Spider-Man's Best Villain Design Finally Returns

Published Jul 17, 2026, 7:17 PM EDT

Many of these villains have evolved drastically throughout the decades. For example, the Venom symbiote has completed his transformation from villain to anti-hero to full-fledged hero, culminating in his bond with Mary Jane Watson, his new permanent host. Before that, Doctor Octopus followed an equally remarkable path as Superior Spider-Man, though he soon reverted to villainy after embracing genuine heroism. Sandman has alternated between Avenger, ally, and criminal across the years, while Black Cat constantly toes the line between heartless criminal and reliable hero.

Norman Osborn made perhaps the most surprising attempt at redemption by succeeding Peter Parker as Spider-Man. If Spider-Man is able to forgive the supervillain who murdered Gwen Stacy and made his life a living hell for years, then any member of the wall-crawler's rogues' gallery has a chance at redemption. At least, that's what the overly trusting Peter Parker believes.

Red Goblin Returns As Carnage And Norman Osborn Reunite

The Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity #4; Written By

The Spider-Versity initiative has been a success, and against all odds, Norman Osborn seemingly mentors the young spider-heroes with no further motives other than to prepare them for threats like his very own Green Goblin alter ego. The Spider-Versity students have repeatedly thought Norman was double-crossing them, only for him to reveal that he has hired criminals and planned surprise attacks in order to help train the new generation of heroes. Yet, after Carnage takes hold of Spider-Girl, the red symbiote possesses Norman Osborn and transforms him back into the Red Goblin.

The Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity #4 leaves the true motivations behind Norman Osborn's bond with Carnage rather ambiguous. Carnage takes everyone by surprise, and Norman doesn't hesitate to ask the symbiote to abandon Spider-Girl and bond to him instead. Norman convinces Carnage by telling him Spider-Girl offers him no advantages, seemingly sacrificing himself to prioritize Maka's wellbeing, and he tells everyone to run once the transformation is complete. However, Norman does this with a twisted smile on his face, which suggests his dark side has awakened.

Norman Osborn And Carnage Will Never Be Redeemed

Norman And Carnage Don't Deserve Any More Chances

Norman Osborn's history makes lasting redemption extraordinarily difficult, as every genuine step toward becoming a better person eventually collides with the Green Goblin's nature. Recently, Marvel has explored the possibility that Norman could change. He accepted responsibility for Oscorp's legacy, inherited Peter Parker's role as Spider-Man during Peter's absence, and now serves as a mentor for the young heroes of the Spider-Versity. Norman is capable of recognizing the man he should be, but even if his intentions are a hundred percent sincere, he inevitably reverts to his intoxicating pursuit of power when an opportunity like bonding with Carnage crosses his path.

Carnage faces an even steeper obstacle because his entire existence revolves around celebrating violence. Unlike Venom, who has liked the idea of being a Lethal Protector and collaborating with human hosts since the very start, Carnage has always embraced chaos without remorse. His recent attempt to correct course as an anti-hero by following Eddie Brock's orders and joining the New Avengers created the illusion that the red symbiote could change his morals, but this apparent change of heart rested on leverage. All along, Carnage has been waiting for the chance to unleash his bloodthirsty impulses with the help of a similarly ruthless human host like Norman Osborn.

Do you prefer Carnage and Norman Osborn as villains or anti-heroes?

The Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity #4 is now available from Marvel Comics