In a groundbreaking development in Marvel Comics, the Green Goblin, a pivotal adversary to Spider-Man, has gained access to the formidable power of the Infinity Stones. This unprecedented event places the fate of Earth-616 squarely in the hands of Norman Osborn, one of the most cunning and relentless villains in the Marvel universe. The challenges posed by Phil Coulson’s Infinity Watch, with all its divine attributes, are no match for the overwhelming capabilities that Osborn now commands.
In the latest issue of The Infinity Watch #3, crafted by Derek Landy and Enid Balám, we encounter the morally ambiguous hero Star, who currently possesses the Reality Stone. In a desperate bid to thwart the violent ambitions of Zavala—a multidimensional wielder of an Infinity Stone intent on jeopardizing Earth-616 for what he deems the “greater good” —Star fabricates a distorted reality.
As Star attempts to impose a mundane illusion to conceal Marvel’s newly introduced ultimate weapon—the Infinity Sword—her crafted reality begins to unravel. Observant villains throughout Manhattan are becoming aware of this fracture. In the midst of this conflict between Star and Zavala for control over reality, Norman Osborn discovers a crucial opening.
The Green Goblin Now Wields the Mythical Infinity Sword
As Star’s fabricated reality crumbles, it becomes clear that her hastily designed construct was merely a temporary measure aimed at seizing control of the Infinity Sword and confining Zavala permanently. However, Zavala has inscribed his command over various villains within Star’s reality. As attempts by Vulture and Hobgoblin to retrieve the sword fail, the Green Goblin seizes his moment to break free from Zavala’s grasp and reshape reality to his will.
Utilizing the power of the sword, Norman reverts to his true goblin form, relishing the chance to construct a world molded by his own imagination. As efforts from the Infinity Watch and Zavala unfold, the Green Goblin fully comprehends the monumental extent of his newfound abilities. With dominion over all seven Infinity Stones, Osborn poses an unparalleled threat to Earth-616, as Marvel’s narratives have already indicated the peril that emerges from his authoritarian reign.
A Variant of Norman Osborn Has Held This Power Once Before
His Reality Became a Paradise for Villains
Although this marks the first instance of Earth-616’s Norman Osborn wielding the Infinity Stones, another incarnation of the character has experienced similar power. In the comic What If? Infinity Dark Reign, authored by Joshua Williamson with illustrations by Goran Sudzuka, Norman Osborn and his Dark Avengers successfully seized the Infinity Gauntlet, allowing him to extend his dominion from the United States to the entire multiverse. A mere snap from his fingers engulfed Earth in a tyrannical Green Goblin empire, where Osborn ruled with an authoritarian grip, proclaiming a world devoid of heroes.
This version of Norman, renowned for his theatricality, metamorphosed into an even more monstrous Green Goblin during the climactic conflict against the remnants of the true Avengers. Bored with the clashes, he turned the Avengers against each other, determined to eradicate any remnants of resistance. Notably, he ensnared Spider-Man in an eternal cycle, condemning him to relive the tragic death of Gwen Stacy. Such realities exhibit the inherent danger of a Green Goblin empowered by the Infinity Stones.
The Heroes May Have Hope, But Don’t Underestimate the Green Goblin
Norman’s Ego Can Undo Him, But His Tenacity Keeps Him Fighting
Nonetheless, it is imperative to never underestimate Norman Osborn. His relentless nature fuels an unwavering determination; he persists despite the falls he encounters. Once the Goblin experiences the allure of power, relinquishing it becomes impossible. With his grip on the Infinity Stones and insights into the framework holding Earth-616 intact, Norman is poised to threaten the very essence of existence. Though he may struggle to maintain this power for an extended period, his unquenchable thirst for dominance could disrupt the balance for all realms.
The Infinity Watch #3 (2025) is now available from Marvel Comics.