Review of
Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #28
Published:
September 1965
Reviewer Rating:
Avg User Rating:
(3.44)
The Amazing Spider-Man #28 is one of those issues where the cover promises one thing and the heart of the comic delivers another. Yes, Molten Man is a fairly low tier antagonist, basically a glowing gold strongman born from a rushed scientific mishap, but the real weight of the issue lies elsewhere. The fight itself has flashes of visual ingenuity, especially in the heavy black backgrounds that make Molten Mans metallic sheen pop, but it resolves too quickly and too conveniently to feel truly satisfying.
What does work is everything surrounding the action. This is a milestone chapter for Peter Parker. His graduation from Midtown High and acceptance of a science scholarship to Empire State University marks the first major status quo shift in the series. The sense of strain, financial, emotional, social, feels genuine, and Peters quiet relief at catching a break is far more compelling than watching Spider-Man trade punches with another gimmick villain.
The character moments shine. Liz Allan finally asserts herself with dignity, Flash remains obnoxiously present (now following Peter into college), and J. Jonah Jameson serving as graduation speaker is both funny and painfully on brand. These scenes give the issue a bittersweet tone: an ending, not just of a school year, but of an entire phase of Peters life.
Visually, Steve Ditko is still effective in action and atmosphere, though some of his recurring facial tics, especially on supporting characters, are starting to feel repetitive. Likewise, Stan Lees occasional continuity slips (yes, Liz Hilton) are noticeable but forgivable.
In the end, this is a Spider-Man story where the Spider-Man part feels secondary, and thats not a flaw. Its a confident step toward adulthood for the character, even if the villain is forgettable.
Final verdict: 7.24/10
What does work is everything surrounding the action. This is a milestone chapter for Peter Parker. His graduation from Midtown High and acceptance of a science scholarship to Empire State University marks the first major status quo shift in the series. The sense of strain, financial, emotional, social, feels genuine, and Peters quiet relief at catching a break is far more compelling than watching Spider-Man trade punches with another gimmick villain.
The character moments shine. Liz Allan finally asserts herself with dignity, Flash remains obnoxiously present (now following Peter into college), and J. Jonah Jameson serving as graduation speaker is both funny and painfully on brand. These scenes give the issue a bittersweet tone: an ending, not just of a school year, but of an entire phase of Peters life.
Visually, Steve Ditko is still effective in action and atmosphere, though some of his recurring facial tics, especially on supporting characters, are starting to feel repetitive. Likewise, Stan Lees occasional continuity slips (yes, Liz Hilton) are noticeable but forgivable.
In the end, this is a Spider-Man story where the Spider-Man part feels secondary, and thats not a flaw. Its a confident step toward adulthood for the character, even if the villain is forgettable.
Final verdict: 7.24/10
