Essential Human Torch #1

Marvel Comics

United States

Published: [October] 2003
Page count: 504
Cover price: 14.99 USD
Colour: Black & white
Format: Comic series
GCD: www.comics.org/issue/174695

Credits

Editing: Jeff Youngquist

Issue contents

Cover Untitled (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover, 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Chic Stone
Colours: Avalon Studios
Editing: Jeff Youngquist

Reprint history

Printed in: from Fantastic Four Annual (Marvel, 1963 series) #2 (1964) [pin-up page]

Notes

Reprints the Human Torch stories from Strange Tales #101-134 and Strange Tales Annual #2. The cover art is from a pin-up page from Fantastic Four Annual #2.

Essential Human Torch (Marvel, 2003 series) #1 — Untitled

1. Starring: the Fabulous Human Torch! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Destroyer [Charles Stanton]

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

2. The Human Torch (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 7 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: v-846
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (flashback); Thing [Ben Grimm] (flashback); Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (flashback); Destroyer [Charles Stanton] (Intro)

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (Plot)
Larry Lieber (Dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Reprint history

First print: Marvel Tales (Marvel, 1966 series) #3 (July 1966)
— The Human Torch
Also printed: Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #101 (October 1962)
— The Human Torch
: Marvel Tales (Yaffa/Page, 1977? series) #1 ([1977?])
— The Human Torch Part 2: The Faming Fury Strikes Back!!
: Marvel Tales (Yaffa/Page, 1977? series) #2 ([1979?])

Synopsis

In Glenville, Johnny lives with his sister Sue. While she's known as a member of the Fantastic Four, he tries to keep a low profile. We get to see the house, much of which is chemically fire-resistent, and equipped with various crime-fighting equipment. But even in the suburbs danger lurks, as someone called The Destroyer is hell-bent on wrecking a local amusement park nearing completion.

Notes

Part 1 of 2. Contains diagram & Sue & Johnny's house & brief recap of the Fantastic Four's origin.

3. Part 2: "The Flaming Fury Strikes Back!!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 6 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Destroyer [Charles Stanton]

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (Plot)
Larry Lieber (Dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Reprint history

Also printed: The Human Torch (Yaffa, 1977? series) #3 (1980)

Synopsis

Ben shows up, but Johnny refuses help, saying it's his fight. After another encounter with The Destroyer, Johnny gets a hunch when he realizes the targets so far have been the roller coaster and the parachute jump. Atop the coaster, he looks out to sea and spots a Commie sub! The Destroyer turns out to be Charles Stanton, publisher of the town's newspaper, who'd been smuggling info to the Reds until the building of the amusement park increased the risk that the submarine might been seen.

Notes

Part 2 of 2. Destroyer no relation to the Stan Lee character from Mystic Comics #6 (October 1941), the Lee-Kirby character from Journey Into Mystery #118 (July 1965) or the Jim Starlin character from Iron Man #55 (February 1973).

4. "Who Needs You"? [panel 1] / "Secret of the Hidden Planet"? [panel 2] / "Prisoner of the Wizard"! [panel 3] (Sci-fi stories (panels 1 and 2); Human Torch [Johnny Storm] (panel 3)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Sci-fi stories (panels 1 and 2); Human Torch [Johnny Storm] (panel 3)
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

Cover divided into 3 panels.

5. Part 1: "Prisoner of the Wizard" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 7 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard (Origin, Intro); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Destroyer (cameo)

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (Plot)
Larry Lieber (Dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Synopsis

As a crowd of theatre-goers watch a newsreel about Johnny (showing his adventure against The Destroyer), one in the crowd, The Wizard, thinks it would be a great challenge to match his skills against The Torch. The Wizard considers himself the world's greatest brain. He's designed an ultra-modern home, created inventions that have brought him fame and fortune, solved "impossible" puzzles, beaten chess champions & calculating robots, and even been a master escape artist. He sees beating Johnny as somehow "the ultimate achievement", and tricks Johnny into rescuing him when a digging machine he's trying out appeares to go wrong. Showing off his home in gratitude, he suddenly douses Johnny with flame-retarding chemicals!

Notes

Part 1 of 2. 1st appearance (and origin) of The Wizard.

6. Part 2: "Wizard's Wiles!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 6 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (Plot)
Larry Lieber (Dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Synopsis

The Wizard makes Johnny a prisoner, and with a special suit, impersonates him, commits a bank robbery, performs a mass jail-break, extorts money from commuters on a bridge, all to make The Torch appear a criminal, and "prove" that he is superior to him. "You must have flipped your cork!" says Johnny. (I'll say!) Later, The Wizard shows Johnny photos that prove he committed the crimes Johnny appears guilty of, but as Johnny won't kill an unarmed man, he'll have no choice but to watch as The Wizard burns the evidence. But the photos fly from The Wizard's hands on their own, and Johnny calls the police, turning over the pics and the Wizard. After they leave, we find he beat the Wizard with help-- from his sister!

Notes

Part 2 of 2. The Wizard's next appearance in Strange Tales #105 (February 1963).

7. Prisoner of the 5th Dimension! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Zemu

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Reprint history

Also printed: The Human Torch (Yaffa, 1977? series) #3 (1980)

8. Prisoner of the 5th Dimension! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 5 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: v-823
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; George Bentley (real estate developer); Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo)

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (Plot)
Larry Lieber (Dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Reprint history

First print: Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #103 (December 1962)
— Prisoner of the 5th Dimension!
Also printed: Marvel Tales (Marvel, 1966 series) #5 (November 1966)
— Prisoner of the 5th Dimension!
: The Human Torch (Marvel, 1974 series) #3 (January 1975)
— Prisoner of the 5th Dimension!
: The Fantastic Four (Newton, 1975 series) #3 ([March 1975?])
— Prisoner of the 5th Dimension!
: The Human Torch (Yaffa, 1977? series) #3 (1980)
— Prisoner of the 5th Dimension Part 2: Trapped in Another World Part 3: The End of Zemu

Synopsis

Perfectly good houses sink into the ground after they're built. Reed suggests sabotage; a farmer blames "swamp demons". When Johnny investigates, he sees strange men with blue skin using an "electro gamma wave" ray gun to make the houses sink. The farmer, confronted, proves to be one of them as well, and he uses an "anti-matter electron" gun to make Johnny's flame go out!

Notes

Part 1 of 3.

9. Part 2: Trapped in Another World! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 5 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: V-823
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Zemu (despot) (Intro); Valeria (Intro); Phineas (Intro); Theos (Intro)

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (Plot)
Larry Lieber (Dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Reprint history

First print: Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #103 (December 1962)
— Part 2: Trapped in Another World!
Also printed: Marvel Tales (Marvel, 1966 series) #5 (November 1966)
— Part 2: Trapped in Another World!
: The Human Torch (Marvel, 1974 series) #3 (January 1975)
— Part 2: Trapped in Another World!
: The Fantastic Four (Newton, 1975 series) #3 ([March 1975?])
— Part 2 Trapped in Another World!

Synopsis

Johnny is transported to another dimension, where, in a futuristic city, he's taken before Zemu, a despot who plans to conquer Earth, and had been trying to drive away the real estate developers from the dimensional passageway. Imprisoned in a water tank, Johnny is freed by Valeria, whose father Phineas wishes to overthrow the tyrant. Zemu's troops attack, threatening to kill the others if Johnny doesn't surrender. But he frees his new friends...

Notes

Part 2 of 3. 1st appearances of Zemu, Valeria, Phineas & Theos.

10. Part 3: The End of Zemu! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 3 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: V-823
Characters: Zemu; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Valeria; Phineas; Theos; Mr. Harris (teacher)

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (Plot)
Larry Lieber (Dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Reprint history

First print: Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #103 (December 1962)
— Part 3: The End of Zemu!
Also printed: Marvel Tales (Marvel, 1966 series) #5 (November 1966)
— Part 3: The End of Zemu!
: The Human Torch (Marvel, 1974 series) #3 (January 1975)
— Part 3: The End of Zemu!
: The Fantastic Four (Newton, 1975 series) #3 ([March 1975?])
— Part 3 The End of Zemu!

Synopsis

Johnny uses his flames to create a tornado to take out the asbestos-covered armored tanks, then writes a message in the sky to inspire an uprising! Zemu is quickly overthrown, the people can now live free, and Valeria wishes Johnny could stay. Back in school, Johnny daydreams about her, thinking "I'll never be able to get her out of my mind..." (Ah, so young!)

Notes

Part 3 of 3. Zemu, Valeria & Phineas would return in Fantastic Four #158 (May 1975).

11. Paste-Pot Pete (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Paste-Pot Pete

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

12. The Human Torch Meets Paste-Pot Pete! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: v-377
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Paste-Pot Pete ("Master Criminal") (Intro)

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (Plot)
Larry Lieber (Dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

1st appearance of Paste-Pot Pete. Next appearance in STRANGE TALES #110 (July 1963). Pete became The Trapster in FANTASTIC FOUR #38 (May 1965).

13. "The Return of the Wizard!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

14. "The Return of the Wizard!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo); Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo)

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (Plot)
Larry Lieber (Dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Reprint history

First print: Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #105 (February 1963)
— "The Return of the Wizard!"
Also printed: Strange Tales (Horwitz, 1963 series) #1 ([March 1963?])
: Strange Tales (Horwitz, 1963 series) #1 ([March 1963?])
— The Return of the Wizard
: Marvel Tales (Marvel, 1949 series) #7 (March 1967)
— "he Return of the Wizard!
: The Human Torch (Marvel, 1974 series) #5 (May 1975)
— "The Return of the Wizard!"

Synopsis

Johnny and Sue team-up to battle the Wizard.

15. "The Threat of the Torrid Twosome!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Acrobat [Carl Zante]

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

Dick Ayers per Henry Kujawa (22 August 2007). Originally listed George Roussos.

16. The Threat of the Torrid Twosome (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Carl Zante [Acrobat] (Intro); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Miracle Man (flashback); Sub-Mariner (flashback); Dr. Doom (flashback)

Credits

Script: Larry Lieber
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: John Duffy
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

The Acrobat (1st app.; villain; next appears in #114, disguised as Captain America)

17. Untitled (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Sub-Mariner [Prince Namor]

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Sol Brodsky
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

18. The Master of Flame Vs. the Monarch of the Sea!! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-88
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Sub-Mariner [Prince Namor]; Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo); Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo)

Credits

Script: Larry Lieber
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

A SILVER Age Sub-Mariner/Human Torch battle.

19. "The Painter of a Thousand Perils!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing (image); Invisible Girl (image); Mr. Fantastic (image); The Painter [Wilhelm Van Vile]

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

20. "The Painter of a Thousand Perils!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard (flashback); Zemu (flashback); "Scar" Tobin (gangster chief) (Intro); The Painter [Wilhelm Van Vile] (counterfeiter) (Intro); Nick (gangster); Sam (gangster); Eddie (gangster); Illusions created by Wilhelm Van Vile, the "Painter of a Thousand Perils": Mr. Fantastic; Invisible Girl; Thing

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (Plot)
Robert Bernstein (Dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Terry Szenics
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Reprint history

Based on: Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #108 (May 1963)
— "The Painter of a Thousand Perils!"
Printed in: Climax Adventure Comic (Colour Comics, 1962 series) #4 ([June 1965?])
— The Painter of a Thousand Perils!
Also printed: Marvel Tales (Marvel, 1966 series) #10 (September 1967)
— "The Painter of a Thousand Perils!"
: The Fantastic Four (Newton, 1975 series) #8 (1975)
— The Painter of a Thousand Perils!
: The Human Torch (Marvel, 1974 series) #8 (November 1975)
— "The Painter of a Thousand Perils!"

21. Imps from Pandora's Box! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

22. The Sorcerer and Pandora's Box (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Girl, Thing

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (plot)
Robert Bernstein (dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Marty Epp
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

23. The Wizard and Paste-Pot Pete (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Paste-Pot Pete; Wizard

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

24. The Human Torch Vs. the Wizard and Paste-Pot Pete! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-218a
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard; Paste-Pot Pete; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo); Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee (Co-Plot)
Dick Ayers (Co-Plot)
Ernie Hart [as H.E. Huntley] (Dialogue)
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: John Duffy
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

25. Untitled (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Asbestos Man [Professor Orson Kasloff]

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

26. "Fighting to the Death with the Asbestos Man!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Asbestos Man [Professor Orson Kasloff] (Intro) (Origin); Blackie Backer (racketeer) (Intro); Thing [Ben Grimm]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Invisible Girl (out of costume, as Sue Storm)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee (Plot)
Ernie Hart [as H. Huntley] (Dialogue)
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: Sam Harold
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Reprint history

First print: Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #111 (August 1963)
— Fighting to the Death with the Asbestos Man!
Also printed: The Fantastic Four (Newton, 1975 series) #9 (November 1975)
— Fighting to the Death with the Asbestos Man!

27. "The Living Bomb!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; The Eel [Leopold Stryke]

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

28. "The Living Bomb!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-365
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Ted Braddock (TV commentator); The Eel [Leopold Stryke] (Intro); Charles Lawson (inventor); Moxie Gahagan (fence); Wizard (cameo); Thing [Ben Grimm]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Baldy (gangster; cameo)

Credits

Script: Jerry Siegel [as Joe Carter]
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

A Marvel Comics story written by Superman's co-creator!

29. The Amazing Spider-Man Face-to-Face with... the Human Torch (Human Torch [Johnny Storm] and Spider-Man) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm] and Spider-Man
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Steve Ditko
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

30. Human Torch, on the Trail of the Amazing Spider-Man! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm] and Spider-Man) Comic story, 18 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm] and Spider-Man
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Invisible Girl (cameo)

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (plot)
Stan Lee (dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Steve Ditko
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

Spider-Man's first guest appearance (published the same month as Amazing Spider-Man #5) and the first of many Spider-Man/Human Torch team-ups. They had previously met in Amazing Spider-Man #1 and 3, but this is the first time they joined forces to fight crime.

31. Untitled (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Plantman [Sam Smithers]

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Reprint history

First print: Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #113 (October 1963)
— Untitled
(black & white)
Also printed: Newton Holiday Spectacular (Newton, 1975?) ([1975?])
— Untitled

32. "The Coming of the Plantman!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Doris Evans (Intro); Plantman [Sam Smithers] (gardener) (Intro); Mr. Evans (Doris' father) (Intro)

Credits

Script: Jerry Siegel [as Joe Carter]
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Reprint history

First print: Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #113 (October 1963)
— The Coming of the Plantman! (black & white)
Also printed: Newton Holiday Spectacular (Newton, 1975?) ([1975?])
— The Coming of the Plantman!

Notes

Jerry Siegel's 2nd Human Torch story.

33. Untitled (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Captain America [Carl Zante; also as The Acrobat]

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

34. The Human Torch Meets... "Captain America" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 18 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: X-449
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Captain America [Carl Zante; also as The Acrobat]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Doris Evans; Captain America [Steve Rogers] (cameo)

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (Plot)
Stan Lee (Dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

Johnny battles a criminal posing as Captain America -- a try-out for the return of the real Captain America 5 months later, in Avengers #4 (Mar, 1964).

35. Untitled (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Sandman [Flint Marko]; Spider-Man [Peter Parker]

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Steve Ditko
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

36. The Sandman Strikes! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Sandman (2nd app., 3 months after Amazing Spider-Man #4); Mr. Fantastic; Spider-Man (flashback, cameo)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Synopsis

Reed tells Johnny the news that The Sandman has broken jail, and he thinks of the villain's earlier battle with Spider-Man. Johnny runs across him on the George Washington Bridge, but Sandman eludes him. Meanwhile, atop the Empire State Building, Spider-Man uses a loudspeaker to send out a message daring Sandman to fight him! Before long, Sandman shows up and knocks Spidey right off the building. But the Torch also shows up, and he & Sandman battle inside the building. Running thru a set of sprinklers, Sandman figures the Torch's flame will be put out, but suddenly realizes he's turning to mud-- his own weakness! After clobbering Sandman & turning him over to the police, Johnny departs, while Spidey thinks he doesn't like the Torch cutting in on "his" action.

37. The Human Torch Battles the Thing! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Puppet Master; Alicia Masters

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: George Roussos
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

38. In the Clutches of the Puppet Master! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: X-515
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Puppet Master; Alicia Masters; Reed Richards [Mr. Fantastic] (cameo); Sue Storm [Invisible Girl] (cameo)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Dick Ayers
Inks: George Roussos
Letters: Ray Holloway
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Synopsis

We learn in flashback how the Puppet Master escaped death at the tentacles of a giant octopus. He then takes control of Johnny, and sends him after Alicia romantically, in order to set him and Ben against each other. 8-page fight ensues!

Notes

1st Human Torch/Thing team-up in Strange Tales. The story was "Based upon an idea by Tommy and Jimmy Goodkind, Hewlett Harbor, New York".

39. "The Return of the Eel!" (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Eel

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Steve Ditko [Eel figure]
Inks: George Roussos
Steve Ditko [Eel Figure]
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

40. The Return of the Eel! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 14 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-546
Characters: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Eel [Leopold Stryke]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Synopsis

Having served his time, The Eel is released from jail, but Johnny's suspicious because he left prison wearing his Eel costume. Taking a security guard job at an aquarium, The Eel begins pulling crimes, but eventually, Johnny tracks him down and defeats him again.

41. Untitled (Human Torch [Human Torch] (w. Dr. Strange panel)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Human Torch] (w. Dr. Strange panel)
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Mr. Fantastic, Thing

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)
Inks: George Roussos
Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

Dr. Strange's 1st cover appearance.

42. The Man Who Became the Torch! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-593
Characters: Invisible Girl, Mr. Fantastic, Thing

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

43. The Rabble Rouser! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: George Roussos
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

44. The Torch Goes Wild! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-605
Characters: Spider-Man, Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Girl, Thing (cameos, all)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

45. The Human Torch Meets the Iceman! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Iceman

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: George Roussos
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

46. The Torch Meets the Iceman! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 14 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Iceman (guest app.), Prof. X (cameo), Angel (cameo), Marvel Girl (cameo), Mr. Fantastic (cameo), Invisible Girl (cameo), Thing (cameo)

Credits

Script: Jack Kirby (plot)
Stan Lee (dialogue)
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

Early X-Men guest appearance (same month as X-Men #5, May, 1964).

47. Prisoner of the Plantman! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm] (w. Dr. Strange panel)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm] (w. Dr. Strange panel)
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)
Inks: Steve Ditko
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

48. Prisoner of the Plantman! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 14 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Girl, Thing

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

49. 3 Against the Torch! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm] (w. Dr. Strange panel)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm] (w. Dr. Strange panel)
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Dr. Doom

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)
Inks: George Roussos
Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

50. 3 Against the Torch! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 14 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-703
Characters: Dr. Doom, Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Girl, Thing (all in flashback to Fantastic Four #22)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Dick Ayers
Inks: George Roussos
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

51. Untitled (Human Torch [Johnny Storm] (left half) / Dr. Strange (right half)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm] (left half) / Dr. Strange (right half)
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Thing (left half) / Loki, Thor (right half)

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: George Roussos
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

Split cover. The left half features the Human Torch, and the right half features Dr. Strange.

52. The Birth of the Beetle! (Human Torch [Johnny Storm]) Comic story, 14 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-717
Characters: Thing

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Carl Burgos
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

A Silver Age Human Torch story pencilled by Carl Burgos, the creator of the Golden Age Human Torch. Human Torch/Thing team-ups begin. The Thing is billed as a guest-star in this story. He officially becomes co-star next issue.

53. Untitled (Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Dick Ayers
Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)
Inks: Frank Giacoia ?
Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

54. Paste-Pot Pete (Human Torch and the Thing) Comic story, 14 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-752

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Dick Ayers
Inks: Paul Reinman
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

The Thing becomes the Torch's co-star beginning with this story.

55. Untitled (Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Sub-Mariner

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Frank Giacoia
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

56. The Sub-Mariner Must Be Stopped! (Human Torch and the Thing) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-772
Characters: Sub-Mariner (guest app.), Mr. Fantastic (cameo), Invisible Girl (cameo)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Dick Ayers
Inks: Paul Reinman
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

57. Pawns of the Deadly Duo! (Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Chic Stone
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

58. Pawns of the Deadly Duo! (Human Torch and the Thing) Comic story, 13 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-788
Characters: Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Girl (cameos)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Dick Ayers
Inks: Paul Reinman
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

59. The Mystery Villain! (Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)
Inks: Chic Stone
Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

60. The Mystery Villain! (Human Torch and the Thing) Comic story, 12 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-809
Characters: Mr. Fantastic

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Dick Ayers
Inks: Paul Reinman
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

61. A Marvel Masterwork Pin-Up (The Thing) Illustration, 1 page

Featuring

Feature: The Thing
Genre: Superhero
Code: x-809

Credits

Pencils: Dick Ayers
Inks: Paul Reinman
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

62. Untitled (Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Frank Giacoia
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

63. Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch (Human Torch and the Thing) Comic story, 12 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Dick Ayers
Inks: Frank Giacoia
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

64. The Terrible Trio (Human Torch and the Thing) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Chic Stone
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

65. The Terrible Trio! (Human Torch and the Thing) Comic story, 12 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Dick Ayers
Inks: Frank Giacoia
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

66. The Defeat of Dr. Strange! / Meet.. the Beatles! (Dr. Strange (left half) / Human Torch and the Thing (right half)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Dr. Strange (left half) / Human Torch and the Thing (right half)
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Chic Stone
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

Split cover. Ben and Johnny wear Beatle wigs.

67. Meet the Beatles! (Human Torch and the Thing) Comic story, 12 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero
Characters: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr (The Beatles); Alicia Masters; Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Girl (cameos)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Bob Powell
Inks: Chic Stone
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

68. The Bouncing Ball of Doom! (Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Bob Powell
Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)
Inks: Dick Ayers
Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

69. The Bouncing Ball of Doom! (Human Torch and the Thing) Comic story, 12 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Girl (cameos)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Bob Powell
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

70. The Sinister Spacetrap! (Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing (w. Dr. Strange panel)
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Mike Esposito
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

71. The Sinister Space Trap! (Human Torch and the Thing) Comic story, 12 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Girl (cameos)

Credits

Script: Larry Ivie
Pencils: Bob Powell
Inks: Mike Esposito
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

72. A Nameless Land! A Timeless Time! / The Terrible Toys! (Dr. Strange (left half) / Human Torch and the Thing (right half)) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Dr. Strange (left half) / Human Torch and the Thing (right half)
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Mike Esposito
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Notes

Split cover.

73. The Terrible Toys! (Human Torch and the Thing) Comic story, 12 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero
Characters: Alicia Masters

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Bob Powell
Inks: Mike Esposito
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

74. Enter: The Watcher! (Human Torch and the Thing) Cover reprint (on interior page), 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero
Characters: The Watcher

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Frank Giacoia
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

75. The Challenge of... the Watcher! (Human Torch and the Thing) Comic story, 12 pages

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero
Characters: The Watcher (guest app.), Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Girl (cameos)

Credits

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Bob Powell
Inks: Wally Wood
Letters: Art Simek
Editing: Stan Lee (Original Editor)

76. Untitled (Human Torch and the Thing) Illustration, 1 page

Featuring

Feature: Human Torch and the Thing
Genre: Superhero

Credits

Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: George Roussos
Colours: Avalon Studios

Notes

The back cover art is reprinted from the cover of Strange Tales #116.

Notes

Reprints the Human Torch stories from Strange Tales #101-134 and Strange Tales Annual #2. The cover art is from a pin-up page from Fantastic Four Annual #2.

Status

AusReprints ID

43899

Cover added

17/02/2010

Index completed

17/02/2010