Hob Goblin

History Ned Leeds was an early rival of Peter Parker's. They were both in love with Betty Brant, but Betty chose Ned, apparently because she felt he needed her more. Peter and Ned were at times cordial to each other, but they were never exactly friends. Ned's competitive nature often put a strain on his marriage. In Amazing Spiderman #195 Betty almost left him for Peter, and later did develop a relationship with Flash Thompson. Exactly why has never been quite clear, but Ned began to seek out information on the original Green Goblin, eventually finding one of Norman Osborne's hideouts. Using a modified version of the chemical formula that created the Green Goblin, Ned imbued himself with superhuman strength, but appeared to avoid the insanity that plagued Osborne. He coolly mapped out a successful criminal career for himself, eventually becoming partners with the Rose. Together the two of them began to plot the downfall of the Kingpin. However, Ned's personal life interfered with his judgment. He could not bypass any opportunity to make Flash's life miserable, even framing Thompson as the Hobgoblin. Ned's criminal career did not hinder his original vocation as a journalist, although he was beginning to get a reputation for having too sharp a temper around the Daily Bugle. He was on a story in Berlin when he was surprised by agents of the Foreigner and strangled.