The Hobgoblin returns to torment Spider-Man's world in the upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man #11, but the face behind the grinning ghoul mask remains a mystery for now.
A preview for The Amazing Spider-Man #11 reveals that the Hobgoblin's return occurs just as a cash-strapped Peter takes a new job at Oscorp. Previously, Peter was approached by Norman Osborne about a job offer in The Amazing Spider-Man #2. Norman hinted that Peter had nothing to lose by accepting, especially since he already sought Norman's help during a mysterious incident that has yet to be investigated in the series.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #11
- ZEB WELLS (W) • JOHN ROMITA JR. (A/C)
- Variant Cover by CARLOS GÓMEZ
- Miracleman Variant Cover by PATRICK GLEASON
- THE RETURN OF THE HOBGOBLIN!
- • The timing of this goblin’s return with Peter working at Oscorp MUST be a coincidence, right?
- • But who is donning the yellow cowl? Roderick Kingsley? Ned Leeds? Flash Thompson? If you know anything about Hobgoblin, you know that you know nothing about Hobgoblin.
- 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
One of the covers for the issue also shows the Hobgoblin mask held by a red arm wearing a black and gold gauntlet. This is the garb of Queen Goblin, who appeared in Issue #88 of the previous volume of Amazing Spider-Man as one of the new characters of the recent "Beyond" arc, which saw Ben Reilly temporarily filling in for a hospitalized Peter Parker. Created by the nefarious Beyond Corporation, Queen Goblin is a clone of Dr. Ashley Kafka with mental programming influenced by the sins of Norman Osborn from his days as the Green Goblin. Her connection with the Hobgoblin remains to be seen, but The Amazing Spider-Man #11 may feature a dangerous showdown between the inheritor of the Goblin legacy and one of its most notorious villains.
The Hobgoblin debuted in his iconic yellow and blue costume in the pages of 1983's The Amazing Spider-Man #238, and the mystery of his true identity became a major part of his appeal. A number of key players in Spider-Man's world have worn the Hobgoblin mask. The two most notable characters to masquerade as the villain are Ned Lees -- a fellow Daily Bugle reporter alongside Peter Parker -- and Roderick Kingsley, a fashion designer who found the Green Goblin's equipment, created the Hobgoblin persona and brainwashed Ned into acting as a patsy for him.
The Amazing Spider-Man #11 is written by Zeb Wells, pencilled by John Romita Jr. and features covers by Romita and Carlos Gomez. A special variant Miracleman cover by Patrick Gleason is also available. The issue goes on sale in October.
Source: Marvel