I think that the performance and screen presence is what would make or break Green Goblin's menace, more than his look. Heath Ledger managed to stay menacing even as he was dressed as a freakin' nurse, so I don't buy the argument the classic Green Goblin cannot be taken seriously.

 

[dkamphaus43]

I've always felt that the Goblin looks much more menacing and sinister when he has no pupils in his eyes and they're either completely white or yellow, which is how JR JR often draws him. Anyone else agree?

 

[Spider-ManHero12]

^^ Tbh, both are creepy and affective, IMO.

 

[Godzilla2014]

I've always felt that the Goblin looks much more menacing and sinister when he has no pupils in his eyes and they're either completely white or yellow, which is how JR JR often draws him. Anyone else agree?

I personally prefer the eyes with pupils. I associate blank eyes more with Hobgoblin or Venom than I do Green Goblin.

 

[Spider-ManHero12]

As I said, both worked great, if you ask me. Affective in their own ways.

 

[Spidey_62]

 

[Spider-ManHero12]

Love it.

 

[Godzilla2014]

Is there anyone who prefers Ultimate Green Goblin to the classic Green Goblin?
I personally don't, but I would be interested in a discussion of the merits of both.

 

[Hobgoblin]

Original>>>>>Ultimate

 

[Godzilla2014]

Original>>>>>Ultimate

Agreed 100%. I find Ultimate Green Goblin perplexing in that they established Norman Osborn as an evil mastermind, but loses that as Green Goblin. Furthermore, I never understood how Oz worked. Peter Parker receives Oz mixed with spider-DNA, which gives him spider-powers without changing his appearance significantly. Norman Osborn doses himself with Oz mixed with his own DNA and he transforms into a hulking green goblin-like monster? How the hell does that work? It would have made more sense for Norman to wear a costume and use gadgets like the classic version.

 

[Spidey_62]

A cool John Romita Sr. Green Goblin head.

 

[Godzilla2014]

A cool John Romita Sr. Green Goblin head.

I love the glowing eyes on Hobgoblin!

 

[Spider-ManHero12]

A cool John Romita Sr. Green Goblin head.

Nice! That must be a reprint of the Roger Stern story.

 

[Godzilla2014]

What's your preferred characterization of Norman Osborn/Green Goblin:
The pre-resurrection Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde-esque split personality, or the post-resurrection thoroughly evil mastermind?
Personally, I prefer the latter.

 

[Spider-ManHero12]

Both are great, IMO.

 

[Godzilla2014]

Both are great, IMO.

So no definite preference?

 

[Hobgoblin]

What's your preferred characterization of Norman Osborn/Green Goblin:
The pre-resurrection Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde-esque split personality, or the post-resurrection thoroughly evil mastermind?
Personally, I prefer the latter.

Post-resurrection, definitely. The split personality thing got old quickly. Even for a comic book I thought it was kind of corny. I love how the modern Norman Osborn just seethes with menace.

 

[Spider-ManHero12]

So no definite preference?

yeah, pretty much. They are both good in their own ways. I always felt pre-ressurection was more of a tragic/double sided coin while post-ressurection is more of a lingering evil menace. Both are great in their own way.

 

[Godzilla2014]

Post-resurrection, definitely. The split personality thing got old quickly. Even for a comic book I thought it was kind of corny. I love how the modern Norman Osborn just seethes with menace.

Agreed. I love Norman Osborn as a villain who's an evil, sadistic mastermind in and out of costume, one who only pretends to be a decent person when it suits his purposes. I would describe him as a cross between Hannibal Lecter and Patrick Bateman.

Here's what I mean:

Like Hannibal Lecter, Osborn is extremely intelligent, sophisticated, well-cultured, and articulate, but he's completely evil and cunning.

Like Patrick Bateman, he is extremely jealous and protective of his status, will resort to violence against anyone he sees as a threat, and emotionally detached.

 

[Hobgoblin]

In a way, I see Norman as having a few things in common with Bruce Wayne. I think both Bruce and Norman use their civilian identities as masks for their costumed activities. While Norman may seem like a mere industrialist and Bruce seems like a flaky playboy billionaire, both are constantly scheming and plotting their next move. Both of them use people for their own purposes. Really, the law is the major difference between them.

Sometimes I think if Bruce ever went over the edge he would become Osborn.

 

[Spider-ManHero12]

Well said, Godzilla.

 

[Godzilla2014]

yeah, pretty much. They are both good in their own ways. I always felt pre-ressurection was more of a tragic/double sided coin while post-ressurection is more of a lingering evil menace. Both are great in their own way.

Good point.

In a way, I see Norman as having a few things in common with Bruce Wayne. I think both Bruce and Norman use their civilian identities as masks for their costumed activities. While Norman may seem like a mere industrialist and Bruce seems like a flaky playboy billionaire, both are constantly scheming and plotting their next move. Both of them use people for their own purposes. Really, the law is the major difference between them.

Sometimes I think if Bruce ever went over the edge he would become Osborn.

I agree. Do you think my analysis was accurate?

Well said, Godzilla.

Thank you!

 

[Hobgoblin]

I agree. Do you think my analysis was accurate?

Absolutely. Both Norman and Peter use their alter egos as a means of emotional release. Peter gets to be the funny quipster as Spider-Man, and Norman gets to indulge his darker nature as the Green Goblin.