Comic Title: Essential Human Torch TPB
Publisher: Marvel
Cover Date: 2003
On Sale Date: August 13, 2003 Direct Market Date August 13, 2003
Source: Previews, Vol. 13 #6 (#174)

Direct Market Date August 13, 2003
Source: ComicList, New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, August 13, 2003

Cover Price: $14.99
Page Count: 504
Editor: Jeff Youngquist

See Also: The Guide to Graphic Novels and Collected Editions

Title: "The Human Torch"
Pages: 13

Feature(s):
Human Torch (Johnny Storm)

Plotter: Stan Lee
Scripter: Larry D. Lieber
Penciller: Jack Kirby
Inker: Dick Ayers

Reprinted From:
Strange Tales #101 (1962)

Feature Character(s)

• Human Torch (last appearance in Fantastic Four #7; next appearance in Fantastic Four #8)

Supporting Character(s)

• Thing (last appearance in Fantastic Four #7; next appearance in Fantastic Four #8)

Villain(s)

• The Destroyer (Charles Stanton; no further appearances)
• A group of communist spies (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• An amusement park owner (no further appearances)
• Several of Johnny Storm's friends (no further appearances)

Cameo Appearance(s)

• Fantastic Four (in flashback)
• Mister Fantastic (in flashback)
• Invisible Girl (in flashback)

Comments:
Part 2:"The Flaming Fury Strikes Back"

The Human Torch's identity is not publicly known in this story.

The origin of the Fantastic Four is retold in flashback.

Synopsis:
An amusement park opens in the town of Glenville where Johnny Storm lives. A saboteur sends threatening letters to the local newspaper, then causes accidents at the park. The timely intervention of the Human Torch helps to save lives. The Destroyer then challenges Johnny and leads him into a trap. Johnny escapes. He then discovers the reason behind the sabotage. The tall rides including the roller coaster provided a vantage point to see an otherwise secluded beach where a communist submarine receiving smuggled information. Johnny leads the authorities to the submarine and unmasks the Destroyer as Charles Stanton, publisher of the local newspaper.