Marvel; October 1978
Cover by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito
Title: “Spider, Spider, Burning Bright!”
Synopsis: Spider-Man escapes from a vat of burning oil to go mano a mano with the White Dragon.
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciler: Ross Andru
Inker: Mike Esposito
Review: This lead story has nothing to do with the cover, instead offering a showdown with White Dragon. It’s straightforward Spider-Man fare, with requisite snappy banter and creative use of webbing. Some consider Ross Andru a definitive Spider-Man artist, but this reviewer isn’t that fond of his work.
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Title: “The Graduation of Peter Parker”
Synopsis: It’s graduation day for college student Peter Parker, so what are the chances of things going as planned?
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciler: Ross Andru
Inker: Mike Esposito
Review: It’s a shame this story wasn’t given more room to breathe, as it’s a key moment in the character’s evolution.
Grade (for the whole issue): B-
Cool factor: This issue is all about the moral, baby: Crime doesn’t pay, but college does. Stay in school, kids!
Not-so-cool factor: Robbie Robertson smoking in Aunt May’s hospital room. Shame!
Notable: Ross Andru’s last issue, finishing off a five-year run.
Character quotable: “Victory … at last!” — Peter Parker, not quite a college graduate.
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