Essential Human Torch

    (Marvel, 2003)
™ and © 1962-1965, 2003 Marvel Characters, Inc.

Many Fantastic Four fans are probably unaware that Human Torch Johnny Storm once starred in solo adventures of his own. He did back in the early days of the Fantastic Four — at a time when the Torch was still maintaining a secret identity! — and that run of Strange Tales is collected and reprinted in this volume. The Torch takes on villains like the Destroyer and the Wizard, meets up with heroes including Captain America and Spider-man, and welcomes other members of his own team, most frequently Ben Grimm, in each issue.

Each story runs about 13 pages long, and the issues were typically split with another hero’s (e.g., Dr. Strange) solo adventures. Issues were written by Stan Lee and drawn by comic legends Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers, and others.

— Andy Richardson
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