In American Son Norman decides that he wants Harry to play a more active part in the family business, unfortunately for Harry he doesn't have any choice in the matter! Norman's thinking about creating his own "superhero" team and he'll practice whatever manipulation it takes to maneuver everyone into the right position. American Son is an entertaining action epic that highlights the Osborn dysfunctionality and has Norman acting more nefariously ruthless and sneaky than ever.

The Kingpin is in a gang war with a new criminal known only as the Schemer, an upstart with a grudge, and all this at a time when Kingpin's personal life has been thrown into turmoil too. A good arc where we get to see a lot more about the Kingpin's private life, including his cultivated Wife and estranged son Richard. We also get yet another in a long line of heartbreaking examples that highlight the misery of unknowingly dating a superhero! with Gwen Stacy being yet again abandoned by her significant other during a time of need!

After suffering from prolonged feelings of physical weakness Pete starts to become worried about the state of his radioactive blood, he begins to act irrationally and whilst delirious reveals his secret identity! How is he going to get out of this one? A memorable issue from Stan Lee and John Romita Sr with one of the most compelling comic covers.

Here we get an in-depth look at Mysterio from DeMatteis, the writer who'd already done such a good job of making Kraven relevant again in the 80s. The story has Mysterio meeting up with one of his childhood friends, in trying to impress her he ends up in the latest in a long line of battles with Spidey. I think this story does a lot to flesh out Mysterio's character here, really pushing through the idea that he is more of an irresponsible prankster (One section has Mysterio kidnapping Jonah and convincing him that he's died and gone to hell!). Unfortunately the artwork here leaves a lot to be desired though, its kind of scrappy and in my opinion detracts a bit from the overall experience.

After the supposed death of his father, Pete's best friend Harry Osborn completely loses his mind and takes up the mantle of the Green Goblin for himself for the very first time here. I've probably rated this story a good bit lower here than most would, but to be honest I'm just not that much of a fan of Gerry Conway's writing (outside of the obvious exception). Its an important story that would have a lot of later repercussions, but could maybe have benefited from being a little bit longer and more focused on Harry and his state of mind.