Demogoblin
Demogoblin is a
fictional character appearing in the
Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared as Demogoblin in
Web of Spider-Man #86, and had previously appeared as an unnamed demon in
Spectacular Spider-Man #147.
The Demogoblin was originally an unknown
demon who inhabited Limbo and had been banished there eons ago for unknown reasons.
After losing fights with
Spider-Man and the second
Green Goblin, the
Hobgoblin (Jason Philip Macendale Jr.) took advantage of the demonic invasion that occurred during the
Inferno crisis by following several demons back to their lair and confronting their demonic lord,
N'Astirh. Macendale wanted enough power to defeat his enemies, and offered his
soul to N'Astirh in exchange for such power. When N'Astirh stopped laughing, the demon lord decided that Macendale's effrontery was worth something even if his soul wasn't, and had him
possessed. This gave Macendale the physical strength he craved, coupled with superhuman speed and endurance; unfortunately, the demon who possessed him proved to be incompatible, and the two fought many battles for control of their physical body until the demon was literally ripped away from its human host, and began a separate existence as the Demogoblin.
Although of demonic origin, Demogoblin was a
religious fanatic who considered himself a servant of . He had no interest in personal
wealth or position, but rather was determined to destroy all sinners and thus gain redemption for himself. Unfortunately most people have "sinned" at some point in their lives, and his definition of sinners exempted only children. He found himself in continual conflict with Spider-Man,
Ghost Rider,
Venom and even his former host, Macendale. During the
Infinity War, the Demogoblin mystically revived Spider-Man's dead
Doppelganger, allowing it to survive the destruction of the other doppelgangers at the conclusion of that conflict. Obsessed with "purifying"
New York City, Demogoblin, joined by the Doppelganger, joined forces with
Carnage and his homicidal allies during the
Maximum Carnage storyline, although the demon deplored his fellow
supervillains' lack of discipline.
The Demogoblin was destroyed by the vampire-hunter
Blade while Blade was empowered by the
Darkhold, but those who had been killed by Blade were restored to life when the Darkhold's spell was reversed. Demogoblin eventually forgave Macendale, which annoyed the Hobgoblin so much that he decided to rid the world of his other half once and for all. The final battle took place in a church. When a pillar in the church started to give way and threaten a nearby child, Demogoblin held the pillar up long enough for Spider-Man to help the child to escape, but was crushed to death when his strength gave out.
Demogoblin was endowed with superhuman strength; the upward limit of what he could lift was close to 10 tons. His reflexes, agility, endurance, and stamina were all enhanced. He had a magical ability to mentally control and levitate his glider and propel it at speeds of up to 90
mph. He could project
hellfire from his hands. These powers were all derived from magic. Though of demonic origin, Demogoblin's corporeal form could be killed.
Apart from his physical and magical advantages, he was knowledgeable about military training and
hand-to-hand combat absorbed from his time merged with the Hobgoblin. Although deranged, the Demogoblin was highly intelligent.
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Profile at Spiderfan.org
