10 Obscure Comics Secrets That Took Years To Discover
9. The True Identity Of The Green Goblin
Time To Discover: Jul '64 - Aug '66
When you think of Spider-Man's one real nemesis, most probably picture Norman Osborn as the Green Goblin. After all, he did kill Spidey's girlfriend and make his life a living hell more than once, but when he first appeared, nobody knew who was behind the mask.
The Green Goblin was always shown with his face in shadow, and it was anyone's guess as to his true identity. Spider-Man certainly didn't know who it was, and there wasn't any indication as to who it might be either.
He was first introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man #14, but it wasn't until #39 that we found out who he was.
It was an iconic issue and features one of the best covers drawn by John Romita for the series. The Goblin clearly knew who Peter was in this issue, but it wasn't revealed until the very end who he was, and it was shocking.
In the final panel of the issue, the Green Goblin pulls off his mask to reveal that he is none other than Norman Osborn himself! The father of Pete's buddy, and probably the very last person he ever imagined to be the Goblin.