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Green Goblin

What is green goblin?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Type Alias of several supervillains[1]
Publisher Marvel Comics[1]
Best-known incarnation Norman Osborn[1]
First appearance The Amazing Spider-Man #14[1]
First appearance date July 1964[1]
Creators Stan Lee; Steve Ditko[1]

The Green Goblin is a Marvel Comics supervillain alias used by several characters, most famously Norman Osborn, who first appeared in *The Amazing Spider-Man* #14 in July 1964. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the character has been central to Spider-Man's rogues' gallery, with Harry Osborn later taking up the mantle. The Green Goblin has also appeared in numerous films, television series, and video games.

Context

The Green Goblin is a Marvel Comics supervillain alias used by several characters, with Norman Osborn as the most famous version. The character debuted in *The Amazing Spider-Man* #14 in July 1964, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko [1]. Several characters have taken on the Green Goblin identity, but Norman Osborn remains the first and best-known incarnation [1]. The character originated in American comic books published by Marvel Comics [1]. Steve Ditko noted that Stan Lee’s original synopsis featured an ancient mythological demon, but Ditko changed it into a human villain [1]. Harry Osborn, Norman's son, later became the second Green Goblin, continuing the legacy [1]. The Green Goblin has been a central antagonist in Spider-Man's storylines, including the famous 'The Night Gwen Stacy Died' arc, and has appeared in various media such as films, animated series, and video games [1].

Documented claims

  • Several characters use the Green Goblin identity. [1]
  • Norman Osborn is the first and best-known incarnation. [1]
  • The character originated in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. [1]
  • Steve Ditko said Stan Lee’s original synopsis had an ancient mythological demon, and Ditko changed it into a human villain. [1]
  • Harry Osborn later became the second Green Goblin. [1]

Questions and answers

What is the story behind the Green Goblin?

The Green Goblin is a supervillain alias in Marvel Comics, first used by Norman Osborn in *The Amazing Spider-Man* #14 (July 1964), created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko [1].

Is Green Goblin Harry or Norman?

Norman Osborn is the first and best-known Green Goblin, but several characters have used the alias, including Harry Osborn as the second Green Goblin [1].

Is Green Goblin a villain or hero?

The Green Goblin is a supervillain alias in Marvel Comics [1].

Sources

  1. Supervillain Origins: The Green Goblin — watchmojo.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Entertainment