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Spider-Man: Hobgoblin Lives #1-3
Spider-Man: Hobgoblin Lives
Collects Spider-Man: Hobgoblin Lives #1-3 and Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #259-261.
For years, the mystery of the Hobgoblin's identity plagued not only Spider-Man and his friends, but also fans! Now, all is revealed - and the answers will shock you! As the Hobgoblin stands exposed at last, the threats of Norman Osborn and an all-new Green Goblin wait in the wings! Featuring all your favorite Spidey characters, from Mary Jane to Betty Brant to Robbie Robertson!
For years, the mystery of the Hobgoblin's identity plagued not only Spider-Man and his friends, but also fans! Now, all is revealed - and the answers will shock you! As the Hobgoblin stands exposed at last, the threats of Norman Osborn and an all-new Green Goblin wait in the wings! Featuring all your favorite Spidey characters, from Mary Jane to Betty Brant to Robbie Robertson!
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2011
6 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Roger Stern
1,551 books111 followersRoger Stern is an American comic book author and novelist.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 22, 2016
Roger Stern created the Hobgoblin in the early 80's as a mysterious and powerful successor to the Green Goblin. He kept the Hobgoblin's true identity a secret for years, not even revealing it to other members of Marvel's staff. When Stern left Marvel, he took his ideas with him, and other writers took over the Hobgoblin, giving us an anti-climactic ending to the character's arc. Peter Parker's friend and fellow Daily Bugle reporter Ned Leeds was revealed to be the Hobgoblin, and was summarily dispatched by a group of assassins sent by another recurring Spider villain, the Foreigner.
Years later, Stern returned to the character, writing a mini-series called Hobgoblin Lives, which is the first half of this book. Stern's new story addresses a rather significant plot hole: Hobgoblin had superhuman strength and was a match for Spider-Man in hand-to-hand fighting, so how were 4 run-of-the-mill henchmen able to get the drop on him and murder him? The real life answer was editorial sloppiness, but Stern provides the logical in-universe answer: that Ned Leeds was a dupe, brainwashed by the real Hobgoblin, Roderick Kingsley. I'm not usually huge fan of this type of story, revealing years later, "This is what REALLY happened," but in this case it makes for a better and more logical story. It makes one of my favorite villains much more sinister and manipulative--- not a pathetic loser who gets bumped off in a hotel room. We also get to see the first Hobgoblin take his revenge on the second Hobgoblin, who was sort of a pretender to the throne, and had not been written as a very effective villain.
The second half of the book collects a storyline from Spectacular Spider-Man where Norman Osborn (not really dead after all these years) faces off against Hobgoblin for the first time. It's a pretty good story, considering how similar the Kingsley and Osborn characters are. Turns out there's only room for one psychotic unethical business man who dresses like a Halloween goblin in the Spider-Man universe...
Years later, Stern returned to the character, writing a mini-series called Hobgoblin Lives, which is the first half of this book. Stern's new story addresses a rather significant plot hole: Hobgoblin had superhuman strength and was a match for Spider-Man in hand-to-hand fighting, so how were 4 run-of-the-mill henchmen able to get the drop on him and murder him? The real life answer was editorial sloppiness, but Stern provides the logical in-universe answer: that Ned Leeds was a dupe, brainwashed by the real Hobgoblin, Roderick Kingsley. I'm not usually huge fan of this type of story, revealing years later, "This is what REALLY happened," but in this case it makes for a better and more logical story. It makes one of my favorite villains much more sinister and manipulative--- not a pathetic loser who gets bumped off in a hotel room. We also get to see the first Hobgoblin take his revenge on the second Hobgoblin, who was sort of a pretender to the throne, and had not been written as a very effective villain.
The second half of the book collects a storyline from Spectacular Spider-Man where Norman Osborn (not really dead after all these years) faces off against Hobgoblin for the first time. It's a pretty good story, considering how similar the Kingsley and Osborn characters are. Turns out there's only room for one psychotic unethical business man who dresses like a Halloween goblin in the Spider-Man universe...
December 8, 2020
Having read the second story "Goblins at the Gate" collected in this graphic novel, over 20 years ago, it for me is not just as a result of nostalgia but is in my opinion a definitive Spider-Man tale. The story and art are great. It's much more wordy I found than most comics nowadays which is not a pro or a con, it's just very well written and a fully realised story. The art is so energetic and gorgeous to look at. I know a lot of people take issue with this story as a whole but for me, maybe because of the time I grew up in, I just loved it and thought it worked. This is a story I can definitely keep coming back to as I just enjoy the hell out of it, from start to finish.
November 10, 2023
Roger Stern had created the Hobgoblin as a sort of throwback to the original Green Goblin, with the identity being such a tightly guarded secret that he wouldn't even divulge it to then-editor Tom DeFalco or even his own wife. This information and more is all detailed in the Afterword in this book. I witnessed the Hobgoblin saga unfold in front of my impressionable eyes beginning in 1983, with the climax, issue 289, being released in the Direct Market on Valentines Day, 1987. Four years later and it turned out it was Ned Leeds?!? But I was so sure that it was Lance Bannon...
Well, it turns out that Ned Leeds was Tom DeFalco's choice. Roger Stern's choice was...ah, but that would be telling. And so it was that this three issue prestige format mini-series came to be. Stern had been given the chance to set the Hobgoblin saga right, albeit a decade later. This time out Stern had to deal with a number of recent developments, such as Norman Osborn (the original Green Goblin)'s unlikely return from the grave, the marriage of Peter Parker to Mary Jane Watson, and the then-dead Aunt May. It was a treat to see Roger Stern, half of the Stern/Romita, Jr. team on the book, team up with Ron Frenz, half of the DeFalco/Frenz team who followed them on the title in the '80s. It's like Paul Simon teaming up with Paul McCartney or something.
In true Roger Stern fashion, he goes about naming all of his suspects and then lets readers follow the trail of breadcrumbs without ever feeling like they're being spoon fed the answer. Again, I won't tell you who the Hobgoblin is. Ideally, I'd like you to buy the forthcoming Spider-Man By Roger Stern Omnibus Vol. 1 upon it's release in 2014, devour it, track down the back issues for Amazing Spider-Man #252-289, Annuals 18-20, Spider-Man Vs. Wolverine #1, and then buy and read this book. Not much for a homework assignment, is it? I promise that it will all be well worth it to read the Hobgoblin saga in its entirety. Don't do it for me, do it for yourself. You can thank me later or buy me a drink sometime.
The Spectacular Spider-Man issues were new to me. Stern only co-plotted them, but they are still really good reads. Luke Ross' artwork was wretched in the Clone Saga trades, but here his style has rapidly evolved just a couple of years later. He is a much better artist still today, but his artwork has a more cartoony, fluid movement to it here which I quite liked. I dug seeing the Hobgoblin go toe to toe with the original Green Goblin, Norman Osborn...as well as this other guy who was dressed as the Green Goblin. His identity is not revealed here.
The only drawback to these Spectacular Spider-Man issues is the then-new computer coloring, where colorists went crazy with their new toys. Spider-man is colored forty shades of pink and light red, never a solid red, and it's annoying. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20 and all that jazz, right?
This was a blast to read, and it should be noted that the material in this book is not included in the Spider-Man By Roger Stern Omnibus Vol. 1.
Well, it turns out that Ned Leeds was Tom DeFalco's choice. Roger Stern's choice was...ah, but that would be telling. And so it was that this three issue prestige format mini-series came to be. Stern had been given the chance to set the Hobgoblin saga right, albeit a decade later. This time out Stern had to deal with a number of recent developments, such as Norman Osborn (the original Green Goblin)'s unlikely return from the grave, the marriage of Peter Parker to Mary Jane Watson, and the then-dead Aunt May. It was a treat to see Roger Stern, half of the Stern/Romita, Jr. team on the book, team up with Ron Frenz, half of the DeFalco/Frenz team who followed them on the title in the '80s. It's like Paul Simon teaming up with Paul McCartney or something.
In true Roger Stern fashion, he goes about naming all of his suspects and then lets readers follow the trail of breadcrumbs without ever feeling like they're being spoon fed the answer. Again, I won't tell you who the Hobgoblin is. Ideally, I'd like you to buy the forthcoming Spider-Man By Roger Stern Omnibus Vol. 1 upon it's release in 2014, devour it, track down the back issues for Amazing Spider-Man #252-289, Annuals 18-20, Spider-Man Vs. Wolverine #1, and then buy and read this book. Not much for a homework assignment, is it? I promise that it will all be well worth it to read the Hobgoblin saga in its entirety. Don't do it for me, do it for yourself. You can thank me later or buy me a drink sometime.
The Spectacular Spider-Man issues were new to me. Stern only co-plotted them, but they are still really good reads. Luke Ross' artwork was wretched in the Clone Saga trades, but here his style has rapidly evolved just a couple of years later. He is a much better artist still today, but his artwork has a more cartoony, fluid movement to it here which I quite liked. I dug seeing the Hobgoblin go toe to toe with the original Green Goblin, Norman Osborn...as well as this other guy who was dressed as the Green Goblin. His identity is not revealed here.
The only drawback to these Spectacular Spider-Man issues is the then-new computer coloring, where colorists went crazy with their new toys. Spider-man is colored forty shades of pink and light red, never a solid red, and it's annoying. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20 and all that jazz, right?
This was a blast to read, and it should be noted that the material in this book is not included in the Spider-Man By Roger Stern Omnibus Vol. 1.
January 25, 2025
Decent book that reveals the one and true identity all along of the Hobgoblin.
While I enjoyed the book, I found it fairly uneventful and by the end a tad disappointing.
It’s quite clear from doing research and reading some of this book that the truth behind the Hobgoblin was always a bit of a mess.
Most of the artwork is fairly decent, but at times the writing seemed a little too basic and child friendly.
As a big fan of the Green Goblin, it was cool to see more of Norman Osborn again since his return in the Clone Saga, and once again another appearance of a mystery Green Goblin. However, this is another example of more questions that this book does not answer (neither did Spider-Hunt). And by this point, I can’t really be bothered to be invested in it anymore.
I would have liked to see more of a battle between Norman’s Green Goblin and the Hobgoblin? But oh well.
I would only recommend this book to a hardcore Hogoblin fan or someone who wants to witness the reveal of his true identity.
While I enjoyed the book, I found it fairly uneventful and by the end a tad disappointing.
It’s quite clear from doing research and reading some of this book that the truth behind the Hobgoblin was always a bit of a mess.
Most of the artwork is fairly decent, but at times the writing seemed a little too basic and child friendly.
As a big fan of the Green Goblin, it was cool to see more of Norman Osborn again since his return in the Clone Saga, and once again another appearance of a mystery Green Goblin. However, this is another example of more questions that this book does not answer (neither did Spider-Hunt). And by this point, I can’t really be bothered to be invested in it anymore.
I would have liked to see more of a battle between Norman’s Green Goblin and the Hobgoblin? But oh well.
I would only recommend this book to a hardcore Hogoblin fan or someone who wants to witness the reveal of his true identity.
September 8, 2024
I read the first issues where the Hobgoblin appeared as they came out, and still have them, so was a fan from the very beginning. Roger Stern did a superb job, and it was well known that when he left Tom DeFalco changed the intended identity of the Hobgoblin, leaving a very unsatisfying conclusion. I mean, Ned Leeds? Nah.
Luckily, years later, Marvel allowed Stern to revisit this storyline and correct things, which he did.
This collection features that 3 part series, by Stern and Frenz, which does an excellent job dismantling and reassembling Hobgoblin history. I found it a little unsatisfying, but perhaps that’s my expectations more than anything else.
Also included is the sequel of sorts, where Hobgoblin teams up with Norman Osborn and his Green Goblin. Not as strong a story in writing or art as its predecessor, it’s still fun enough.
A solid Spider-Man collection.
Luckily, years later, Marvel allowed Stern to revisit this storyline and correct things, which he did.
This collection features that 3 part series, by Stern and Frenz, which does an excellent job dismantling and reassembling Hobgoblin history. I found it a little unsatisfying, but perhaps that’s my expectations more than anything else.
Also included is the sequel of sorts, where Hobgoblin teams up with Norman Osborn and his Green Goblin. Not as strong a story in writing or art as its predecessor, it’s still fun enough.
A solid Spider-Man collection.
August 30, 2018
This books collects the Hobgoblin Lives mini-series written by Roger Stern and Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-man #259-261 with plot by Roger Stern and written by Gleen Greenberg .
In the mini-series, Peter Parker's long-time friend Ned Leeds was revealed to be the Hobgoblin, but is he really? Spidey teams up with Mary Jane, Flash Thompson, and Betty Leads to find out the truth. This is a fine mystery plot by Stern that gives us a lot of suspects and a good reveal.
The Spectacular Spider-man story is set with Norman Osborne back from the dead and a partner in the Daily Bugle. However, the imprisoned Hobgoblin claims that some of his journals have survived in containing truths about the Green Goblin. This story brings together Norman Osborn, the Hobgoblin, and the Green Goblin and is pretty fun, although not as good as the mini-series.
In the mini-series, Peter Parker's long-time friend Ned Leeds was revealed to be the Hobgoblin, but is he really? Spidey teams up with Mary Jane, Flash Thompson, and Betty Leads to find out the truth. This is a fine mystery plot by Stern that gives us a lot of suspects and a good reveal.
The Spectacular Spider-man story is set with Norman Osborne back from the dead and a partner in the Daily Bugle. However, the imprisoned Hobgoblin claims that some of his journals have survived in containing truths about the Green Goblin. This story brings together Norman Osborn, the Hobgoblin, and the Green Goblin and is pretty fun, although not as good as the mini-series.
May 7, 2023
My good friend Steven had loaned me this trade which essentially gave writer Roger Stern a chance to go back and write the wrongs done to his villainous creation, The Hobgoblin, who he created 14 years prior to writing this.
This storyline kind of puts Spider-man in the back seat while making the whodunnit mystery of who the real Hobgoblin is on center stage. Many characters are involved and just as many red herrings are introduced, but a satisfying conclusion is delivered amidst the mayhem and all occurs when Peter and MJ were still married.
This storyline kind of puts Spider-man in the back seat while making the whodunnit mystery of who the real Hobgoblin is on center stage. Many characters are involved and just as many red herrings are introduced, but a satisfying conclusion is delivered amidst the mayhem and all occurs when Peter and MJ were still married.
March 17, 2025
Very entertaining, also in the sense that it's good to read a Spidey comic that treats the characters as adults (and Norman as the petty, midlife crisis seether he is - I say this lovingly, as a Normanstan) and lets them have normal - for comic books - personal and professional relationships. Real nice Peter banter here too, though I'll never be a big Hobgoblin fan.
March 1, 2022
Roger Stern penned an interesting mystery of the latest person to don the hobgoblin mask. Complete with endnotes! And a timeline of the Hobgoblin’s history! Even though the Comics Code Authority shackled creativity, old school Marvel is great.
January 5, 2025
FINALLY THE END AFTER 20 LONGING YEARS!
January 22, 2025
i love hobgoblin
April 5, 2023
Two stories in one: The Hobgoblin Lives! and Goblins at the Gate. The first was pretty spectacular, the second was also pretty interesting.
The Hobgoblin Lives reveals that the original Hobgoblin (Ned Leeds) was actually another fake out and the real one is still at large. Despite jumping over the actual death of Ned, this actually transitions pretty well after the Birth of the Hobgoblin epic collection (despite it already spoiling who this original Hobgoblin was) with a dream of that explosive ending. Still, this had some fun corporate espionage and a pretty swell final fight between Spidey and the goblin.
However, (much like the second story) there is a lot of "because comics" moments when it comes to plot twists. Like soap opera level twists. It works in comics because comics, but this very much leans into that trend which can take away from some of the momentum, especially if you are unfamiliar with the larger Spider-Man mythos.
The second story involves Norman Osborn (now alive) coming into conflict/team up with the Hobgoblin, which leads to some cool and convoluted action sequences. The final fight here was pretty awesome. Who knew I wanted to see the Hobgoblin fight the Green Goblin out of suit with Spider-Man caught in the middle?
So, in short a very late 90s/early 2000s Spider-Man story with all the convoluted pitfalls, but also some pretty cool moments in terms of action and accumulated character development. You also might be happy to learn Ned isn't the Hobgoblin if you didn't already Google it after watching Spider-Man Homecoming.
The Hobgoblin Lives reveals that the original Hobgoblin (Ned Leeds) was actually another fake out and the real one is still at large. Despite jumping over the actual death of Ned, this actually transitions pretty well after the Birth of the Hobgoblin epic collection (despite it already spoiling who this original Hobgoblin was) with a dream of that explosive ending. Still, this had some fun corporate espionage and a pretty swell final fight between Spidey and the goblin.
However, (much like the second story) there is a lot of "because comics" moments when it comes to plot twists. Like soap opera level twists. It works in comics because comics, but this very much leans into that trend which can take away from some of the momentum, especially if you are unfamiliar with the larger Spider-Man mythos.
The second story involves Norman Osborn (now alive) coming into conflict/team up with the Hobgoblin, which leads to some cool and convoluted action sequences. The final fight here was pretty awesome. Who knew I wanted to see the Hobgoblin fight the Green Goblin out of suit with Spider-Man caught in the middle?
So, in short a very late 90s/early 2000s Spider-Man story with all the convoluted pitfalls, but also some pretty cool moments in terms of action and accumulated character development. You also might be happy to learn Ned isn't the Hobgoblin if you didn't already Google it after watching Spider-Man Homecoming.
April 15, 2013
Hobgoblin Lives is a kick-butt graphic novel that's chockful of cliff-hanger moments, quip-punctuated action and the pathos of "classic" Spider-Man, via the resurrected villainies of the Green Goblin and Hobgoblin.
Excellent read - worth owning.
Excellent read - worth owning.
November 4, 2012
Finally! The stunning conclusion to a mystery I didn't know was happening.
It's perfectly fine, although not the book I thought I was getting.
It's perfectly fine, although not the book I thought I was getting.
March 4, 2013
I need to read the entire Clone Saga and then re-read this. I think I may appreciate it more then.
September 1, 2016
First part quite difficult to follow if you don't know all the characters involved. I enjoyed the second part, with the Green Goblin, more.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews