One chief difference between heroes and villains in superhero stories is heroes usually put aside their differences for the greater good. Thematically, most villains are selfish, short-sighted, and do not work well together. Such is the case for Hobgoblin, whose deceptive history cost him his army in the Gang War event.
Miles Morales: Spider-Man #16 by Cody Ziglar, Federico Vicentini, and Federica Mancin offers a clear illustration of the wages of sin. The issue found Miles Morales leading an uneasy alliance of superheroes and conscripted supervillains (i.e. Cape Killers) against Hobgoblin. The young Spider-Man was a gifted strategist and backed by some advanced technology. However, it was the Cape Killer Scorpion who ultimately won the day, showing uncharacteristic intelligence.
Scorpion Turned Hobgoblin Gang Against Their Boss
Hobgoblin’s gang included several Spider-Man villains, including Shocker and Goldbug. Scorpion knew them from his time in various versions of the Sinister Six and other criminal gangs. Knowing he couldn’t win them over by appealing to their better nature, Scorpion played upon their paranoia.
Scorpion pointed out that all the assembled villains had worked with various Goblins before and it never ended well. Inevitably, the Goblins either proved too crazy to be reliable or used their allies as canon fodder in their personal vendettas. Scorpion suggested they “cut to the part where we all double-cross him and be on our way.” He also offered to vouch for his former teammates and get them a job with the Cape Killers.
The gambit paid off. Whether it was because of Scorpion’s logic or a chance to fight superheroes with government approval, all the villains switched sides. This enabled Miles Morales and his allies to win the day. Unfortunately, this victory may leave the heroes of New York City facing a new gang of seasoned Cape Killers once the Gang War event is over.
Miles Morales: Spider-Man #16 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
