Amazing Spider-Man #289

Back in New York, Peter only becomes more depressed, convinced that Ned's death was his fault. He gets
word that Kingpin has information on Hobgoblin. Spider-Man arrives at the Kingpin's headquarters where
he is given a file on Hobgoblin. The file reveals that the Foreigner had Hobgoblin killed in Berlin. It reveals
that Ned Leeds was the Hobgoblin. Kingpin also reveals that the Foreigner was hired by Jason Macendale,
also known as Jack O' Lantern. Macendale took Leeds' equipment after his death and assumed the identity
of the Hobgoblin.

Peter feels relieved that he is not responsible for Leeds' death, but his guilt is replaced by fury. He thirsts for
vengeance against his friend's killers, even if that friend was his mortal enemy. He goes to pay the
Foreigner a visit. The Foreigner is not at his office, but as Spider-Man is searching who should show up but
the new Hobgoblin.

Spider-Man has had enough and he takes it to Hobgoblin with furious energy. In the ensuing battle,
Hobgoblin is able to destroy the file given to Spider-Man. Having ensured his identity's secrecy the
Hobgoblin retreats, but not before throwing one last pumpkin bomb. Spidey is too hurt to get out of the
way. Flash Thompson appears. He moves to intercept the bomb and throws it back at Hobgoblin. The blast
nearly kills Flash.

Spider-Man administers CPR to Flash, all the while demanding Flash to stay alive. In the hospital
afterwards, Flash relates his story to Peter and tells how Spider-Man inspired him to stay alive and never
quit. Peter hears his own words and takes them to heart, deciding he is Spider-Man and he will never quit.