After eight issues, the ancient tablet storyline comes to a dramatic conclusion in this issue. So far, Spider-Man and the Kingpin tangled over possession of an ancient petrified tablet which is rumored to have vast powers. Spidey defeats the Kingpin and later, the Shocker. But the tablet ends up in the hands of Silvermane, the leader of the Maggia crime family. Silvermane kidnaps Dr. Curt Connors (Spider-Man's friend who sometimes transforms into the deadly Lizard) and forces him to translate the tablet. Dr. Connors does and creates a serum which restores the aged Silvermane to his youth. It seems the formula is the secret to the legendary Fountain of Youth itself.

The story picks up with Spider-Man swinging around Manhattan looking for Dr. Connors. "I know that he and his family are in the deadliest of danger! And at the root of it all is the mysterious ancient tablet! But I'll find him yet -- and solve the mystery -- if it's the last thing I do!" Spider-Man says. He shakes down a couple of Maggia thugs and learns that Silvermane is held up in the Galby Building uptown. He heads there looking to rescue the Connors family. Back at the Maggia headquarters, Man Mountain Marko, Silverman's enforcer, still can't believe his leader's transformation. So Silvermane convinces the rugged Marko with his fists. "I am the Silvermane that was -- the Silvermane who years ago fought his way to the top of the Maggia -- over many such as you!" he says. Marko finally is convinced. However, Silvermane is continuing to get younger, even after his initial revitalization. "It ain't possible -- but I see it -- I see it happenin', just like as if a clock is movin' backwards just for you!" the astonished Marko says.

At that point, Spider-Man smashes into the building, looking for a rematch with Man Mountain Marko, with whom he tangled in Amazing Spider-Man #73. This time, with no innocent bystanders to distract him, Spider-Man has a relatively easy time with Man Mountain Marko, who is a big, strong, tough guy, but who has no superpowers. "If you think you're really a match for me, I'd better clue you in to the facts of life -- but fast!" Spider-Man says. He defeats the villain and turns to see Silvermane is now a man in his early 20s. "And the younger I get -- the healthier I get -- the more alive, the more powerful I become!" Silvermane declares. Meanwhile, Dr. Connors sees the brawl and decides it is time for him and his family to sneak away to safety. However, the stress is too much for him and he transforms into the Lizard. Of course, when he is the Lizard, he doesn't remember that he really is Curt Connors. He just becomes a savage, cunning, incredibly powerful beast. "Must get out! Must have time to plan -- to stalk -- and then, to strike!" the Lizard says as he fights his way out.

Spider-Man goes one-on-one with Silvermane, who is getting younger by the minute. He is beginning to get scared, as he now has become a teenager once again. "With every heartbeat -- I grow younger -- younger! But where will it end?" he asks. Stan Lee's scripting is strong here, but it's John Romita's art that truly tells the story. As Silvermane looks at himself in the mirror, the visual storytelling is masterful. Romita gets all the details right, such as making Silvermane's clothes baggier as he gets younger. Before long, Spider-Man hears the sobs of a baby. Those sobs fade away, leaving just an empty pile of clothing. Spider-Man can only hide his face in his hands. Although Silvermane was a killer, Spider-Man still feels sympathy for him. Now this is the way Spider-Man should be depicted - as a true hero whose compassion matches his power. "Silvermane found the youth he sought -- and the prize will be his forever!" he says. Just some fantastic storytelling here.

The issue probably should have just ended here, but we get two more pages of house-keeping. Spider-Man finds Mrs. Connors and her son, Billy, and gets them to safety. But they all are concerned to hear that Dr. Connors is nowhere to be found. Sure enough, the Lizard is back on the rampage.

The ancient tablet storyline is remembered as a highlight of the Lee/Romita era in large part because of this issue. It's one of those stories that reminds you of just how good Spider-Man comics can be. This 8-issue storyline dragged a little at times, but the ending was so strong, it more than makes up for a couple of relatively boring issues.

Next issue: You don't need to know much more than this: The Lizard lives!

Reviewed by Bruce Buchanan.

Reprinted In:
Marvel Tales #56
Spider-Man Comics Magazine #8
Spider-Man Essentials IV