The newest foe for Spider-Man in Marvel's comic universe, Queen Goblin, puts a twist on some of the webslinger's most iconic foes. Most fans are familiar with the Green Goblin and Hobgoblin and there have been some female goblins before, but none will be quite like Queen Goblin. This new addition to Spider-Man's rogues' gallery has several tricks up her sleeve and she'll be causing a lot of trouble for New York City.
The Beyond Era of Amazing Spider-Man has seen Peter Parker's clone Ben Reilly take over as Spider-Man. This era will include crossovers into Spider-Man related titles as well as some new issues. It began in October with Amazing Spider-Man #75 and will continue through nineteen issues. The webslinger is taking on a mysterious group - the Beyond Corporation - but his hands will be full with far more than just their mysterious activities.
An announcement from Marvel has revealed Spider-Man's next big foe: Queen Goblin. Designed by Patrick Gleason, one of Marvel's Stormbreaker artists, Queen Goblin channels elements of the classic goblin villains, with some twists. She's red, unlike the previous two goblins, though she does have her own glider. She'll debut in Amazing Spider-Man #88. In addition to a first glimpse at the character and her design sheet, Marvel has also shared covers for related issues, some of which feature Queen Goblin. Check them out here:
The newly released covers include Amazing Spider-Man #88, a variant cover for Amazing Spider-Man #88 featuring Queen Goblin's design, Amazing Spider-Man #88.BEY, Amazing Spider-Man #89, a variant for Amazing Spider-Man #90, and Miles Morales: Spider-Man #35. These covers were created by Arthur Adams (#88, #89), Patrick Gleason (#88 variant), Nick Bradshaw (#88.BEY), Rogê Antônio (#90 variant), and Taurin Clarke (#35). Queen Goblin's featured in multiple, fighting Spider-Man as well as Black Cat. These covers highlight the versatility of Queen Goblin's pumpkin scepter, showing its dual forms as a typical staff and a chain weapon.
Executive Editor Nick Lowe states, "Queen Goblin was one of the coolest ideas from our BEYOND story summit. All of the writers were riffing on the concept and character and when Pat Gleason dug in on the design we all LOST it. You aren't going to believe this newest addition to Spidey's rogue's gallery!"
Patrick Gleason added:
When Nick and Zeb asked me to help with character design for QUEEN GOBLIN in Beyond I was thrilled. We went New-Medieval with some tweaks on the old Goblin toys. What's even more fun is letting her off the chain and watching the rest of the art team like Arthur Adams run with her. The writing team has been working like crazy to make her debut worthy of a Queen. I'm writing a scene now that will hopefully melt some brains too.
Like other goblins before her, Queen Goblin has a glider, although hers will be detachable - capable of independently flying as two drones. She has also kept the jack-o-lantern motif with her pumpkin scepter and armor accents. Her outfit and coloration are very different from her predecessors, making her stand out amongst Spider-Man's villains. Queen Goblin's not the first female goblin; others have frequently been inhabitants of other universes. Norma Osborn is the Green Goblin on Earth-TRN454 in the animated series, Ultimate Spider-Man. Robin Borne held the mantle of the Hobgoblin on Earth-9500. Unlike these other goblins, however, Queen Goblin has her own identity instead of taking up those of others before her or in alternate universes. The Green Goblin and Hobgoblin are two of Spider-Man's classic foes - as well as some of his best - so Marvel's new Queen Goblin has a lot to live up to. Webslinger and Goblin fans can see her in her debut when Amazing Spider-Man #88 releases February 2.
Source: Marvel Comics