Less Is More

I'd say that the Hobgoblin is off to a pretty decent start in his attempt to become the new Kingpin (Amazing Spider-Girl). And it's primarily because he hasn't done much so far. He's given some orders to his lackeys, threatened Caitlin Lieber, and told his mole on the police force to find Mona Carlo and this glowing thing she's carrying. There is the possibility he beat Caitlin, but I think it's just as likely he sat there questioning her, while his thugs did the physical work.

And that's exactly as it ought to be. The Kingpin rarely got his hands dirty, he had people to do the work for him. Sure, if Daredevil showed up looking to brawl, the Kingpin might indulge in pummeling Murdock, but he'd prefer to destroy him at distance, just because he could. And if he needed to crush a disloyal underling's head with his bare hands to remind people who's in charge, he would. But for the most part, he delegated, concerned himself with running a criminal empire that spans New York City and beyond.

If the Hobgoblin wants to claim that title, then he has to have the same mindset. He can't spend all his time flying around on his glider looking for Ms. Carlo or trying to flush out Spider-Girl himself. It would distract him from the other things he needs to worry about, like consolidating or destroying other gangs in the city. Besides, that's too high profile. Few people know the Hobgoblin is back, and even fewer know where he's based. In a city with as many superheroes as NYC, it's best to stay out of sight, and trust that your goons are too scared of you to rat you out.

The best part is, it's got me fired up in anticipation for the point when he actually does take action again.