Super Serious 616 Presents: WHAT IF... Marvel was real
What If Marvel was Real?
Episode 80: The Botanophobics were Right! (Strange Tales #113) -- October 1963
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In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss the attempted take-over of New York by “The Plantman”. Where do his powers come from? Technology or some sort of innate power like the Human Torch? Also, he was stopped, but not apprehended. Do we need to stay afraid of all plant life going forward? And if the goal is world domination, why start with New York City?

Strange Tales Vol 1 113 | Marvel Database | Fandom

In this issue:

Johnny Storm is dating a woman who basically does not like that he can turn into a literal human torch. Her father also has a problem with someone in his life - Sam the gardener - and so he fires him. Sam is actually an inventor, and late the night he is fired, he works away in his garden with a special formula that he invented to give plants intelligence. While doing so, a bolt of lightening strikes his device and gives Sam the ability to control all plant life. Armed with these strange and amazing powers, Sam goes about framing his former boss with a a crime. The Torch figures it out, and battles Sam, now going by the name Plantman. The Torch is defeated, and Plantman then heads to New YOrk City to take over the world through its plants. The Torch returns to battle Plantman once more, and after a pitched battle involving the Torch torturing plants, the Torch wins. Plantman remains at large, though.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are looking differently at their house plants and gardens.

This episode takes place:

After Plantman is defeated.