The following contains major spoilers for Red Goblin #3, on sale now from Marvel Comics.
While symbiotes have come to play a more prominent role in the Marvel Universe since their introduction, there is still a startling amount that even those closest to them do not understand. Thankfully, things have become more clear in recent years, albeit in some surprising ways. Not the least of these is Normie Osborn's most recent revelation as to exactly what it is that symbiotes do for their hosts.
Despite tensions being higher than ever in the Osborn family, Red Goblin #3 (by Alex Paknadel, Jan Bazaldua, David Curiel, and VC's Joe Caramagna) finds Norman directly confronting his grandson, Normie, about being the host to Rascal. Though Normie had done his best to hide his actions as the Red Goblin, his grandfather is far too familiar with superheroics to be fooled. However, Norman isn't quite as knowledgeable as he thinks, especially not when it comes to the true nature of the symbiote.
Red Goblin Proves That Symbiotes Aren't Inherently Evil
Although the two battle fiercely across the city skyline, Norman is shaken when Rascal nearly gives up its own life to save Normie. This is a far cry from what Norman expected, as he had only taken action against Rascal due to his assumption that it was attempting to sink its tendrils into Normie against his will. As it turns out, Rascal has only been doing what it thinks is best based on instinct and, more importantly, on what it thinks its host wants. Based on his own experiences as the Red Goblin, this was never a possibility Norman considered.
Norman's time as the Red Goblin was thrust upon him by bonding with Carnage. Unlike Rascal, Carnage's persona was cultivated by none other than Cletus Kasady. The symbiote's villainous nature made Norman believe that all of them were forces of evil. But Normie and Rascal proved his theory wrong and showed him that they are merely reflections of the best and worst parts of their hosts.
Marvel's Symbiotes Mirror the Best and Worst of Their Hosts
The idea that symbiotes take after their hosts isn't especially new, though it has only been put into the spotlight in recent years. This concept has been fully cemented by the falling out between Cletus Kasady and Carnage, yet it was already at least partially established through Eddie Brock and Venom. However, Venom has spent years in denial about that fact while Carnage openly embraced the worst of its old host in order to usurp Marvel's bloodiest legacy.
When it comes to the younger Rascal, however, there is a blank slate for Normie to leave his mark upon. And, with Normie having his sights set on making up for the legacy his father and grandfather have left him to inherit, that mark might end up being one of the most heroic of all time. That is, assuming the new Red Goblin can avoid falling into the same trap that has ruined every Osborn before him