1964 CE
Green Goblin First Appearance
The Green Goblin makes his first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #14, initially as an unidentified villain. He was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko. #marvel #comics #spiderman
Chronological Storyline (38 Milestones)
1965 CE
First Use of Goblin Glider and Pumpkin Bombs
In The Amazing Spider-Man #17 (October 1964), the Green Goblin introduces his iconic glider and pumpkin bombs, establishing his signature arsenal. These weapons become central to his character. #marvel #comics #gadgets
1965 CE
Norman Osborn Revealed as Green Goblin
In The Amazing Spider-Man #37, the Green Goblin's secret identity is revealed to be Norman Osborn, wealthy industrialist and father of Peter Parker's friend Harry Osborn. This issue establishes Norman's dual life as a brilliant but ruthless businessman and a costumed criminal. #marvel #comics #villain
1966 CE
Norman Osborn Loses Goblin Memories
In The Amazing Spider-Man #40, Norman Osborn suffers from amnesia and forgets his identity as the Green Goblin due to a head injury. This plot device allows the character to be retired temporarily. #marvel #comics #amnesia
1969 CE
Green Goblin Returns with New Costume
Norman Osborn regains his memories and returns as the Green Goblin in The Amazing Spider-Man #73, donning a redesigned costume and glider. He resumes his vendetta against Spider-Man. #marvel #comics #return
1970 CE
Goblin Formula Origin Retold
In The Amazing Spider-Man #86 (July 1970), the origin of the Goblin formula is retold, showing Norman Osborn's accidental creation of the serum that gives him superhuman strength and insanity. #marvel #comics #origin
Jun 1, 1973 CE
Death of Gwen Stacy
In The Amazing Spider-Man #121, the Green Goblin kidnaps and murders Peter Parker's girlfriend Gwen Stacy by throwing her off a bridge. The controversial storyline, written by Gerry Conway, is considered one of the most important moments in comic book history. #marvel #comics #gwenstacy
Jul 1, 1973 CE
Green Goblin Apparent Death
In The Amazing Spider-Man #122, Spider-Man battles the Green Goblin in the aftermath of Gwen Stacy's death. The Goblin's own glider impales him, seemingly killing him. This marks the end of Norman Osborn's first major run as villain. #marvel #comics #death
Nov 1, 1995 CE
Norman Osborn Returns in 'Revenge of the Green Goblin'
The one-shot special 'Revenge of the Green Goblin' reveals that Norman Osborn had been in hiding for two decades, secretly manipulating events. He kidnaps Harry Osborn and forces him to become the Green Goblin again, setting the stage for Norman's full-fledged return. #marvel #comics #clonesaga
Apr 1, 1996 CE
Norman Osborn Resurfaces in Amazing Spider-Man
In The Amazing Spider-Man #412, Norman Osborn appears alive, having survived his apparent death. He reveals he is the mastermind behind the Clone Saga, manipulating Peter Parker's life. This issue re-establishes Norman as a major threat. #marvel #comics #spiderman
May 1, 1996 CE
Green Goblin Ongoing Series Begins
A self-titled ongoing series 'Green Goblin' launches, exploring Norman Osborn's new role as a criminal mastermind. The series runs for 13 issues, detailing his schemes and his strained relationship with his son Harry. #marvel #comics #series
Sep 1, 1998 CE
Gathering of Five Storyline
Norman Osborn participates in the 'Gathering of Five' storyline in The Amazing Spider-Man #425-428, seeking mystical power. The events lead to the death of his son Harry Osborn and further cement Norman's villainy. #marvel #comics #mystic
Mar 1, 1999 CE
Norman Osborn Controls the White House
In the 'Final Chapter' storyline, Norman Osborn orchestrates a plot to take over the United States government, but is thwarted by Spider-Man. He is captured and imprisoned, ending his 1990s scheme. #marvel #comics #spiderman
Nov 1, 2000 CE
Norman Osborn Imprisoned in Ravencroft
After his capture, Norman Osborn is declared insane and sent to the Ravencroft Institute for the Criminally Insane. He is also revealed to have been enhanced by the Goblin formula, granting superhuman strength. #marvel #comics #asylum
May 1, 2002 CE
Spider-Man Film Debuts Norman Osborn
The film 'Spider-Man' (2002) introduces Norman Osborn (played by Willem Dafoe) as the Green Goblin, adapting the character for a wider audience. The movie includes elements of his comic origin and the death of Gwen Stacy (though Mary Jane is substituted). #marvel #movies #spiderman )
Apr 1, 2005 CE
Norman Osborn Joins the Thunderbolts
In 'New Avengers' #11, Norman Osborn is recruited by S.H.I.E.L.D. to lead a new team of Thunderbolts, a government-sanctioned super-team of reformed villains. This marks his transition from pure villain to anti-hero and government operative. #marvel #comics #thunderbolts )
Nov 1, 2008 CE
Secret Invasion: Norman Kills Skrull Queen
During the 'Secret Invasion' storyline, Norman Osborn leads the Thunderbolts and personally kills the Skrull Queen Veranke, becoming a national hero. This event propels him into a position of immense power and public trust. #marvel #comics #secretinvasion
Dec 1, 2008 CE
Dark Reign Begins: Norman Osborn Takes Over HAMMER
Following his victory in Secret Invasion, Norman Osborn is appointed director of the newly formed peacekeeping force HAMMER, replacing S.H.I.E.L.D. He establishes his authority with the 'Dark Reign' storyline, becoming one of the most powerful men on Earth. #marvel #comics #darkreign
Jan 1, 2009 CE
Norman Osborn Becomes Iron Patriot
Norman Osborn assumes the identity of the Iron Patriot, a red, white, and blue armored suit, and forms his own Dark Avengers team, with himself as the Iron Patriot. He presents himself as a hero to the public while secretly advancing his agenda. #marvel #comics #ironpatriot
Jan 1, 2009 CE
Dark Avengers Series Launches
The 'Dark Avengers' #1 debuts, featuring Norman Osborn's team of villains disguised as heroes, including Bullseye as Hawkeye and Moonstone as Captain Marvel. The series explores Osborn's manipulation of public perception and his clashes with real heroes. #marvel #comics #darkavengers
Mar 1, 2009 CE
Siege: Norman Osborn's Downfall Begins
In the event 'Siege', Norman Osborn overreaches by attacking Asgard, leading to a massive battle. The Sentry, a former ally, kills him, but Osborn survives through a backup of his mind. The Dark Reign ends. #marvel #comics #siege )
May 1, 2010 CE
Norman Osborn Imprisoned After Siege
Norman Osborn is captured and imprisoned in a specialized facility known as the Raft. His injuries are severe, and his power base is dismantled. However, he remains a dangerous schemer from prison. #marvel #comics #imprisoned
Mar 1, 2011 CE
Norman Osborn Goes on Trial
In 'New Avengers Annual' #1, Norman Osborn is put on trial for his crimes. He is found guilty but later escapes custody with the help of the Goblin formula, once again becoming a fugitive. #marvel #comics #trial
Aug 1, 2012 CE
Norman Osborn Becomes Goblin King
In 'The Superior Spider-Man' storyline, Norman Osborn reemerges as the 'Goblin King' after Doc Ock takes over Peter Parker's body. He leads an underground army of goblins and threatens New York. #marvel #comics #goblinking
Sep 1, 2013 CE
Goblin Nation Arc Begins
In 'Superior Spider-Man' #29-31, the 'Goblin Nation' storyline climaxes with a massive battle between the Goblin King's forces and the Superior Spider-Man. Norman is defeated and left for dead, but not permanently. #marvel #comics #goblinnation
May 1, 2014 CE
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Features Green Goblin
In the film 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' (2014), Norman Osborn (played by Chris Cooper) is dying and passes the Goblin mantle to his son Harry. Despite limited screen time, the character remains a key influence. #marvel #movies #goblin
Nov 1, 2014 CE
Norman Osborn Undergoes Redemption Attempt
In 'Amazing Spider-Man' #1 (2015 relaunch), Norman Osborn is depowered and attempts to redeem himself, but his evil nature eventually resurfaces. He becomes a strategic advisor to Peter Parker, but the Goblin personality remains. #marvel #comics #redemption
Oct 1, 2016 CE
Clone Conspiracy Involvement
Norman Osborn plays a role in the 'Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy' storyline, helping Spider-Man oppose the Jackal's plan. He later manipulates events to his advantage. #marvel #comics #cloneconspiracy
May 1, 2017 CE
Secret Empire: Norman Allies with Hydra
During the 'Secret Empire' event, Norman Osborn aligns with the Hydra-controlled Captain America, seeing an opportunity to regain power. He provides resources but ultimately betrays Hydra. #marvel #comics #secretempire )
Jun 1, 2018 CE
Norman Osborn Becomes Red Goblin
In 'Amazing Spider-Man' #800, Norman Osborn bonds with the Carnage symbiote, becoming the fearsome Red Goblin. He gains immense power and nearly kills Spider-Man, but is ultimately defeated when the symbiote is removed. #marvel #comics #redgoblin
Sep 1, 2018 CE
Norman Osborn Incarcerated After Red Goblin Defeat
Following the Red Goblin incident, Norman Osborn is severely wounded and arrested. He is imprisoned again, but his knowledge of Goblin technology and psychological manipulation remains a threat. #marvel #comics #imprisoned
Aug 1, 2019 CE
Absolute Carnage: Norman's Involvement
During the 'Absolute Carnage' event, Norman Osborn is targeted by the symbiote god Knull and briefly obtains a symbiote again, but escapes. He teams up with Spider-Man and Venom to survive. #marvel #comics #absolutecarnage
Mar 1, 2020 CE
The Osborn Identity Revealed
In 'The Amazing Spider-Man' #40-43 (2020), the 'Osborn Identity' storyline delves into Norman's past, revealing his abusive childhood and the creation of the Goblin formula. It humanizes him while showing his inherent evil. #marvel #comics #origin
Aug 1, 2021 CE
Sinister War: Norman as Ally
In the 'Sinister War' event, Norman Osborn is temporarily an ally to Spider-Man against a super-sinister syndicate. He uses his intellect and resources but betrays Peter at a critical moment. #marvel #comics #sinisterwar
Dec 1, 2021 CE
Norman Osborn Returns in MCU's No Way Home
In 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' (2021), Willem Dafoe reprises his role as Norman Osborn from the Sam Raimi trilogy, this time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe multiverse. The film explores his internal struggle between the Goblin and Norman personalities. #marvel #movies #mcu
Oct 1, 2022 CE
Norman Osborn's Son Harry Dies Again
In 'Amazing Spider-Man' #900 (2022), Norman loses his son Harry in a battle against the Spider-Men, leading to a temporary truce. Norman is seen grieving, but his cunning nature prevails. #marvel #comics #harryosborn
May 1, 2023 CE
Norman Osborn Returns as Green Goblin
After a period of healing, Norman Osborn dons the Green Goblin identity again in 'Amazing Spider-Man' #6 (2023), seeking revenge on Spider-Man for his son's death. He unleashes a new wave of terror. #marvel #comics #spiderman
2024 CE
Gang War Storyline Participation
During the 'Gang War' event, Norman Osborn briefly allies with the city's crime lords but is ultimately betrayed. He survives the conflict and remains a shadowy figure in the underworld. #marvel #comics #gangwar