Issue | #6 |
Published | July 1975 |
Cover Price | 0.25 USD |
Pages | 36 |
Editing | Len Wein |
Notes | Carl Zante known as "The World's Greatest Acrobat" in the story; never actually referred to as "The Acrobat" except on this cover and in the sequel in STRANGE TALES #114 (November 1963). |
Characters | Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; The Acrobat [Carl Zante]; Invisble Girl [Sue Storm]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Thing [Ben Grimm] |
Genre | Superhero |
Script | Len Wein |
Pencils | Gil Kane |
Inks | Vince Colletta |
Notes | Carl Zante known as "The World's Greatest Acrobat" in the story; never actually referred to as "The Acrobat" except on this cover and in the sequel in STRANGE TALES #114 (November 1963). |
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) |
Synopsis | Johnny trains on the obstacle course designed for him by Reed. Meanwhile, Carl Zante, "The world's greatest acrobat," visits Sue, looking for The Human Torch. Johnny wonders how he knew, when Zante explains that "everyone" knows Johnny Storm is The Human Torch, and Sue tells him the people in Glenville left him alone because they figured he valued his privacy! Zante tries to convince Johnny that he's the most valuable member of the Fantastic Four, but getting none of the "profits" from rewards (which tend to go into scientific research). Johnny joins Zante in "The Torrid Twosome," a new crimefighting duo (complete with costumes), whose first case is to rescue someone trapped in a bank vault. But it turns out, Zante only wanted Johnny to help him rob the bank! With a little help from his partners, but mostly on his own, Johnny nabs Zante for the cops, then explains he suspected Zante, and just wanted to see what he was up to. |
Genre | Superhero |
Script | Stan Lee (Plot); Larry Lieber |
Pencils | Dick Ayers |
Inks | Dick Ayers |
Letters | John Duffy |
Editing | Stan Lee |
Notes | First appearance of Carl Zante ("The World's Greatest Acrobat"). Zante would return in STRANGE TALES #114 (November 1963). First appearance of Johnny's obstacle training course. Last story in which Johnny worries about having a "secret identity." Splash page reformatted with art added, "Stan Lee presents" added, and page numbers removed for this reprint. |
Reprinted | from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #106 (March 1963) |
Characters | Original Human Torch [Jim Hammond]; Toro; Intro: Captain Fred Jory (US Air Force jet pilot); Colonel Frost; Lotty Frost; Villains: The Communists |
Synopsis | An Air Force pilot, Fred Jory, nearly crashes his jet into the heart of NYC due to an empty fuel tank (and a death-wish) but is saved by The Torch and Toro. Jory reveals he's a coward, and will never be able to marry his girl Lotty, the daughter of Colonel Frost. The Torch promises to help him build his confidence up. On returning to base, they discover Frost at the mercy of a band of Commie spies trying to get their hands on a "Super-Jet." The spies make off with the jet--and Lotty--but The Torch and Jory pursue them and bring both back safely. When the spies strike again, Jory lashes out, and only afterwards realizes he's beaten the spies this time without help! Frost says Jory would make a fine son-in-law, but when Lotty gives The Torch a kiss in gratitude, he heads for the hills! |
Genre | Superhero |
Pencils | Dick Ayers |
Inks | Ernie Bache |
Editing | Stan Lee (Original Editor) |
Notes | "The Original" added to reprint splash to distinguish story from lead feature. Inks credit and job number from the Atlas tales website, original indexer credited Dick Ayers for inks. |
Reprinted | from Human Torch, The (Marvel, 1940 series) #38 (August 1954) [-1 page] |