| Characters |
Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Wizard; Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo); Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo) |
| Synopsis |
In prison, The Wizard becomes a model prisoner-- just so he can become a trustee, work in the hospital, have access to chemicals... and break jail! The police soon have him surrounded in his house, but can't get in because of its defenses. He challenges the Torch to a battle to decide who is the better man. Against Sue's advice Johnny accepts the challenge, and he does pretty well until Sue shows up to "help" him (again!). Thanks to her, he's caught, and both are almost killed in a bomb blast. But Johnny manages to free them both, getr rid of the bomb, and corral the "superior intellect." |
| Genre |
Superhero |
| Script |
Stan Lee (Plot); Larry Lieber (Script) |
| Pencils |
Jack Kirby |
| Inks |
Dick Ayers |
| Letters |
Artie Simek |
| Editing |
Stan Lee (Original Editor) |
| Notes |
Second appearance of The Wizard. First time a "Human Torch" villain returned; Wizard would go on to a very long career, mostly with "The Frightful Four." Next appearance in STRANGE TALES #110 (July 1963), where he teams with Paste-Pot Pete for the 1st time. Wizard resembles actor Vincent Price; also resembles actor Ron Perlman (who was not around back then-- see page 9 panel 2). Credits moved on splash to accomodate reprint info. Page numbers removed. Panel 5 of page 12 & panels 2-6 of page 13 cut; Johnny's pointing out that Sue almost got him killed missing from the reprint as a result! |
| Reprinted |
from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #105 (February 1963) [minus 1 page] |