Green Goblin

Death of Gwen Stacy: Amazing Spider-Man #121 - #122

by John Romita, 1973

Norman is under a lot of pressure with his son recovering from drug addiction and his stock holdings losing money. He pictures his and Harry's enemies surrounding him, he suspects that Harry's friends are simply out to corrupt his son, and finally he sees Spider-Man gloating and mocking the wreckage of Norman's life and family. Inside one of his hideouts, Norman once again changes into the familiar garb of the Green Goblin and flies off vowing Peter's death.

Peter isn't at his apartment when the Green Goblin arrives, but Gwen Stacy is there. He settles for her and leaves a grim note with Gwen's handbag and one of his pumpkin bombs waiting for Peter's arrival.

Next, the Green Goblin appears in the plush offices of a Hollywood movie studio. Talking to a movie producer, he suggests a movie co-starring himself, the Enforcers, and Spider-Man. With thoughts of a 'can't miss blockbuster' in his head, the producer agrees to the Green Goblin's suggestion.

Spider-Man catches up with the Green Goblin atop the George Washington bridge (changed to the Brooklyn Bridge in future retellings). During their fight, the Green Goblin rams Gwen Stacy knocking her off the bridge. When Spider-Man snags her with a web-line the whiplash breaks her neck, killing her instantly. As the Goblin gloats nearby, Spider-Man vows revenge. Spider-Man's fury forces the Green Goblin to retreat, and he flies back into the city.

Spider-Man tracks the Green Goblin to one of Norman's warehouses where he finds the Green Goblin waiting for him. Spider-Man anticipates the ambush, and quickly gets the upper hand against the Goblin. As Spider-Man has the Goblin pin against the wall, the Goblin subtlely uses his remote controls to position his Goblin Glider behind Spider-Man. When the Goblin accelerates the Glider to impale Spider-Man, Spider-Man dodges at the last second. The glider slams into the Green Goblin's chest and pins him to the wall. The Goblin crumples as he dies (or apparently so).