The Human Torch #2
In *The Human Torch #2* (1978), the fiery hero faces off against the cunning and chemically obsessed Paste-Pot Pete in a battle of wits and flame, all set against a backdrop of traps, bombs, and a prison-break scheme gone wrong. Written by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber, with dynamic art by Jack Kirby and inks by Dick Ayers, this issue delivers a classic clash of intellect and fire, with a surprise twist that turns even the most trusted ally into an unexpected variable. The cover by Ron Wilson, Marie Severin, and Frank Giacoia captures the chaos perfectly—just one of many reasons this 60-cent comic from 1978 remains a standout in the series.
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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."
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).