The Amazing Spider-Man #35 (2023) Variant Cover {Green Goblin} by Joe Jusko

*CrRAcKk!!* "JUSKOO!! Deep to left field! There it Goooooooooooooess.. ssSSEE YA!!"

Always knew I'd get another painting from Joe. I waited a little over 2 years before I saw him announce his attendance at Terrificon and thought it'd be awesome to finally meet him in person. The only thing that could make this sweeter was setting up a commission for pick-up at the show! I knew with absolute certainty that Green Goblin would be the subject of choice.. but I struggled choosing a composition. Full figure on Glider? A detailed Headshot? Ole' Gobby throwing a barrage of Pumpkin Bombs? Nahh.. I wanted this to be a true companion to the Amazing Spider-Man he painted me. Something that would fully complement it, yet still be distinguishable as a stand-alone piece. The only way to achieve that in my eyes was to perfectly mirror Spidey. I ran the idea by Joe and he replied in two words. "Easily Done!"

Fast forward a few weeks (A few days before Terrificon) he messages me. Varnish is drying and the painting was complete!! He followed by asking if I wanted to see it through text or wait for an in-person unveiling at the show.

Now...

I'd love to tell you I was strong enough to wait. That I unhesitatingly bit the bullet and suppressed all my soul's deep desires to reveal what I've daydreamed about for 2+ years.. However, that wasn't the case. Just as the Title-Splash in ASM 39 reads: (The issue where Green Goblin reveals himself to be Norman Osborn), "HOW GREEN WAS MY GOBLIN!" was all I could ask myself. I folded instantly. When he sent me the scan, a large grin stretched across my face. He completely hit it out the park. In our conversations leading up to the convention, I expressed my wishes to keep the Goblin faithful to his classic look. Specifically asking that Normy's leading hand be firing a Goblin Blast from a pointed finger. Joe had executed my request flawlessly. The large menacing eyes, pinkish duds, the old school Pumpkin Bomb.. Everything was undoubtedly classic about this rendition of Green Goblin and I couldn't have been happier.

Meeting Joe and picking up my piece at the show was the icing on the cake though. He's a big guy! As I waited on his gigantic line, I watched as he interacted with his fans. People brought comics, prints, trading cards and he was delighted to appease them all with signatures and pictures. From my interaction with him you could tell how genuine and sincere he was and it definitely left a lasting impression on me. This is now the second "Marvel Masterpiece" he's painted for me and I hope it won't be the last.

Thanks again, Joe!

*UPDATE* 9/28/23

Two for Two, Baby! Another commission getting published! This time, Amazing Spider-Man #35!