How can you possibly expect to top what the last two issues have brought the readers with the great two part, identity revealing story that was Amazing Spider-Man #39 & #40? You don't really, but we come somewhat close by introducing yet another major villain in the Spider-Verse that would also be a major Hulk villain as well: The Rhino! This is the first of a three part storyline that overlaps with a couple of other important goings-on. Daily Bugle publisher J. Jonah Jameson's son John makes a long awaited return to the series and gains some super powers next issue, but the most significant thing in that happens in this storyline is that Anna Watson's niece, Mary Jane Watson, is finally seen. No face being obscured this time around! MJ is makes her first full appearance in this lesser-known, but still memorable storyline.

"The Horns Of The Rhino" begins at the home of the Parker residence, where Aunt May is asked by neighbor Anna Watson, to move in with her, since her niece has moved into an apartment of her own. While May thinks about it, Peter Parker is at a motorbike dealer looking to purchase a bike. He needs a credit reference, and calls his boss J. Jonah Jameson. Jameson reluctantly decides to give him a good reference, then talks with his son, astronaut John Jameson. The younger Jameson remembers that it was Spider-Man that saved him from a failing space capsule back in Amazing Spider-Man #1. The younger Jameson does not agree with the older one's belief that it was a publicity stunt by Spider-Man that day. Anyway, the reason that John is there with his father, is to tell his father about a strange experience he had with space spores while working with NASA. After completing a space walk, John re-entered his space capsule, only to learn that some mysterious spores had drifted inside the capsule with him. The spores clung to his suit and then to his body, and after extensive testing by NASA, he was found to be okay. Only thing was, is that he was under constant surveillance for awhile afterwards. The spores were studied by medics that NASA hopes will gain them valuable information to aid them in the space race.

Elsewhere, miles away in the south, a huge gray figure stomps on the ground beneath him. Two policemen see this man dressed up in a strange rhinoceros suit and shoot at him. The shots have no effect on him, and he begins to charge at them, knocking right through them and then through a concrete blockhouse. This was the first time anyone set-off the Rhino! Back to Manhattan, and Peter "bumps" into an old friend, Betty Brant, on the streets. They go out for coffee, but have a hard time talking to each other. Ned Leeds walks in to greet Betty, and they hit it off much better. Peter says he has an appointment as walks away until he sees the Rhino on a television, inside a window in a store. The news station states that the Rhino is heading for New York, crashing through every road block he comes across. After returns home to study, the Rhino is getting closer and closer to New York. He is now on a railroad yard just outside of the city, where he crashes through a wooden car, and is shot at again. A bulletin comes across the radio which Peter hears while he is still studying, and decides to suit up as Spider-Man and go after the Rhino.

Back to the Jameson's, where they are at a hotel protected by NASA, due to the before mentioned spore incident. Their door is suddenly crashed through by none other than the Rhino, and he takes the younger Jameson hostage. Spider-Man arrives too late, but he eventually catches up to the Rhino, who is carrying John Jameson. Spider-Man tackles the Rhino at first, but is then hit hard by the Rhino. Spider-Man hits and hits the Rhino, but his strength seem to have no effect on the big brute. The Rhino is enraged the more he fights, but Spider-Man easily evades his many charges. The Rhino eventually charges right into a telephone booth, and is now at a deep end, charging out of control towards Spider-Man. Spider-Man webs him up and land some punched at the Rhino, just before the Rhino gets loose from the webbing and goes after Spider-Man again. Spider-Man eventually proves to be too much for the Rhino as he locks his legs around the Rhino's neck and brings him down, where he soon becomes exhausted and defeated.

An ambulance picks up the Rhino, where they try to get the Rhino suit off of him, but cannot. The younger Jameson is saved once again by Spider-Man, but Jonah doesn't want to hear it. He still thinks that Spider-Man is out to save himself only. Peter realizes that he hasn't set up his camera, and will not have any pictures of the fight. He goes to the bike dealer picks up his new motorbike, and shows it off in front of Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson, and Gwen Stacy. Gwen likes the bike, and at this point when Peter finally realizes what a gorgeous girl Gwen is. He never saw this "Pin-Up" under his nose before now, as he put it. The two seem to hit it off for the very first time since her introduction Amazing Spider-Man #31, and the future will be bright for these two (At least for another 80 issues or so!). Peter then rides home where Aunt May and Anna Watson are outside to see his new bike. Anna leaves, and reminds May about having dinner that following Sunday night. Aunt May tells Peter "No excuses this time" and that he has to be there also to meet Anna's niece, Mary Jane. Peter agrees, then rides away saying to himself: "Wouldn't it be funny if she's a real doll?". Well only one more issue and we will all find out!

Another great issue with the first appearance of the Rhino. His origin, at least partially, will be given in Amazing Spider-Man #43. He also shows up next issue, as well as the secrets of the space spores that have somehow infected John Jameson are explained. Spider-Man shows up next in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #3. This issue is reprinted many times, so just take a look for those reprints, but make sure to get the #41-43 run story wise. 

Reprinted In:
Marvel Tales #30
Marvel Tales #180
 Marvel Masterworks Vol. 22
Spider-Man Essentials II