In this episode:
Mike and Ed discuss Johnny Storm’s first solo press conference, and how Reed Richards is running the Fantastic Four’s finances. How are governments paying the Four, and why isn’t Johnny being compensated for his labor?
In this issue:
Johnny Storm is practicing his torching skills outside of the town of Glenville. He returns home from practice to see that Carl Zante, the self-described world’s greatest acrobat, is keen to join forces with Johnny as a crime fighting duo “the Torrid Twosome”, promising fame and fortune to the young superhero. Johnny, who does not seem to be making any money from his time with the Fantastic Four, mulls over Carl’s offer. Johnny then quits the Fantastic Four, sews himself a new costume, and joins up with Carl. Their first mission is to rescue a teller at the Glenville bank who is locked in a vault. Johnny burns through the vault, whereupon he is betrayed by Carl, who douses him with liquid asbestos. Fortunately for Johnny, Carl’s gun jams before he can execute the young hero. Johnny’s former Fantastic Four teammates then show up and put Carl in his place, giving Johnny the opportunity to capture Carl himself. Johnny then rejoins the Fantastic Four with a new appreciation for his teammates.
Assumed before the next episode:
The gossip columns are full of speculation about the Fantastic Four and whether they will continue as a team.
This episode takes place:
After Carl Zante has been arrested for his crimes.
Episode 46: Superhero labor laws? (Strange Tales #106) -- Mar 1963