In this episode:
Mike and Ed discuss the second home invasion against the Human Torch in less than a month. How long until Reed installs security? What type of security is needed to protect against superhuman threats? Also: When should a superhero request help from the authorities and when is it more appropriate to go it alone?
Behind the comic:
Strange Tales continues to split the issue between the Human Torch (one of the most popular characters at the time) and Dr. Strange (whom Stan Lee was trying to make popular). We don’t cover Dr. Strange very much in Super Serious because almost all of his adventures take place in other dimensions or completely cut off from the rest of the world. This issue was no exception.
In this issue:
Remember the three ordinary people who were given powers by Dr. Doom? Well, they’ve decided that, despite Doom having disappeared (lost in space), they should take on the Fantastic Four. They kidnap Johnny “Human Torch” Storm, although he escapes. The three superpowered gangsters are hanging out in Johnny’s place, waiting to ambush Sue “Invisible Girl” Storm. Johnny races to confront them, although he doesn’t think to loop in the authorities or his own teammates, notwithstanding that he was recently overpowered by these three criminals. Anyway, Johnny confronts the trio and defeats them.
Assumed before the next episode:
Reed is seriously thinking about installing a security system in the home of his fiancée and future brother-in-law.
This episode takes place:
After Johnny narrowly defeats the trio of soon to be forgotten superpowered thugs.
Episode 136: Home Invasions and CYA (Strange Tales #122) -- July 1964