Strange Tales (1951) #107-108 Explained

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Strange Tales #107: The Mighty Sub-Mariner (1951)

Cover copyright Marvel.com

Overview:

Strange Tales #107, published in April 1963, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee, with artwork by Jack Kirby. This issue features the Human Torch, Johnny Storm, facing off against the underwater monarch, Namor the Sub-Mariner.

Plot Summary:

The story begins with Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, showing off his powers by performing aerial acrobatics for an audience on a beach. His confidence and prowess attract a large crowd, but soon after, an unexpected challenge emerges from the ocean. Namor, the Sub-Mariner, rises from the depths, intent on confronting the surface world once again. Namor, angered by the surface dwellers and seeking to assert his dominance, declares his intention to subdue the Human Torch, whom he views as a symbol of humanity's arrogance.

Johnny, undeterred by Namor's threats, engages him in battle. The two superpowered beings clash in a spectacular display of fire and water, each using their abilities to gain the upper hand. Namor attempts to douse Johnny's flames with massive waves and powerful underwater currents, but the Torch responds by increasing the intensity of his flames, evaporating the water before it can reach him. The battle escalates as the environment around them becomes a battleground of fire and water, with bystanders fleeing from the chaos.

As the fight continues, Namor gains the upper hand by luring Johnny into the ocean, where his fire powers are weakened. Namor captures Johnny in a whirlpool, submerging him deep underwater. However, Johnny manages to escape by creating a superheated vortex of flame, propelling himself back to the surface. Now determined to turn the tide, Johnny flies higher into the air, generating a massive fireball that he hurls at Namor. The intense heat forces Namor to retreat to the safety of the ocean's depths, temporarily ending the conflict.

Despite the Human Torch's apparent victory, Namor vows to return and continue his crusade against the surface world. Johnny, although victorious, is left contemplating the broader implications of his battle with Namor and the ongoing tension between the land and the sea. The issue ends with Johnny reflecting on the responsibility that comes with his powers and the challenges that lie ahead.

Strange Tales #108: The Painter of a Thousand Perils! (1951)

Cover copyright Marvel.com

Overview:

Strange Tales #108, published in May 1963, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee, with artwork by Dick Ayers. This issue features the Human Torch, Johnny Storm, as he faces off against the hypnotic villain known as the Painter of a Thousand Perils.

Plot Summary:

The story begins with Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, enjoying a peaceful day in his hometown of Glenville. However, his day is interrupted when he hears of a series of bizarre and impossible crimes occurring throughout the city. Objects are mysteriously coming to life, strange creatures appear out of nowhere, and chaos ensues wherever these phenomena occur. Intrigued and concerned, Johnny decides to investigate the cause of these supernatural events.

As Johnny delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers that the culprit is a criminal artist named Wilhelm Van Vile, also known as the Painter of a Thousand Perils. Van Vile possesses a magical paintbrush that allows him to bring anything he paints to life. Using this incredible power, the Painter creates all manner of dangerous creatures and objects to commit crimes and terrorize the city. Confident in his abilities, Van Vile believes he is unstoppable, as no one can oppose the power of his enchanted art.

Johnny confronts the Painter, but quickly realizes that Van Vile's powers are more formidable than he anticipated. The Painter brings a series of monstrous beings to life, each one more fearsome than the last, to attack the Human Torch. Johnny uses his flame powers to battle the creatures, but the Painter's creations are relentless, and Johnny finds himself on the defensive. At one point, Van Vile even paints a colossal tidal wave to extinguish Johnny's flames, forcing him to retreat.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Johnny refuses to give up. He devises a plan to outwit the Painter by using his powers in a more strategic manner. Johnny flies high into the sky, creating a dazzling display of fire and light that temporarily blinds Van Vile. In his disoriented state, the Painter accidentally spills his magical paints, causing the creatures he created to vanish. Johnny seizes the opportunity to destroy the magical paintbrush, stripping Van Vile of his powers.

With the Painter defeated and his creations undone, Johnny hands him over to the authorities. As the city returns to normal, Johnny reflects on the bizarre encounter and the dangers of unchecked power. He realizes that while his own powers are great, it's his quick thinking and determination that make him a true hero. The issue concludes with Johnny flying off into the sunset, ready for whatever challenges may come next.

Editor's Note:

The next part Strange Tales (1951) #109-112 is scheduled to release on Thursday, 22 August, 12:00 PM IST. If you have a favorite comic that you'd like us to explain in detail, feel free to leave a comment! You can also reach out to us on InstagramDiscord, or email us at comicexplainedofficial@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow our page for more comic explanations and updates!

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