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WARNING! Spoilers for Ultimate Spider-Man #14Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy has become a classic among fans of the character, as many people grew up with the films and continue to adore them to this day. Believe it or not, though, one aspect from those movies has made a recent comeback in Marvel Comics’ new Ultimate Universe. James Franco’s New Goblin is back in action, albeit not in the way some might think, as the Spider-Man movies get a surprising revival.
In Spider-Man 3, Harry Osborn faces a huge transformation as his villain arc culminates in him suiting up as the New Goblin, following in his father’s dark footsteps. Unlike the Green Goblin, however, he doesn’t use his same goofy goblin-inspired gear. Instead, he equips his own high-tech equipment, such as his new-and-improved glider.
Now, Ultimate Spider-Man by Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto has introduced its own version of the Green Goblin that builds upon the movie’s idea. Harry Osborn once again inherits the mantle, and like James Franco’s portrayal of the character, he puts his own unique spin on the Goblin identity.
The Ultimate Universe’s Green Goblin Is a Perfect Spider-Man 3 Callback
In Marvel Comics, Harry Osborn Becomes the Raimi Trilogy’s New Goblin
The Ultimate Universe is an altered version of Marvel’s comic continuity where the Maker has attempted to eradicate superheroes altogether. In Spider-Man’s case, for instance, he made it so that a radioactive spider never bit Peter Parker and thus prevented him from receiving his iconic powers. However, Iron Lad rectifies this by giving Peter powers himself, and it isn’t long before Spider-Man crosses paths with another vigilante while he’s learning the ropes: the Green Goblin. This Goblin turns out to be Harry Osborn, and his design resembles Spider-Man 3‘s New Goblin more than Norman Osborn’s classic version of the villain.
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Marvel’s Ultimate Universe Proves Green Goblin Should Have Been Iron Man’s Nemesis, Not Spidey’s
Harry Osborn’s Green Goblin suit in the Ultimate Universe is made from reclaimed Iron Man tech – just like a number of Iron Man’s own villains.
Unlike the usual Goblin, this version wears a more high-tech costume and trades the sillier mask for an armored one, much like James Franco’s New Goblin. His more tech-based approach, as opposed to Norman’s more blatantly goblin-like appearance, makes him come off as a successor to the New Goblin in a way that many other Harry Osborn variants fail to. One of the other notable comparisons that can be made between these Goblins is in their personalities, as they both aren’t as outright villainous as Norman and instead can be considered Spider-Man allies to a degree.
Ultimate Green Goblin’s Story Mirrors the Raimi Trilogy’s New Goblin
Both Harry Osborns Are Similar, Though There Are Key Differences
The clearest similarity between Ultimate Green Goblin and Spider-Man 3‘s New Goblin is seen in their respective roles within Peter Parker’s life. The Ultimate Universe’s Harry meets Peter later in life rather than being an old friend, but they become very close once they join forces as vigilantes, with Harry becoming Peter’s confidant and sidekick. Likewise, the Raimi trilogy positions Harry as Peter’s best friend, even though they drift apart later on in the wake of Norman’s death. That aspect, too, ties these Harry Osborn variants to one another. Both Harry Osborns fail to earn their father’s full approval, which affects them after his passing.
Though they aren’t identical, the Ultimate Universe’s “New Goblin” is the closest adaptation yet of the film’s variant.
Despite these similarities, of course, there are plenty of differences that divide these contrasting depictions of Spider-Man’s best friend. The New Goblin in Spider-Man 3 originates from Harry’s desire for revenge against Spider-Man for presumably killing his father, whereas the Ultimate Green Goblin is born from Harry’s own sense of justice and fights Spider-Man without a personal vendetta. Still, neither Goblin remains a villain for long, with the film’s New Goblin undergoing a redemption arc while the comics’ simply reaches common ground with Spider-Man. As such, though they aren’t identical, the Ultimate Universe’s “New Goblin” is the closest adaptation yet of the film’s variant.
Both Green Goblin Variants Have Died, With Major Consequences for Spider-Man
Spider-Man Loses Harry Osborn in the Raimi Trilogy and the Ultimate Universe
Beyond the similarities in both versions of Harry’s backstory and friendship with Peter, there’s another aspect of their stories that bonds these takes on the character to one another. Towards the end of the Spider-Man 3 film, Harry undergoes a change of heart and decides to assist Spider-Man in the fight against Venom and Sandman. However, this decision later leads to him sacrificing his life in order to save Peter, dying in the process. Harry’s death leaves an indelible mark on Spider-Man moving forward, as he grapples with the loss of his best friend despite their recent series of ups and downs.
Ultimate Spider-Man #14 by Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto is available now from Marvel Comics!
Likewise, in Ultimate Spider-Man #14, Harry Osborn faces a similar fate to his Raimi trilogy counterpart. He and Peter get kidnapped by Kraven the Hunter of the revamped Sinister Six, and the two of them are forced to partake in a deadly hunt. They are dropped into the Savage Land and must run for their lives as Kraven chases them down to kill them. In the end, Spider-Man manages to put up a fight against Kraven, only to show mercy and spare him. This choice backfires, though, as Kraven murders Harry in front of Peter. In both universes, Spider-Man loses his closest friend as the Green Goblin dies.
Ultimate Spider-Man Is Reviving Many Elements from Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man Movies
Ultimate Sandman Recently Debuted, Bringing Back a Fan-Favorite Foe
Harry Osborn’s take on the Green Goblin isn’t the only aspect from Sam Raimi’s beloved Spider-Man films that has made an unexpected comeback in the Ultimate Universe’s revamped continuity. In Ultimate Spider-Man #15, Spider-Man and his son face off against Sandman, whose characterization draws from his Raimi trilogy counterpart as he ends up being a more sympathetic figure than the heroes had anticipated. While the Ultimate Universe isn’t exactly a play-by-play remake of these movies, there are clear inspirations that can be traced back to them. Thus, Spider-Man‘s inventive new series has given longtime fans the much-needed closure they’ve been waiting for.
Ultimate Spider-Man #1-15are available now from Marvel Comics!
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