Many important things happening in this issue, with the introduction of another of Spider-Man's most famous villains and the graduation of Peter Parker and all of his fellow student at Midtown High School. One look at the striking black cover on this issue, and it probably would have sold even if the pages were blank! This issue definitely has one of the greatest covers in the history of the title, and with just a turn of the page, the great art continued onto the splash page depicting an important scene from the story. Make way for three stand alone issues, before Amazing Spider-Man begins one of the greatest stories that has ever been told in a comic book series. The stand alone issues begin here and last through Amazing Spider-Man #30, then the Master Planner storyline begins in Amazing Spider-Man #31 and runs through #33.

After the beautiful splash page, the story opens up with Peter and his fellow students getting ready for graduation. Peter's earth day class lets out early for cap and gown fittings, but Peter has other costume plans. Still without a real Spider-Man costume for the last couple of issues, Peter makes a visit to professor Spencer Smythe. It was Smythe's robot Spider-Slayer in Amazing Spider-Man #25 that ended up with one of Peter's Spider-Man costumes, and he plans on getting it back. While there, Peter asks about any improvements made on the robot, but Smythe has a more important project at the moment. After inviting Peter in, Peter is attacked by the somewhat dormant Slayer, but gets out of being accused of being Spider-Man by carrying a jar of spiders with him. Remember, then robot senses anything that has to do with spiders, and Peter being Spider-Man is a sure-fire way of setting it off. Peter wants to see Spider-Man's costume for a photo feature for the Daily Bugle, and while he takes a look, the door-bell rings. Peter then switches the store bought Spider-Man costume for the real one when Smythe answers the door.

At the door is Smythe's assistant, named Raxton, and they begin fighting over their new invention: A liquid metal alloy that will make them a fortune. Only thing is, is that Raxton is a little impatient, and wants his share now! Smythe and Raxton continue fighting over the alloy until Raxton hits a wall breaking the jar holding the alloy. The alloy then spills all over Raxton covering him until his skin absorbs all of it. Raxton now walks away with Smythe unconscious on the ground, and Peter again caught by the Spider-Slayer that was again activated when the two inventors were fighting. Raxton feels as if the alloy is sinking into his blood stream and thinks about seeing a doctor. Peter on the other hand, de-activates the Slayer and then helps up Smythe, telling him what happened to Raxton. Still groggy, Smythe gives Peter Raxton's address in hope that the police will get involved, but rather than the police getting involved, it is Spider-Man that is the one to meet Raxton.

Blocks away at this point, Raxton gets into an argument with a man driving a car and smashes his front-end in. At that point, Raxton realizes that he has been given powers beyond his wildest dreams and has turned into some sort of Molten Man. Enamored with his new found powers, Molten Man makes a huge crowd run from him in fright. Spider-Man now swings by wondering what all the commotion is about and finds nothing of substance. Raxton makes his way back to his apartment where he plans a big crime and plans on heading out fast before the police arrive. To his surprise, Spider-Man confronts him in his very own apartment, and they begin a major battle. Molten Man smashes up his apartment trying to land a punch on Spider-Man, and finally does, with the power of a bulldozer. Spider-Man then lands one of his own, but it hardly fazes him. Spider-Man shoots some webbing at Raxton next, but falls right off of him due to his slick Molten like skin. How can the Molten Man possibly be defeated? The Molten Man knocks Spider-Man down the stairs where they continue their battle, eventually making their way into the cellar, where Spider-Man begins to use his brains. After knocking out a light bulb, thereby engulfing the two powerful foes in darkness, Spider-Man makes a rope out of his webbing. Spider-Man ties up the Molten Man's ankles and wrists with the web-ropes, while the Molten Man is having a hard time seeing. Molten Man makes his way into a lighted area again where he begins to punch at Spider-Man even with his arms tied together. Spider-Man leaves for his graduation just as the police arrive. Molten Man is left sitting on the ground all tied up for the police. It certainly will not be the last we see of him.

Spider-Man returns home and changes into Peter Parker. Peter and his Aunt May get ready for the ceremonies at the High School where Peter is graduating with honors. At the graduation, Peter is ecstatic to learn that he has earned a free science scholarship to Empire State University, having earned the highest grade average in the school's history. Flash Thompson has also earned a scholarship, but his is in Athletic proficiency. Last but not least, guest speaker at the graduation is none other than Daily Bugle publisher J. Jonah Jameson. Jameson's speech didn't exactly go over too well with the crowd! As the ceremony ends and everyone is on their way home, Peter takes his last walk in his High School that provided so many memories in his life, but there are many more memories awaiting him as he begins college in Amazing Spider-Man #31.

A very memorable issue and major turning point i the life of Peter Parker. The Molten Man will go on to become of Spider-Man's greater villains, but has never reached the status of say a Doctor Octopus or Green Goblin. He appears again relatively soon in Amazing Spider-Man #35. A very suggested issue to try and obtain, but be forewarned! This issue costs much more in higher conditions due to the black cover being susceptible to showing creases, wear and tear. Unless you are satisfied with a lesser grade copy, get a reprint for just a few dollars in Near-Mint condition. You won't regret it!

Reprinted In:
Marvel Tales #166
 Marvel Masterworks Vol. 10
Spider-Man Essentials II