Norman Osborn (Earth-4010)

"I've gone by many names. But there is none I prefer over the Green Goblin. Whether he chooses to work for his own benefit or for the benefit of others, well let's just say people tend to be surprised either way, it keeps people guessing. It's part of my charm."

- Norman Osborn

Secret Mission
Norman Osborn was the shining image of perfection. Everyone in New York loved him. For a time, his company, Oscorp, was the only name in clean energy. But they did many other things as well. They stretched the limits of science and imagination. They were going to build the future. But, despite all his success, Norman had many problems. His son, Harry, was a disappointment to the family name. His best friend, Peter Parker, was much smarter than he was, and Norman looked at Peter as more of a son than Harry. He felt that ever since his wife, Emily, had passed away, Harry resented him. But he hardly cared, as he had better things to focus on. One thing in specific however. Norman had quite the fascination with the masked hero known as Spider-Man. He and his secret partner, Otto Octavius, worked under wraps to replicate Spider-Man's powers. Otto was once Oscorp's greatest scientists, but a lab accident had confined him to a suit that kept him alive and allowed him to expand his work without interruption. Norman cared for Otto, but he couldn't risk the secret getting out.

Venom and Doctor Octopus
As months went by, Norman and Otto's work progressed. They got closer and closer to their goal, and one of their agents, the Scorpion, had even attained a blood sample from Spider-Man. Otto had used it to create an all new life form, that he called "Venom". It seemed to have a mind of its own, which disturbed Norman since it seemed to just be a blob of black goo. However, it attacked Otto and Norman, and it coated Norman like a suit. He saw everything turn black as he launched himself at Otto, who electrocuted him, separating the goo and Norman. Venom escaped from their underground lab, and went to find Spider-Man. Norman told Otto to go after it since it was their only hope of making their own Spider-Men. Reluctantly, Otto left the lab to chase after the symbiote. Later that night, Norman saw on the news that a black suited Spider-Man was battling a new villain called "Doctor Octopus". Norman realized that Venom had bonded to Spider-Man the same way it had bonded to him earlier, and he could use this to his advantage. However, he had to make sure Octavius avoided capture. When the battle was over, both "Octopus" and Spider-Man had escaped battle wounded. Norman had expected Otto to return to the lab, but after two days he was nowhere to be seen, so Norman was forced to come up with a new plan.

Partnership with Spider-Man
As soon as he got the chance, Norman Osborn held a press conference where he openly asked to have a meeting with Spider-Man to discuss a possible partnership, and in order to make himself not seem too interested, he also revealed a new project Oscorp was working on, involving camouflage and air transportation for the military. That night, Norman Osborn waited on the roof of Oscorp, where he was met by the new, black suited Spider-Man, who quickly confirmed that he was the real Spider-Man, but he had an encounter with some black goo that made him stronger. Norman pretended to be surprised, but quickly got down to business. He asked if Spider-Man would be willing to work for Oscorp. Spider-Man told Norman to elaborate, and he said that Oscorp would pay Spider-Man simply for doing what he already does, and a few favors whenever Oscorp needed something. Spider-Man didn't waste too much time thinking on the offer, since it seemed like one he couldn't refuse. Spider-Man accepted and the two of them shook hands. As Spider-Man swung away, Norman told himself that Phase One was complete. Phase Two: Find Doctor Octopus.