The Castration of Green Goblin (and Venom, too!)

In Amazing Spider-Man #39, Spider-Man's arch enemy the Green Goblin discovered Spider-Man's secret identity. It was a shocking moment in comic history. Very few (if any) villains ever figure out the hero's secret identity. Despite all the jokes and teasing, I think Batman is the only character to ever figure out Superman's dual identity. It's something that just isn't done. Why? Because it raises the danger bar. If the Green Goblin is so bent on Spider-Man's destruction, why doesn't he just go kidnap Aunt May or any of Peter's friends?

Marvel drew this moment out a bit by giving Norman Osborn amnesia, but as soon as his memory comes back, Green Goblin strikes quick and hard -- killing Peter's girlfriend. It's that kind of realistic horror that just absolutely stupifies comic readers. Heroes are supposed to save the girls. It's basically comic's golden rule.

When the Green Goblin figured out Spider-Man's secret identity, an already formidable foe became an absolute terror.

Then, two-hundred and sixty issues later, in Amazing Spider-Man #299, Venom, in his first full appearance, is revealed to also know Spider-Man's secret identity. It might still very well be the best reveal of a villain we've ever seen. Spider-Man had retired his red and blues for a sleek black and white outfit and had been swinging around in them for some time. So when Venom is first revealed, it's in the Parker apartment. He steps out of the shadows and for a panel or two, we think it might be Peter. But then he smiles.

Instantly, Venom is propelled into superstardom. Not only does he have one of the coolest backstories, not only are his powers incredible and unbelievable, but he knows who Spider-Man is. And he ain't afraid to show up and scare the living daylights out of Mary Jane.

It's also worth noting that it's in this story arc that Peter goes back to the red and blues. Mary Jane is so traumatized by Venom, she can't stand to see the black and white costume anymore. Peter burns it and goes back to his traditional duds.

So there you have it: Two fantastic villains who set themselves apart from the rest by having the knowledge of Spider-Man's dual identity. It's knowledge that makes them the two most dangerous villains in Spidey's Rogue Gallery.

And One More Day has shoved them back into the pack of villains who simply don't like Spider-Man because he's just so darn quippy (that and he gets in the way of the bank robberies). It is yet to be revealed if it was the deal with Mephisto that erased their memories, but as of issue #569 of Amazing Spider-Man, neither of them are aware of the man behind the mask.

Sure, Osborn is still the brains of the Marvel underbelly, but he is instantly and suddenly far less threatening. Sure, Venom is still a complete sociopath, but if he's not going to be gunning for those the loves of Peter's life, how is he any different than any of the other crazies Spider-Man has to put up with?

They've been watered down. Neutered. Castrated. Robbed. Violated. Inexplicably changed.

Why does Marvel want to force Spider-Man to forever exist in the first thirty-eight issues of Amazing Spider-Man?

I thought we had all grown past that.

I know I have.