Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #147

Issue Details

Synopsis

WHEN THE BUGLE BLOWS Following his defeat at the hands of Spider-Man and the Green Goblin, the Hobgoblin flies around the inferno that is New York City lamenting about his recent defeat.  He is furious that he has been prevented from obtaining the Goblin Formula to enhance his strength, believing it his right as the Hobgoblin. Suddenly, the Hobgoblin is ambushed by a horde of demons, who aren't fooled by the Hobgoblin's costume. Not in the mood for a battle, the Hobgoblin slays the demons. He could care less about the demon invasion plaguing New York, however, their comments about being "dressed like a demon" has given him an idea. Elsewhere in the city, Spider-Man web-slings across the city. He is shocked to see what has become of his city and wishes he wasn't so caught up dealing with both Harry Osborn and the Hobgoblin so he could do something about the situation. He decides to pay a visit to the Daily Bugle as Peter Parker to see if he can learn what's going on and call his wife Mary Jane and make sure she is okay.  Unfortunately, a demonic wind picks up and throws Spider-Man into the side of a building. He grips onto a gargoyle statue to prevent himself from falling to his death. Unfortunately, the gargoyle is alive and it bites him, filling his body with poison. Falling to the ground, Spider-Man picks up his body and stumbles toward the familiar sight of the Daily Bugle Building.  Upstairs, J. Jonah Jameson is leading his staff in fighting off demons that have invaded his office. Although Jameson is scared out of his mind, he tries to keep a brave face for his employees. He is surprised to see Spider-Man emerge from the elevator and when the wall-crawler collapses to the floor, he orders Joy Mercado to give the masked hero medical attention. While elsewhere in Manhattan, Mary Jane organizes her colleagues at a modelling shoot, fighting off demons and fortifying her position. She worries about her husband Peter, as she hasn't seen him since he said he was going to Long Island to see Harry Osborn.  Above the city, the Green Goblin is amazed that he was able to use his skills to defeat the Hobgoblin. He can't wait to get home to tell his wife, even though she might be worried he became the Green Goblin again.  However, his attempts to return to New Jersey are blocked by a water demon, who is keeping people from leaving New York. Harry decides to head to Queens to make sure Peter's Aunt May is safe.   Queens is also under siege by demons, Joe Robertson is accosted by a neighbor wielding a chainsaw. Joe quickly disarms him with his cane. He is joined by his wife, son Randy, and his wife Amanda, who are trying to make sense of what is going on in the city.  Witnessing as something possesses his neighbors, Joe tells his family that after being afraid of Tombstone for so many years, he isn't going to go down without a fight. Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, the Hobgoblin arrives at the Empire State Building, the epicenter for the Inferno invasion. There he is confronted by demons indenting to eat him. However, they relent when the Hobgoblin demands to see their master. Soon he is visited by the demon known as N'astirh, who demands to know what he wants. The Hobgoblin offers his soul in exchange for power, a request that N'astirh finds incredibly amusing. Although N'astirh doesn't have a use for such a tainted soul, he decides to grant the Hobgoblin with his wish as the human was able to make him laugh. N'astirh then blasts the Hobgoblin with mystical energy sending him flying across the city.   Back at the Daily Bugle, J. Jonah Jameson continues to lead the defense against the demons invading the building. Spider-Man wakes up and finds himself among the injured just in time to save Ben Urich from an attacking demon. He finds himself in the somewhat amusing position of fighting side-by-side with J. Jonah Jameson. However, with the aid of Spider-Man the Daily Bugle staff manages to turn the tide.  With the battle over, Jonah allows the horror of the battle finally sink in and he bites through his cigar. This is amusing to Spider-Man who asks someone to get a camera. That's when Jonah notices that the battle opened up Spider-Man's wounds and he has begun to bleed through his bandages. Spider-Man assures Jonah that it only hurts when he laughs and passes out from blood loss.   At that moment in Central Park, the Hobgoblin recovers from his fall and looks into the murky waters. He is horrified to see that N'astirh not only gave him the power he asked for, but also changed him into a hideous demonic form.