Goblin 2099 – Author Carlo Carrasco

A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 #44 (1996)

February 14, 2025February 6, 2025carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1996 and explore a part of the Marvel Comic shared universe through a tale of the Spider-Man 2099 monthly series.

To put things in perspective, the original Spider-Man 2099 monthly series that launched in 1992 lasted a total of 46 issues. The prolific author Peter David wrote the first 44 issues as he resigned from his duty in relation to the sudden firing of Marvel 2099 editor Joey Cavalieri in 1996. The previous issue was a great read.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 #44, published in 1996 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Peter David and drawn by Ron Lim.

Early story

The story begins in the City of New York already flooded and infiltrated by lots of marine life. Under the water, Spider-Man and Roman the Sub-Mariner fight each other intensely as the foot of a gigantic sea monster is about to step in. At the last moment, Spider-Man saw the huge foot and instantly flipped away to survive with the Sub-Mariner.

After getting separated, Spider-Man gets out of the water to breath and immediately spots an organic-looking horn that the Sub-Mariner used to control the huge monster. Suddenly, on the aquatic humanoids appears to get the horn. Spider-Man then used his web to get the horn first which triggered the aquatic humanoid to move fast towards him.

Quality

*The intense battle between Sub-Mariner and Spider-Man went on even as the huge sea monster is very near them in the city.*

Without spoiling the plot, this comic book is a tale about a massive disaster and also a tale about the complicated legacy of Miguel O’Hara whose personal life is even more connected with the corporation he works for.

The huge disaster of New York getting flooded (which started in the previous issue) and Spider-Man fighting the leader of the mutates (genetically designed sentient beings) concluded in a really satisfying way. The futuristic webslinger really found himself struggling with the determined Sub-Mariner (motivated by what Alchemax did to the aquatic world) while dealing with the fact that so many citizens got displaced or even got killed by not only the huge flood but also by the presence of the gigantic sea monster. The stakes were really raised high for Spider-Man and the pay-off was really good.

The rest of the comic book deals with the intense meeting between Conchata O’Hara and Tyler Stone, Xina’s time with the Net Prophet, Gabriel O’Hara’s time with “father” Jennifer. Among the three sub-plots, the conflict between Conchata and Tyler is very intense and dramatic to read. More importantly, it was crafted by Peter David to be really believable and it ultimately added tension to the background and even the future of Miguel O’Hara (now a powerful Alchemax executive). This particular sub-plot is easily the most important one this comic book has and it will compel fans to revisit the 25^th issue of this monthly series as well as issue #10.

While the sub-plot of Xina and the Net Prophet does not generate enough depth for this comic book, there is a big revelation made in the sub-plot of Gabriel and “father” Jennifer which will compel fans to revisit issues #40 and #41. In fact, nothing is ever simple regarding the origin of a specific villain of the 2099 universe.

When it comes to the artwork, this comic book is a downgrade compared to what was presented in issue #43 (drawn by Andrew Wildman). I’m not saying that Ron Lim’s art is bad, it’s just nowhere as good as that of Wildman’s art. In fairness, Ron Lim managed to make the city disaster look intense and he managed to make the characters look recognizable. In fact, Lim successfully made the Conchata-Tyler scenes look intense and dramatic.

Conclusion

*The giant monster aspect of this comic book added intensity to the battle and the disaster. There were a few Godzilla vibes here and there.*

As the final Peter David-written issue of this monthly series, Spider-Man 2099 #44 (1996) is undeniably a very solid reading experience. There were strong pay-offs executed here to what was built-up in the previous issues, and in typical fashion, David kept building up the other sub-plots. The conclusion to the Conchata-Tyler sub-plot is actually more powerful than that of the city disaster. Clearly, Peter David kept track of the character developments and events that previously happened and dramatized them nicely here. In fact, you will feel some sympathy towards Miguel O’Hara knowing how unfortunately complicated his family legacy really is.

Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #44 (1996) is highly recommended!

+++++

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A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 #42 (1996)

September 5, 2023September 2, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1996 and explore a part of the Marvel 2099 comics universe through a tale of the Spider-Man 2099 monthly series.

In my previous retro review, the futuristic webslinger encountered a group of dangerous people who are convinced that he betrayed them by becoming a corporate tool (note: the result of Goblin 2099 poisoning people’s minds). Not only that, the still-recovering Tyler Stone came back at Alchemax, saw his captured son Kron (Venom 2099 himself) and cold heartedly ordered his execution.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 #42, published in 1996 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Peter David and drawn by Andrew Wildman.

Early story

The story begins with Miguel O’Hara now wielding tremendous corporate power at Alchemax where he is surrounded by managers. Some time had passed since he prevented Tyler Stone from returning to power and he made it known to him that he is aware that they are biologically father-and-son. Miguel then played “duck, duck, goose” on the managers while he stood up on his desk. He made clear to them that he is aware of their so-called game of “who can jerk the new boost and get the most for himself?”

Miguel then tells them that he will review their requests and address their concerns in his own time and his own way. They get dismissed by him. Miguel then meets someone who just arrived for the post of office secretary.

Meanwhile in the downtown section of New York, Raff and Kasey watch a union group composed of construction guys, watchdogs, sewer workers and truckers marching down the street and making noise. As Kasey wonders where the group was heading, she notices a man named Boru whom she previously heard was dead…

Quality

*Spider-Man 2099 faces a tough opponent.*

Storywise, this tale by Peter David moved away from the themes of issues #40 and #41 by focusing more on Miguel’s newest rise in Alchemax’s corporate hierarchy and how this adds more tension to his already troubled living as a secret superhero, an executive and as a person. By this stage, he knows Tyler Stone is his true father and the man known as Venom 2099 is his half-brother and relationships within his family are far from being normal or ideal. Still on the corporate aspect, a very notable person gets to work as Miguel’s new secretary which I won’t spoil here because I can say that the build-up and pay-off are well worth reading. The new secretary also added to the further development of specific characters and what was dramatized here will compel you to revisit earlier issues of the Spider-Man 2099 series. As always, Peter David’s writing is rich here.

Outside of Alchemax, the group led by Boru (who is symbolically a leader of hardened and desperate labor union members) emerges as an intimidating force of opposition for Miguel, the corporation he leads and even in his Spider-Man identity. Boru himself is quite a strong opponent for Spidey and the way their battle ended is something can intrigue readers or even frustrate die-hard fans of the protagonist. These conflicts, combined with Miguel’s struggle with all the tension hitting him from all angles, made this tale very intriguing and compelling to read.

Conclusion

*While walking through the city, Miguel O’Hara spots members of Fantastic Four 2099 in conflict with Stark-Fujikawa.*

Spider-Man 2099 #42 (1996) may not look like the expected continuation of what was built up in the previous two issues but its standalone story combined with strong twists, in-depth character development and sheer intrigue in key points of the story made this a must-read. I can also say that I am motivated to find out what happens next, especially given how this particular tale ended.

Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #42 (1996) is highly recommended!

+++++

A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 #41 (1996)

August 31, 2023August 28, 2023carlocarrasco

In my previous retro review, the futuristic webslinger encountered Goblin 2099 (note: the futuristic take on Green Goblin) who proved to be very dangerous not with weapons nor physical attacks but with influence members of the local society to rebel against him believing that he is a corporate asset. How much influence Goblin had on the people at the expense of Spider-Man is just waiting to be discovered.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 #41, published in 1996 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Peter David and drawn by Andrew Wildman

Early story

The story begins with Miguel O’Hara visiting a ruined place with armed personnel escorting him. It turns out the site was the White House and Doom 2099 has already fallen as President of the United States. Miguel seeks closure as he spends time at the ruins and eventually finds the name plate from the office of Tyler Stone (Miguel’s biological father).

Meanwhile at Alchemax, corporate personnel got surprised to see Tyler Stone return confined to a hovechair due to his fragile and weakened state. This turned out to be his first time to be at work since he got shot.

Inside the laboratory, Tyler sees his deranged son Kron (Venom 2099) contained behind solid glass like a mere scientific specimen for study. After learning key details about the symbiote and how it affected his son, Tyler gives the order to have Kron executed…

Quality

*Even though Goblin 2099 was not present, this scene shows how much the said villain poisoned the minds of people to harm Spider-Man.*

Let me start with the writing by Peter David. It is clear to me that David confidently wrote this story to maintain the flow of intrigue, emphasize how local society’s changing, how the external events affect others and, most notably, managing to push Spider-Man 2099 to the edge complete with a brewing conflict with the very powerful Tyler Stone.

At this stage of the monthly series of the 1990s, Miguel O’Hara’s rise within the corporate structure of Alchemax got emphasized again and Peter David inserted growing tensions for the protagonist effectively blurring the boundary that separates personal life from the corporate career. That being said, the futuristic Spider-Man in his civilian identity literally entered a gray area which will compel readers to speculate if he was still in control of matters or if he was slowly becoming evil as he gains power (this makes him comparable with the tycoon Tyler).

Still on the character development aspect of this comic book, Miguel here still showed his fragile side as the death of Dana left him with a lot of pain deep inside (which was dramatically emphasized by Andrew Wildman through his art in one very particular page). This furthers adds to questions about the sanity and mental stability of the protagonist who already wields so much power as Spider-Man and as an Alchemax executive.

Speaking of Alchemax, Tyler Stone here appeared more sinister than before and being unable to stand did not hinder him at all. His cold-hearted move to have his own biological son Kron (the futuristic Venom and the same guy responsible for the deaths of Punisher 2099’s family) executed clearly shows not only his sadistic nature but also the fact that he is living with pure worldly beliefs. His believes are so worldly, he does not really care about his own offspring. Ironically, this suggests that Tyler could be as twisted and evil as his murderous son Kron. Lastly, the connections between the late Dana and Tyler and Miguel is indeed morally disturbing.

While the cover art showed Goblin 2099, the new antagonist is nowhere to be found in this comic book. However in a very symbolic fashion, Goblin’s influence remained lively through a number of people who condemned Spider-Man 2099 so much, they went as far as actually hurting an idolater of the webslinger. This part of the story is a strong reminder that idolatry is unholy and foolish, that religion is corrupted and will never lead believers to salvation, and that socialism attacking capitalism remained a social disease in the far future.

Conclusion

*Tyler Stone and his son Kron (Venom 2099) are both very evil. They have different ways of being evil.*

Spider-Man 2099 #41 (1996) is indeed a great comic book to read from start to finish. Not only will you get to see the futuristic Spidey struggle with the tension both personally and professionally, you will see the big impact of Dana’s death on him too. The portrayal of negative changes in the local society (at least the society Spider-Man is part of) is pretty dramatic and what Peter David imagined about Marvel 2099 still remains socially relevant to this day. Lastly, this comic book ended very powerfully and was enough to convince me to see what happens next.

Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #41 (1996) is highly recommended!

+++++

A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 #40 (1996)

August 25, 2023August 22, 2023carlocarrasco

To put things in perspective, there were these notable changes with both the storytelling and the character development of the futuristic webslinger as a result of the Venom 2099 saga (read my retro reviews here, here, here, here and here) as well as Doom 2099 becoming the new President of the United States (click here). Issue #39 saw the return of Vulture 2099 and the sudden appearance of Green Goblin 2099 (AKA Goblin 2099).

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 #40, published in 1996 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Peter David and drawn by Andrew Wildman.

Early story

The story begins with the tycoon Tyler Stone helplessly on bed in a medical center’s room still recovering from the gun shot incident. He tells the doctor near him that he wants to speak to Dana and demands to know what has been going on. Stone also demanded to get into contact with President Doom. In response to Stone’s demand to know the truth, the doctor regretfully tells him that Dana is dead.

Meanwhile, a swinging Spider-Man gets hit from the back by Goblin 2099. As the webslinger asked who he is, the Goblin introduces himself and tells him that he intends to expose him as a fraud. As the green/purple colored mask freak keeps on attacking, Spider-Man moves out of the way. While in movement, Goblin tells Spidey that he has betrayed the good people of downtown New York and must be forced to confess.

As he falls down fast, the webslinger suddenly finds himself clamped and restrained by the Goblin…

Quality

*Goblin 2099’s main weapon against the futuristic Spidey is influence on people and being able to convince them to reject the webslinger.*

This comic book has a very intriguing tale crafted by Peter David. While this marks the first ever encounter between the futuristic versions Spider-Man and Green Goblin, this one has a strong social theme that prevented the conflict from becoming a generic good-versus-evil match-up. Goblin 2099 went after the webslinger not for the satisfaction of killing, not for the intention of dominating the whole world but for achieving social change for the members of the downtown community by destroying Spider-Man’s credibility once and for all (by exposing him as a fraud and a tool of the corporate world who should not be trusted).

This version of the Green Goblin clearly has an agenda that he seems very willing to die for and the mere fact that he interacted with Kasey (an important person for both Miguel and Gabriel O’Hara) further adds to the complexity on both the new villain as well as the downtown community. Given his obsession of destroying the hero by blaming him as a corporate stooge, Goblin 2099 here is symbolically with the Satanic Left (Communist/Marxist/liberal). These factors effectively raise the stakes and risks for Spider-Man who already has a lot of problems to deal with.

Through the fight between Spider-Man and Goblin, you will see how the people of downtown react in accordance to their perception as well as their inability to realize the truth behind Spider-Man’s social standing. The way they reacted shows impact on Spidey who himself struggles to understand their collective thinking and why they allowed themselves to be strongly influenced by the Goblin.

Along the way, there was a scene that emphasized Xina showing how Dana’s death affected her and another scene that took place at a very old New York City cathedral that clearly was crafted to build up on something for future tales of this series.

Characterization and plot aside, this comic book has a good amount of superhero action that will keep you entertained and Andrew Wildman really knows how to make action attractive to your eyes.

Conclusion

Spider-Man 2099 #40 (1996) is another solid tale from the David-Wildman duo. Apart from the big impact Goblin 2099 had on Spider-Man and the people of just one community, this story successfully built-up the tension and complexity on the part of the protagonist while executing suitable pay-offs in relation to the build-up that started in the previous issue. Also I should state that it is very clear that the feature match-up in this comic book is not a rehash of classic Spider-Man and the Green Goblin. This is indeed a very intriguing Spidey 2099 tale that convinced me to look forward to the next issue.

Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #40 (1996) is highly recommended!

+++++

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