The Human Torch #2

Jan 1978 · Yaffa / Page · 0.60 AUD

📊 ~30,274 copies sold its debut month

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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.

Contains 6 stories

The Human Torch Meets Paste-Pot Pete!

13 pp · Superhero

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]Paste-Pot Pete [Peter Petruski] (introduction)

The World's End

6 pp · Superhero

Human Torch [Jim Hammond]Toro [Thomas Raymond]Stella MarkoProfessor Marko (villain) (introduction, death)Gorodok (introduction, death)

In "The World's End," the Human Torch and Toro race against time when Professor Marko, driven by a twisted ideology, unleashes a monstrous vacuum device atop an observatory, threatening to drain the planet's atmosphere. With Stella Marko caught in the crossfire and the villain's true motives unraveling, the heroes must confront both the mechanical menace and the man behind it—before the world itself is undone.

"The Return of the Wizard!"

12 pp · Superhero

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]WizardInvisible Girl [Sue Storm]Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards] (cameo)Thing [Ben Grimm] (cameo)

In a twist of fate, the imprisoned Wizard turns model inmate—only to orchestrate a daring escape through the hospital’s chemical labs. Now holed up in his heavily fortified home, he dares the Human Torch to a showdown to prove who’s truly the better man. Johnny Storm accepts, eager to prove himself—only to find that even with his powers, he’s no match for the Wizard’s cunning, especially when Invisible Girl arrives to “help”… and things go dangerously wrong.

"In Korea!"

6 pp · Superhero

Original Human Torch [Jim Hammond]ToroColonel Kung (Red spy) (Intro)

In Korea!, a pulse-pounding 1978 adventure from The Human Torch #2, finds the Original Human Torch and Toro racing into the heart of North Korea to rescue a captured U.S. General and his daughter—before Colonel Kung, the Red spy, can seize the deadly secret of an atomic cannon. With danger lurking around every frozen peak, the heroes must outwit enemy forces and stay one step ahead in a high-stakes mission where the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

The Threat of the Torrid Twosome

13 pp · Superhero

Human Torch [Johnny Storm]Carl Zante [Acrobat] (introduction)Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]Thing [Ben Grimm]Miracle Man (flashback)Sub-Mariner (flashback)Dr. Doom (flashback)

In "The Threat of the Torrid Twosome," the Human Torch finds himself entangled with Carl Zante, a charismatic acrobat who claims to know Johnny’s secret identity—and believes he’s the Fantastic Four’s most vital member. With Sue Storm’s help, Johnny plays along, pretending to join Zante’s crusade, while quietly unraveling a scheme that’s far from heroic.

Flame On!

5 pp · Superhero

Human Torch [Jim Hammond]ToroCaptain Fred Jory (introduction, US Air Force jet pilot)Colonel FrostLotty FrostThe Communists (villains)

In "Flame On!", the Human Torch and Toro rescue Air Force pilot Fred Jory from a crash landing in New York, only to learn he’s struggling with fear and self-doubt—especially about marrying Lotty Frost, the daughter of his commanding officer. When Communist spies steal a Super-Jet and kidnap Lotty, the Torch and Jory must team up to stop them, leading Jory on a journey from hesitation to courage.