Essential Human Torch #1

([October] 2003)

Graphic Novels (Table of Contents: 1) (Expand) /

promo (ad from the publisher) / 1 page (report information)

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 2)

credits, title page / 5 pages (report information)

Script

?

Pencils

?

Inks

?

Letters

typeset

Indexer Notes

Title page and credits.

Starring: the Fabulous Human Torch! (Table of Contents: 3)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

?

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Destroyer [Charles Stanton]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #101 (October 1962) [black & white]

The Human Torch (Table of Contents: 4)

Human Torch / comic story / 7 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (Plot); Larry Lieber (credited) (Dialogue); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Job Number

v-846

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (flashback); Thing [Ben Grimm] (flashback); Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (flashback); Destroyer [Charles Stanton] (Intro)

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-resistant, 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.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #101 (October 1962) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

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

Part 2: "The Flaming Fury Strikes Back!!" (Table of Contents: 5)

Human Torch / comic story / 6 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (Plot); Larry Lieber (credited) (Dialogue); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Destroyer [Charles Stanton]

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.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #101 (October 1962)

Indexer 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).

"Who Needs You"? [panel 1] / "Secret of the Hidden Planet"? [panel 2] / "Prisoner of the Wizard"! [panel 3] (Table of Contents: 6)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #102 (November 1962) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Cover divided into 3 panels.

Part 1: "Prisoner of the Wizard" (Table of Contents: 7)

Human Torch / comic story / 7 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (Plot); Larry Lieber (credited) (Dialogue); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard (Origin, Intro); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Destroyer (cameo)

Synopsis

The Human Torch is tricked and trapped by the renowned genius the Wizard, who impersonates the Torch to frame him for crimes. The Torch escapes, captures the Wizard and clears his name with the help of his sister the Invisible Girl.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #102 (November 1962) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

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

Part 2: "Wizard's Wiles!" (Table of Contents: 8)

Human Torch / comic story / 6 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (Plot); Larry Lieber (credited) (Dialogue); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]

Synopsis

The Wizard makes Johnny a prisoner, and with a special suit he commits crimes all over town in order to make The Torch appear a criminal, and "prove" that he is superior to him. 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 pictures and the Wizard. After they leave, we find he beat the Wizard with help-- from his sister!

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #102 (November 1962)

Indexer Notes

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

Prisoner of the 5th Dimension! (Table of Contents: 9)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby (signed as Kirby)

Inks

Dick Ayers (signed as Ayers)

Letters

Artie Simek

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Zemu

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #103 (December 1962) [black & white]

Prisoner of the 5th Dimension! (Table of Contents: 10)

Human Torch / comic story / 5 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (Plot); Larry Lieber (credited) (Dialogue); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Job Number

v-823

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; George Bentley (real estate developer); Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo)

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!

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #103 (December 1962) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Part 1 of 3.

Part 2: Trapped in Another World! (Table of Contents: 11)

Human Torch / comic story / 5 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (Plot); Larry Lieber (credited) (Dialogue); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Job Number

V-823

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Zemu (despot) (Intro); Valeria (Intro); Phineas (Intro); Theos (Intro)

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...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #103 (December 1962)

Indexer Notes

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

Part 3: The End of Zemu! (Table of Contents: 12)

Human Torch / comic story / 3 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (Plot); Larry Lieber (credited) (Dialogue); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Job Number

V-823

Genre

superhero

Characters

Zemu; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Valeria; Phineas; Theos; Mr. Harris (teacher)

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..."

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #103 (December 1962)

Indexer Notes

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

Paste-Pot Pete (Table of Contents: 13)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Paste-Pot Pete

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #104 (January 1963) [black & white]

The Human Torch Meets Paste-Pot Pete! (Table of Contents: 14)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (Plot); Larry Lieber (credited) (Dialogue); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as A. Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Job Number

v-377

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Paste-Pot Pete ("Master Criminal") (Intro)

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #104 (January 1963) [black & white]

Indexer 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).

"The Return of the Wizard!" (Table of Contents: 15)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #105 (February 1963) [black & white]

"The Return of the Wizard!" (Table of Contents: 16)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (Plot); Larry Lieber (credited) (Dialogue); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

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

Synopsis

Johnny and Sue team-up to battle the Wizard.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #105 (February 1963) [black & white]

"The Threat of the Torrid Twosome!" (Table of Contents: 17)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

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

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #106 (March 1963) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

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

The Threat of the Torrid Twosome (Table of Contents: 18)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Larry Lieber (credited); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

John Duffy (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

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)

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #106 (March 1963) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

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

[untitled] (Table of Contents: 19)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Sol Brodsky

Letters

Artie Simek

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Sub-Mariner [Prince Namor]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #107 (April 1963) [black & white]

The Master of Flame Vs. the Monarch of the Sea!! (Table of Contents: 20)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Larry Lieber (credited); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Job Number

x-88

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Sub-Mariner [Prince Namor]; Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo); Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo)

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #107 (April 1963) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

A SILVER Age Sub-Mariner/Human Torch battle.

"The Painter of a Thousand Perils!" (Table of Contents: 21)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

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

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #108 (May 1963) [black & white]

"The Painter of a Thousand Perils!" (Table of Contents: 22)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (Plot); Robert Bernstein (credited as R. Berns) (Dialogue); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Terry Szenics (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

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

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #108 (May 1963) [black & white]

Imps from Pandora's Box! (Table of Contents: 23)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek; ?

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #109 (June 1963) [black & white]

The Sorcerer and Pandora's Box (Table of Contents: 24)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Robert Bernstein (credited as R. Berns) (dialogue); Stan Lee (credited) (plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Marty Epp (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Mr. Fantastic; Invisible Girl; Thing

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #109 (June 1963) [black & white]

The Wizard and Paste-Pot Pete (Table of Contents: 25)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Paste-Pot Pete; Wizard

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #110 (July 1963) [black & white]

The Human Torch Vs. the Wizard and Paste-Pot Pete! (Table of Contents: 26)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (plot); Dick Ayers (plot); Ernie Hart (credited as H. E. Huntley)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

John Duffy (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Job Number

x-218a

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard; Paste-Pot Pete; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo); Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo)

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #110 (July 1963) [black & white]

[untitled] (Table of Contents: 27)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek

Editing

Stan Lee (Original Editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Asbestos Man [Professor Orson Kasloff]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #111 (August 1963) [black & white]

"Fighting to the Death with the Asbestos Man!" (Table of Contents: 28)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited) (plot); Ernie Hart (credited as H. Huntley)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited as Sam Harold)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited) (Original Editor)

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 [Sue Storm] (out of costume)

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #111 (August 1963) [black & white]

"The Living Bomb!" (Table of Contents: 29)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; The Eel [Leopold Stryke]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #112 (September 1963) [black & white]

"The Living Bomb!" (Table of Contents: 30)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Jerry Siegel (credited as Joe Carter); Stan Lee (credited) (story plot)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited as S. Rosen)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited) (editor)

Job Number

x-365

Genre

superhero

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)

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #112 (September 1963) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

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

The Amazing Spider-Man Face-to-Face with... the Human Torch (Table of Contents: 31)

Human Torch; Spider-Man / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Sol Brodsky ?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Spider-Man [Peter Parker]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales Annual (Marvel, 1962 series) #2 ([September] 1963) [black & white]

Human Torch, on the Trail of the Amazing Spider-Man! (Table of Contents: 32)

Human Torch; Spider-Man / comic story / 18 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (credited) (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Steve Ditko (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Fox [Reynard Slinker] (introduction); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Deputy Police Inspector Rudd

Synopsis

An art thief frames Spider-Man and the Human Torch tries to hunt him down. Spider-Man convinces the Torch of his innocence, and the two track down the thief together.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales Annual (Marvel, 1962 series) #2 ([September] 1963) [black and white]

Indexer 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.

[untitled] (Table of Contents: 33)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby; Sol Brodsky ? (alterations)

Inks

Don Heck; Sol Brodsky ? (alterations)

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Plantman [Sam Smithers]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #113 (October 1963) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Sol Brodsky likely altered the Human Torch figure. Info per Nick Caputo, August 2014. Don Heck inks also per Nick. Previous indexer credited Dick Ayers. An unaltered cover with different lettering and art on the trees was published in Creepy Worlds #51.

"The Coming of the Plantman!" (Table of Contents: 34)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Jerry Siegel (credited as Joe Carter); Stan Lee (credited) (story plot)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited as S. Rosen)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Doris Evans (Intro); Plantman [Sam Smithers] (gardener, Intro); Mr. Evans (Doris' father, Intro)

Synopsis

The Human Torch saves his new girlfriend Doris’s father from a disgruntled gardener who gains the ability to control plants.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #113 (October 1963) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Jerry Siegel's 2nd Human Torch story. Plantman's costume resembles that worn by The Shadow; he next appears, in a new costume, in issue #121 (June 1964). Doris Evans would continue as Johnny's semi-reluctant girlfriend until the end of his solo series.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 35)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Artie Simek; ?

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Captain America [Carl Zante; also as The Acrobat]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #114 (November 1963) [black & white]

The Human Torch Meets... "Captain America" (Table of Contents: 36)

Human Torch / comic story / 18 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (Plot); Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited as S. Rosen)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

X-449

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Captain America [Carl Zante; also as The Acrobat]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Doris Evans; Captain America [Steve Rogers] (cameo)

Synopsis

The Human Torch is upstaged by the return of Captain America, but the Torch realizes that it is his old enemy the Acrobat in disguise and defeats him.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #114 (November 1963) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Acrobat last appears in issue #106 (March 1963). This story involving a Captain America imposter was a try-out to test the idea of reviving him. The real Cap would return only 4 months later in Avengers, The (Marvel, 1963 series) #4 (March 1964).

[untitled] (Table of Contents: 37)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Steve Ditko

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Sandman [Flint Marko]; Spider-Man [Peter Parker]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #115 (December 1963) [black & white]

The Sandman Strikes! (Table of Contents: 38)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

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

Synopsis

The Human Torch fights and defeats Spider-Man’s old enemy Sandman.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #115 (December 1963) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

This story takes place after Fantastic Four (Marvel, 1961 series) #20 (November 1963). This is the second appearance of Sandman; he last appears in Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel, 1963 series) #4 (September 1963); he next appears in Amazing Spider-Man Annual (Marvel, 1964 series) #1 (1964). This is the first time that Sandman, originally Spider-Man's foe, fought the Torch. He would eventually team-up with two other Torch villains, Wizard & Paste-Pot Pete, to form the Frightful Four, in Fantastic Four (Marvel, 1961 series) #36 (March 1965). Torch & Spidey last crossed paths in Strange Tales Annual (Marvel, 1962 series) #2 (1963); they would do so again the very next month in Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel, 1963 series) #8 (January 1964).

The Human Torch Battles the Thing! (Table of Contents: 39)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

George Roussos

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Puppet Master; Alicia Masters

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #116 (January 1964) [black & white]

In the Clutches of the Puppet Master! (Table of Contents: 40)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

George Roussos (credited as Geo. Bell)

Letters

Ray Holloway (credited as R. Holloway)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

X-515

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Puppet Master; Alicia Masters; Reed Richards [Mr. Fantastic] (cameo); Sue Storm [Invisible Girl] (cameo)

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!

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #116 (January 1964) [black & white]

Indexer 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".

"The Return of the Eel!" (Table of Contents: 41)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jack Kirby; Steve Ditko (Eel figure)

Inks

George Roussos; Steve Ditko (Eel figure)

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Eel

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #117 (February 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Ditko credits supplied by Nick Caputo and Mark Elstob.

The Return of the Eel! (Table of Contents: 42)

Human Torch / comic story / 14 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

x-546

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Eel [Leopold Stryke]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo)

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.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #117 (February 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Second appearance of The Eel; previous appearance in issue #112 (September 1963); Eel has a 2-panel cameo in Fantastic Four Annual (Marvel, 1963 series) #3 (1965), then returns in X-Men (Marvel, 1963 series) #22 (July 1966). Story not reprinted in Marvel Tales run.

[untitled] (Table of Contents: 43)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jack Kirby; Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)

Inks

Chic Stone; Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange)

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Wizard [Bentley Wittman] (disguised as the Human Torch); Mister Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Doctor Strange [Stephen Strange]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #118 (March 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Dr. Strange's 1st cover appearance. Inks credit from Nick Caputo via the GCD Error List (26 July 2005); the original indexer credited George Roussos.

The Man Who Became the Torch! (Table of Contents: 44)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited as S. Rosen)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

x-593

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard [Bentley Wittman]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Mister Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Thing [Ben Grimm]

Synopsis

The Wizard breaks jail, and begins pulling crimes using a new anti-gravity flying device he's invented. Via trickery and disguise, he captures Johnny, then Sue, and begins impersonating Johnny, while planning bigger and bolder crimes with which to use his anti-gravity device. With the help of Reed and Ben, Sue and Johnny escape, and Johnny goes after The Wizard, who attempts to escape by flying higher and higher with his anti-grav disc. But it malfunctions, and, unable to control it, he just keeps going higher and higher...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #118 (March 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

This is the fourth appearance of The Wizard; he last appears in issue #110 (July 1963) and he next appears in Fantastic Four (Marvel, 1961 series) #36 (March 1965), when he was rescued by Paste-Pot Pete and The Sandman. The time-frame is a bit off, as Pete and the Sandman broke jail sometime after Pete's appearance in issue #124 (September 1964), and most or all of the remaining Torch solo stories up to Strange Tales #134 (July 1965) take place before the formation of the Frightful Four! (How long was he up there in the atmosphere?).

The Rabble Rouser! (Table of Contents: 45)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

George Roussos

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Rabble Rouser

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #119 (April 1964) [black & white]

The Torch Goes Wild! (Table of Contents: 46)

Human Torch / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

x-605

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Rabble Rouser [Vitold Niyazov, later called Weinberg]; Prince Nagamo; Doris Evans (cameo); The Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo); Mister Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo); Spider-Man [Peter Parker] (cameo)

Synopsis

A demagogue drums up public opinion against the Torch, as part of a communist plot against an American ally. The Torch regains the public trust by stopping him and using his own mind control devices to turn him to the American side.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #119 (April 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

The Rabble Rouser next appears, still rehabilitated, in Wolverine (Marvel, 2003 series) #26 (May 2005). It has been suggested in The Jack Kirby Collector that this story began as a sequel. The identical piece of equipment, a "Thru-The-Ground Tank," was used by The Hate Monger in Fantastic Four (Marvel, 1961 series) #21 (December 1963), by The Rabble Rouser in this story, and by The Fixer in Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #142 (March 1966), suggesting HYDRA supplied all 3 of them with equipment!

The Human Torch Meets the Iceman! (Table of Contents: 47)

Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

George Roussos

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Iceman [Bobby Drake]; Barracuda

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #120 (May 1964) [black & white]

The Torch Meets the Iceman! (Table of Contents: 48)

Human Torch / comic story / 14 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited as S. Rosen)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Iceman [Bobby Drake]; Doris Evans; Barracuda; Mister Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo); The Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo); Angel [Warren Worthington III] (cameo); Marvel Girl [Jean Grey] (cameo); Professor X [Charles Xavier] (cameo))

Synopsis

Johnny's riled because a newspaper compares Iceman (of The X-Men) to him. On a cruise liner, Bobby tries to pick up Doris, until Johnny arrives. Before the potential rivalry goes too far, The Barracuda (a modern-day pirate) and his men arrive and take over the ship. Johnny & Bobby team up to stop them.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #120 (May 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Early X-Men guest appearance (same month as X-Men #5, May, 1964).
Barracuda next appears in Sub-Mariner (Marvel, 1968 series) #10 (February 1969).

Prisoner of the Plantman! (Table of Contents: 49)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange section); Sol Brodsky ? (Human Torch section)

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Plantman [Sam Smithers]; Doctor Strange [Stephen Strange]; Baron Mordo [Karl Amadeus Mordo]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #121 (June 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Corrected art credits from Nick Caputo via the GCD Errors list, December 2008. Original indexer credited Ditko with inks for the upper part and pencils for the lower.

Prisoner of the Plantman! (Table of Contents: 50)

Human Torch / comic story / 14 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Plantman [Sam Smithers]; Doris Evans; Mr. Evans (flashback); Mister Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo); Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo)

Synopsis

After improving his plant ray, The Plantman captures Johnny to get him out of the way while he pulls a robbery. After, Doris, worried about her father, begs Johnny to stop the villain. They have a duel at the Botanical Gardens...with predictable results.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #121 (June 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Second appearance of Plantman; last appears in issue #113 (October 1963) and next appears in X-Men (Marvel, 1963 series) #22 (July 1966). Plantman redesigns his costume in this episode, going from "mystery man" to "super-villain" in style.

3 Against the Torch! (Table of Contents: 51)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby; Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange); Sol Brodsky ?

Inks

George Roussos; Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange); Sol Brodsky ?

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Terrible Trio [Handsome Harry Phillips; Yogi Dakor; Bull Brogin]; Doctor Doom [Victor von Doom]; Dr. Strange [Stephen Strange]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #122 (July 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Possible Brodsky alterations on Torch and Handsome Harry per Nick Caputo via the GCD Errors list, July 2005 and December 2008. Henry Kujawa previously credited Chic Stone on inks. Dr. Strange vignette taken from interior panel.

3 Against the Torch! (Table of Contents: 52)

Human Torch / comic story / 14 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

George Roussos (credited as Geo. Bell)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited as S. Rosen)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

x-703

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Terrible Trio [Handsome Harry Phillips; Yogi Dakor; Bull Brogin]; Doctor Doom [Victor von Doom] (flashback); Mister Fantastic [Reed Richards] (flashback); Thing [Ben Grimm] (flashback); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo)

Synopsis

In flashback we see the how Dr. Doom used "The Terrible Trio" to trap the Fantastic Four, then discarded his underlings by sending them into another dimension! With Doom gone, the three return to Earth, where they're foolish enough to try taking on The Torch again, figuring 3 against 1 would be no contest. WRONG! After, Sue gives Johnny hell for how his "roughneck" friends must have messed up "her" house.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #122 (July 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Second appearance of "The Terrible Trio"; they last appear in Fantastic Four (Marvel, 1961 series) #23 (February 1964) and they next appear in issue #129 (February 1965). Handsome Harry resembles actor Tony Franciosa.

[untitled] (Table of Contents: 53)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Sol Brodsky

Letters

Sam Rosen; ?

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Thing (left half); Loki (right half); Thor (right half)

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #123 (August 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Split cover. The left half features the Human Torch, and the right half features Dr. Strange.
Inks credit per Nick Caputo (26 July 2005); previous indexer credited George Roussos.

The Birth of the Beetle! (Table of Contents: 54)

Human Torch / comic story / 14 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Carl Burgos (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

x-717

Genre

superhero

Characters

Johnny Storm [Human Torch]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Beetle [Abner Jenkins] (introduction, origin); Alicia Masters; Doris Evanssos.

Synopsis

Mechanic-inventor Abner Jenkins creates the identity of The Beetle. While taking the Fantasti-Car for a double-date, Johnny & Ben wind up being humiliated by The Beetle. But when he tries to rip off the NY World's Fair, the rematch goes the other way.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #123 (August 1964) [black & white]

Indexer 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. The Beetle next appears in Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel, 1963 series) #21 (February 1965).

[untitled] (Table of Contents: 55)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch; The Thing / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Dick Ayers (upper section); Steve Ditko (lower section)

Inks

Dick Ayers (upper section); George Roussos (lower section)

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Thing [Ben Grimm]; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Paste-Pot Pete [Peter Petruski]; Cleopatra VII; Doctor Strange [Stephen Strange

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #124 (September 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

The Doctor Strange portion of the cover consists of two images taken from the interior story by Ditko and Roussos, per Rob Allen, via the GCD Errors list, August 2009.

Paste-Pot Pete (Table of Contents: 56)

Human Torch; The Thing / comic story / 14 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Paul Reinman (credited as P. Reinman)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

x-752

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Paste-Pot Pete [Peter Petruski]; Doris Evans

Synopsis

Trying to tell Johnny that Paste-Pot Pete was paroled (for helping The Avengers), Ben & Johnny get into a brawl. Tired of being thought of as a clown, Pete completely redesigns his costume, then takes on The Thing while he's flying his part of the Fantasti-Car. As he's about to go help Ben, Johnny's told by Doris that if he leaves in the middle of their date, he needn't bother returning. After a fierce battle, Ben & Johnny triumph, and after an "explanation," Doris forgives Johnny.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #124 (September 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

This is the third appearance of Paste-Pot Pete; he last appears in the Avengers (Marvel, 1963 series) #6 (July 1964)—where he was incorrectly drawn as The Wizard—he next appears in Fantastic Four (Marvel, 1961 series) #36 (March 1965). Stan announces that due to popular demand, Johnny and Ben will co-star in every issue from now on.

[untitled] (Table of Contents: 57)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch; The Thing / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Sub-Mariner [Namor McKenzie]; Doctor Strange [Stephen Strange]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #125 (October 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Ayers inks per Nick Caputo. previous indexer credited Frank Giacoia. Inset panel at lower right illustrates Doctor Strange.

The Sub-Mariner Must Be Stopped! (Table of Contents: 58)

Human Torch; The Thing / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Paul Reinman (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited as S. Rosen)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

x-772

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Sub-Mariner [Namor McKenzie]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo); Mister Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo)

Synopsis

Ben and Johnny's hi-jinks are interrupted by the arrival of a pair of LIFE Magazine reporters, who are there to interview Reed and Sue. When the news reports Sub-Mariner is heading for NYC, Ben and Johnny figure they can make an impression by tackling him on their own. Taking out the "U-Car," they find Namor, who seems to be expecting them. A fight breaks out, ending when Namor leaves, feeling he's been "lied to." Reed and Sue arrive and Ben and Johnny are chastising for ruining the peace talk Reed spent weeks to set up. A betrayed Namor vows that their next fight will be to the finish.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #125 (October 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Sub-Mariner last appears in X-Men #6 (July 1964) and next appears in Fantastic Four #33 (December 1964). Namor's "electric eel" power crops up again, for the last time. The reporters from LIFE suspiciously resemble Jack Kirby and Larry Lieber.

Pawns of the Deadly Duo! (Table of Contents: 59)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch; The Thing / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Chic Stone

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Mad Thinker; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Puppet Master; Dormammu; Dr. Strange

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #126 (November 1964) [black & white]

Pawns of the Deadly Duo! (Table of Contents: 60)

Human Torch; The Thing / comic story / 13 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Paul Reinman (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited as S. Rosen)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

x-788

Genre

superhero

Characters

Mad Thinker; Puppet Master; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo)

Synopsis

The Mad Thinker once again wants to tackle the F.F., though The Puppet Master at first wants nothing to do with it. Under mind-control, Ben fights Johnny while in mid-flight. However, the shock of seeing Johnny falling to his death causes The Thing to change back to Ben Grimm, freeing him from control. He rescues Johnny, then gets help from Reed. A specially-designed helmet worn by Ben causes psychic feedback. Reed hopes The Puppet Master, knowing they have a defense against him, will never strike at them again.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #126 (November 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Mad Thinker & Puppet Master last seen in FANTASTIC FOUR #28 (July 1964). Mad Thinker's next appearance in STRANGE TALES #131 (April 1965); Puppet Master's next appearance in STRANGE TALES #133 (June 1965).

The Mystery Villain! (Table of Contents: 61)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch; The Thing / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby; Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange inset)

Inks

Chic Stone; Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange inset)

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Mystery Villain; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Dr. Strange; Dormammu

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #127 (December 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Dr. Strange image taken from interior story.

The Mystery Villain! (Table of Contents: 62)

Human Torch; The Thing / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Paul Reinman (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

x-809

Genre

superhero

Characters

Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Wizard (flashback); Paste-Pot Pete (flashback); Sub-Mariner (flashback); Willie Lumpkin (mailman, cameo)

Synopsis

Following a race, Ben and Johnny complain to Reed that they've done pretty good and don't need a leader. Reed tells them they're free to work on their own. Ben and Johnny take part in a high-speed race, but discover on arrival that they're the only two contestants. On the salt flats they suddenly realize their cars are running out of control and it looks like they have been set up for a trap. They find themselves in an underground cavern facing an unknown villain with a question mark on his mask. Before it's over, they're ready to admit they're happy Reed is on their side.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #127 (December 1964) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

The "Mystery Villain" (or someone wearing the same costume) turns up in FANTASTIC FOUR #154 (January 1975).

A Marvel Masterwork Pin-Up (Table of Contents: 63)

The Thing / illustration / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Chic Stone

Letters

Sam Rosen

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Job Number

x-809

Genre

superhero

Characters

The Thing

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #127 (December 1964)

Indexer Notes

Credits per Nick Caputo, September 2016.

[untitled] (Table of Contents: 64)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch; The Thing / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Sol Brodsky

Letters

Sam Rosen; ?

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Thing [Ben Grimm]; Quicksilver; Scarlet Witch; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Dr. Strange; The Demon

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #128 (January 1965) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Brodsky inks per Nick Caputo, May 2014.

Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch (Table of Contents: 65)

Human Torch; The Thing / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Frank Giacoia (credited as Frank Ray)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Quicksilver; Scarlet Witch; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Very Brief Cameo Flashbacks: Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; The Avengers [Captain America [Steve Rogers]; Giant-Man [Hank Pym]; Iron Man [Tony Stark]; Thor]; Daredevil [Matt Murdock]; Fantastic Four [Invisible Girl; Mr. Fantastic0; Mastermind; Magneto; Blob; X-Men [Angel [Warren Worthington III]; Beast; Cyclops; Iceman; Marvel Girl [Jean Grey]]

Synopsis

Quicksilver wants to leave Magneto's group but his sister Wanda reminds him that she is in his debt. The Scarlet Witch takes her brother's lead and they seek out the Fantastic Four for advice. They encounter Ben and Johnny at FF headquarters where a misunderstanding turns into a brawl. When it's over Quicksilver and his sister decide they cannot trust homo sapiens and return to Magneto.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #128 (January 1965) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Previous appearance of Quicksilver & Scarlet Witch in X-MEN #7 (September 1964); next appearance in X-MEN #11 (May 1965).

The Terrible Trio (Table of Contents: 66)

Human Torch; The Thing / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Chic Stone

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

superhero

Characters

Yogi Dakkor; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Handsome Harry Phillips; Bull Brogin; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #129 (February 1965) [black & white]

The Terrible Trio! (Table of Contents: 67)

Human Torch; The Thing / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Dick Ayers (credited)

Inks

Frank Giacoia (credited as Frankie Ray)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited as Art Simek)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Doris Evans ("Dorrie"); Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Yogi Dakkor; Handsome Harry Phillips; Bull Brogin; Thing [Ben Grimm]

Synopsis

On the golf course, Doris nags Johnny by comparing him to "gentlemanly" Peter Parker. When the latest emergency arises, she says a girl like her should have her head examined. Johnny falls into a trap of The Terrible Trio, but manages to send out a distress signal to Ben, who takes on these losers and saves Johnny's life in a railway yard.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #129 (February 1965) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Third (and final) appearance of "The Terrible Trio"; previous appearance in STRANGE TALES #122 (July 1964). With his costume and flying carpet, Yogi Dakkor may have served as the inspiration for the 1967 SPIDER-MAN cartoon villain, "The Fabulous Fakir." Johnny & Doris have a run-in with The Beetle, Peter Parker (and Spider-Man) in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #21 (February 1965) shortly before this story.

The Defeat of Dr. Strange! / Meet.. the Beatles! (Table of Contents: 68)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch; The Thing / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Chic Stone

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Dr. Strange; Baron Mordo; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #130 (March 1965) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

First cover to co-feature Dr. Strange. Split cover. Ben and Johnny wear Beatle wigs.

Meet the Beatles! (Table of Contents: 69)

Human Torch; The Thing / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Bob Powell (credited)

Inks

Chic Stone (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

John Lennon (The Beatles); Paul McCartney (The Beatles); George Harrison (The Beatles); Ringo Starr (The Beatles); Alicia Masters (cameo); Mr. Fantastic (cameo); Invisible Girl (cameo)

Synopsis

Ben and Johnny have another one of their "fights," then have to clean up Reed's lab as a result. They take Alicia and Doris on a double-date to see The Beatles, the girls getting to meet the rock stars in person and get autographs; but Ben and Johnny wind up having to go after some crooks who robbed the box-office. A wild free-for-all at Coney Island ensues, but by the time our heroes get back to the theatre, the show's over! Doris says, "Maybe someday I'll understand why anyone would want to be a super-hero!"

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #130 (March 1965) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Story takes it title from The Beatles 1st US Capitol LP (1964). Bob Powell takes over from Dick Ayers for the remaining 5 episodes of the series.

The Bouncing Ball of Doom! (Table of Contents: 70)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch; The Thing / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Bob Powell; Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange figure)

Inks

Mike Esposito; Steve Ditko (Dr. Strange figure)

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Mad Thinker; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Dr. Strange

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #131 (April 1965) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Mike Esposito credit from Nick Caputo via the GCD Errors list (December 2008); original indexer credited Dick Ayers.
Dr. Strange image taken from page 3; panel 9 of Strange Tales # 128. Thing figure possibly drawn by Jack Kirby.

The Bouncing Ball of Doom! (Table of Contents: 71)

Human Torch; The Thing / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Bob Powell (credited)

Inks

Dick Ayers (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited as S. Rosen)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; The Mad Thinker; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo); Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo); Dr. Vega (engineer)

Synopsis

The Mad Thinker's latest plot involves a flying, electronics-laden metal ball, which nearly manages to destroy a dam.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #131 (April 1965) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Nick Caputo suspects that Jack Kirby provided alterations on many of the Thing figures.

The Sinister Spacetrap! (Table of Contents: 72)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch; The Thing / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby; Steve Ditko (insert)

Inks

Chic Stone ?; Steve Ditko (insert)

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Thing [Ben Grimm]; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Prof. Jack; Dr. Strange; Baron Mordo

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #132 (May 1965) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Possible Stone inks per Nick Caputo, September 2016. Dr. Strange vignette taken from interior story.

The Sinister Space Trap! (Table of Contents: 73)

Human Torch; The Thing / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Larry Ivie (credited)

Pencils

Bob Powell (credited)

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as M. Demeo)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited as S. Rosen)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited) (editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Mr. Pearson (N.A.S.A.); Professor Jack; Doris Evans

Synopsis

Sometime after the FF visit the Skrull home world, Mr. Pearson of NASA pays a visit to tell them of a security risk, Professor Jack. Doris gets upset after Johnny stands her up for the 113th time. Posing as "Doug Brown", Johnny acts as Jack's assistant, in order to keep an eye on him. Good thing, too, as sabotaging the space program is on his agenda.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #132 (May 1965) [black & white]

A Nameless Land! A Timeless Time! / The Terrible Toys! (Table of Contents: 74)

Doctor Strange; Human Torch; The Thing / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Mike Esposito

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Dr. Strange; Shazana; Shazana's sister; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Ice Queen

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #133 (June 1965) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Split cover.

The Terrible Toys! (Table of Contents: 75)

Human Torch; The Thing / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Bob Powell (credited)

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as Mick Demeo)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Ice Queen (robot); Puppet Master; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Doris Evans; Alicia Masters

Synopsis

Deciding to switch his M.O., The Puppet Master builds robotic "statues" he can control, and undergoes plastic surgery so no one will recognize him. The masquerade is short-lived, as he lures Johnny & Ben into a trap in a department store.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #133 (June 1965) [black & white]

Indexer Notes

Puppet Master's previous appearance in FANTASTIC FOUR #28 (July 1964); next appearance in FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL #3 (November 1965), with his original face incorrectly shown intact. Puppet Master's appearance would remain altered for several years, before he eventually restored his original face.

Enter: The Watcher! (Table of Contents: 76)

Human Torch; The Thing / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Frank Giacoia

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

superhero

Characters

The Watcher; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Thing [Ben Grimm]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #134 (July 1965) [black & white]

The Challenge of... the Watcher! (Table of Contents: 77)

Human Torch; The Thing / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Stan Lee (credited)

Pencils

Bob Powell (credited)

Inks

Wally Wood (credited as Wallace Wood)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (editor)

Genre

superhero

Characters

The Watcher; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Kang; Merlin; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo); Invisible Girl [Sue Storm] (cameo)

Synopsis

Though he is not permitted to interfere, The Watcher tells Ben & Johnny of how Kang time-travelled to the days of King Arthur, imprisoned Merlin, and took over the country. In order for the timestream to remain intact, The Watcher sends the pair back in time to defeat Kang. After a hard battle, they send Kang packing, and The Watcher returns them to the present. Later, relaxing after a hard day's fighting, Reed & Sue accuse them of being "loafers."

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #134 (July 1965)

Indexer Notes

Kang's previous appearance in THE AVENGERS #11 (December 1964); next appearance in THE AVENGERS #23 (December 1965). The Watcher's own series, where he sometimes acted merely as narrator, ran in TALES OF SUSPENSE #49-58 (January-October 1964); previous appearance apart from that in FANTASTIC FOUR #29 (August 1964); next appearance in FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL #3 (November 1965).

Last episode of the series. The Human Torch and the Thing would be replaced in the next issue with "Nick Fury, Agent Of S.H.I.E.L.D." The Torch later became an occasional co-star beginning in MARVEL TEAM-UP #1 (March 1972). The Thing received his own team-up series in MARVEL FEATURE #11-12 (September-November 1973), then MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #1 (January 1974). Eventually, Ben would get a solo series in THE THING #1 (July 1983).

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