After Spider-Man brutally beat his son, the Schizoid Man, under the savage influence from turning into the Spider-Lizard and possibly setting his therapy back permanently, Martin developed an intense hatred for the Web-Slinger.
Years later, he, along with good friend George Vandergil, a fellow member of the Century Club, tried to stage a hostile takeover of Oscorp Indusdries, but this was foiled by the original Hobgoblin, who had his eyes set on the very same prize. Martin backed off his attempt upon learning the Hobgoblin had murdered Vandergil.
