Preston Payne uses blood from Matt Hagen, the second Clayface, to try to change the effects of hyperpituitarism on his appearance. But the "cure" causes Payne's flesh to melt like wax and forces him to periodically dissolve others into protoplasm. When Batman interferes with Payne's theft of the components necessary to reverse his condition, he may become Clayface's next victim.; Before Preston Payne can complete the mechanism which will restore his humanity, Batman confronts him and all of Clayface's efforts go up in fire and smoke.