The Spectacular Spider-Man #161 (1990)

“Pardoned!”

Rating: 4/5

Writer: Gerry Conway
Artist: Sal Buscema

Joe Robertson is pardoned by the president and released from jail. Spider-Man asks Reed Richards for help in finding a cure for the genetic virus that created Carrion out of an ESU student. Hobgoblin, now with demon powers and a face more horrifying than his mask ever was, is hired by Hammerhead to kill Joe Robertson for causing disgrace to Tombstone. During a celebration, Puma (as Thomas Fireheart) promotes Joe to president and publisher of the Bugle. Hobgoblin attacks the party. Fireheart changes into Puma and attacks him back. Spider-Man comes along and gets involved. Hobgoblin can now fly and materialize a new glider is his gets away from him. Tombstone saves Spidey and Puma from a distance with a sniper rifle because nobody kills his pal Joe but him. Hobgoblin leaves, blinded and with notes about Carrion that Spider-Man had.