Norman Osborn Mentors Spider-Family in Spider-Versity

Marvel's Norman Osborn has embarked on one of the most dramatic character transformations in comic book history. Once the undisputed king of Spider-Man villains, the former Green Goblin has seen his sins erased and his mind restored, becoming an unlikely ally to Peter Parker.

This remarkable journey continues in The Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity, where Osborn takes on an unprecedented role: mentor to a younger generation of heroes. The five-issue series, spinning directly out of Joe Kelly's ongoing Amazing Spider-Man run, positions Osborn as a teacher to heroes who once feared him.

Norman is a fascinating character, truly one of the great comic book villains of all time.

The series launches with a premise that would have seemed impossible years ago: Osborn training Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, Silk, Araña, Spider-Boy, and Spider-Girl to meet the next threat.

Marvel's official logline for Spider-Versity #1 reveals the core conflict: "Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, Silk, Araña, Spider-Boy and Spider-Girl have one thing in common – THEY AREN’T READY." According to former Resolute Spider-Man Norman Osborn, these heroes require specialized training to face an impending danger.

The series is co-written by Jordan Morris (Predator: Bloodshed) and Joe Kelly, with art by Pere Pérez (The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn). Covers are provided by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Todd Nauck. The creative team is tasked with exploring what happens when Osborn attempts to mentor a younger generation of heroes.

According to the writers, the training will be conducted in the only way the Green Goblin knows how. The logline ominously suggests that "the next threat might well BE the Green Goblin," hinting at potential complications from Osborn's past resurfacing.

• Five-issue limited series format
• Direct continuation from Amazing Spider-Man
• Features six young Spider-heroes
• Partnership with Spider-Woman Jessica Drew

For co-writer Jordan Morris, the opportunity to write Osborn in a heroic light represents a fascinating challenge. "I’m trying to look at him like Pete would," Morris explains. "Norman has done so many terrible things, many of them to Pete specifically, but Pete believes in people and their ability to be their best selves."

Joe Kelly notes that Osborn's "sin-free" status quo creates compelling internal conflict. Despite his reformed state, Osborn remains "an egotistical and entitled dude who's quick to anger." This creates a character at odds with his own nature, struggling to live up to Peter Parker's example.

When I’ve been writing for Norman, I’ve been trying to summon my inner Pete and view this guy not as one of the worst villains in history, but as someone who has made mistakes, identified them as mistakes and is actively trying to change.

The writers acknowledge that "complicated" best describes Osborn's relationship with his students, particularly given his history of violence against many of them.

The younger Spider-heroes have varied responses to Osborn's mentorship. According to Morris, "Some of them are stoked, some are more wary (specifically the ones Norman has killed before)." Despite their reservations, all the students share a common foundation: they are "students of Pete" who view Peter Parker as a role model.

Because Parker has forgiven Osborn, the other Spiders are willing to give him a chance. This shared ethos of seeing the best in people creates a foundation for the team dynamic. However, the writers emphasize that friction is inevitable, particularly given Osborn's history of violence.

One particularly tense relationship involves Spider-Gwen from Earth-65. While she is not the Gwen Stacy Osborn killed, the "gallons of bad blood" between them create unique challenges. Gwen's "armor is a little thicker than some of the other Spiders," making her more skeptical of Osborn's intentions.

• Osborn's history creates natural tension
• Students follow Peter Parker's forgiving example
• Spider-Woman Jessica Drew provides oversight
• Training focuses on preparing for specific threats

Osborn is not operating without supervision. Veteran hero Spider-Woman Jessica Drew serves as his partner in the training initiative. According to Morris, "Spider-Woman is here to keep an eye on the kids and generally be awesome at all times."

Drew brings extensive experience as an Avenger, S.W.O.R.D. agent, and S.H.I.E.L.D. agent to the partnership. While she remains skeptical of Osborn's proposal, she recognizes the value of organized training for the Spider-heroes. "Jessica is of course wary of Norman, but she sees this as a potential path to the Spiders leveling up so, to her, it's worth the risk."

The series connects directly to Kelly's ongoing Amazing Spider-Man run, incorporating some of the "delightfully bonkers elements" from that storyline. The threat Osborn is preparing the students for remains shrouded in mystery, though the logline suggests it may involve the Green Goblin himself.

It’s not only a big story for Pete but for so many of the characters in his extended cast.

The series represents a significant evolution for Osborn's character, exploring whether a former villain can genuinely reform and contribute to heroism.

Spider-Versity represents a bold experiment in character rehabilitation and mentorship within the Marvel Universe. By placing Norman Osborn in a teaching position, the series challenges readers to reconsider the nature of redemption and the possibility of change.

The dynamic between Osborn and his students offers rich storytelling potential, particularly given his violent history with many of them. The series promises to explore whether forgiveness can extend to someone who has committed atrocities, and whether a former villain can truly become a hero.

With experienced writers at the helm and a compelling premise, Spider-Versity could redefine how Marvel approaches character arcs and redemption stories. The series launches in 2026, offering readers a chance to witness one of comics' most complex villains attempt to guide the next generation of heroes.