| Characters |
Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Paste-Pot Pete ("Master Criminal") (Intro) |
| Synopsis |
While waiting in line at the bank, Johnny observes a robbery pulled by Paste-Pot Pete-- "Master Criminal," who, while called a "cornball" by one of the customers described his paste-gun as "the ultimate weapon." After trying to keep his identity a secret, Johnny pursues Pete to his next crime-- stealing a "Delta Cosmic Missile" from a neaby missile base! A running battle around the base results in Johnny being stuck to another missile and launched toward space! After escaping, Johnny tears after Pete "like a wrathful living inferno." Pete barely escapes, and manages to rendezvous with the captain of a small boat he paid to get him out of the country "in case something went wrong." With the money returned, Johnny wonders if Pete will show up again. |
| Genre |
Superhero |
| Script |
Stan Lee (Plot); Larry Lieber (Script) |
| Pencils |
Jack Kirby |
| Inks |
Dick Ayers |
| Letters |
Artie Simek |
| Editing |
Stan Lee (Original Editor) |
| Notes |
First appearance of Paste-Pot Pete. Next appearance in STRANGE TALES #110 (July 1963). Pete became The Trapster in FANTASTIC FOUR #38 (May 1965). 1st time a villain in this series got away at the end. A genuine animosity seems to have developed very quickly, perhaps as a result of such a "ridiculous" looking baddie almost killing Johnny during their fight. Don Simpson paid tribute to Pete (and Spider-Man) with his character "The Slick" in BIZARRE HEROES. Splash slightly reformatted & page numbers removed for this reprint. |
| Reprinted |
from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #104 (January 1963) |