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Strange Tales #113: The Coming of the Plantman! (1951)
Overview:
Strange Tales #113, published in October 1963, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee with artwork by Dick Ayers. This issue features the Human Torch taking on a new villain, the Plantman, who uses botanical abilities to commit crimes.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, enjoying a day off when he stumbles upon a series of unusual crimes involving plants. Trees, shrubs, and vines are mysteriously coming to life and aiding in robberies throughout the city. Intrigued and concerned, Johnny decides to investigate, suspecting that these bizarre incidents are not just a coincidence.
Johnny’s suspicions lead him to Samuel Smithers, a disgruntled former gardener who was fired from his job for his outlandish theories about communicating with plants. Determined to prove his worth and exact revenge, Smithers has developed a device that allows him to control plants, turning them into his personal army. Donning the alias of the Plantman, he sets out to use his newfound powers to carry out his vendetta and amass wealth.
The Human Torch quickly tracks down the Plantman and attempts to stop him, but he soon discovers that Smithers’ control over plants makes him a formidable foe. The Plantman uses his powers to create dense, living barriers of foliage, which Johnny's flames struggle to penetrate. Vines and roots lash out at Johnny, forcing him on the defensive. The battle is complicated further by the fact that Johnny must be careful not to set the entire city ablaze as he fights.
Realizing that brute force isn’t enough to overcome the Plantman’s botanical onslaught, Johnny changes tactics. He uses his flames to create controlled bursts of heat that dry out the Plantman’s plant-based defenses, weakening them without causing widespread destruction. As the plants wither and lose their strength, Johnny is able to break through the Plantman’s defenses and confront Smithers directly.
In a final confrontation, the Human Torch overpowers the Plantman by targeting his device, destroying it and stripping Smithers of his control over the plants. With his powers neutralized, the Plantman is easily captured and handed over to the authorities. Johnny’s quick thinking and adaptability save the day once again, as he prevents the Plantman from causing further havoc.
The issue concludes with Johnny reflecting on the unique challenges posed by each new villain and the importance of using both brains and brawn in his fight against crime.
Strange Tales #114: Captain America (1951)
Overview:
Strange Tales #114, published in November 1963, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee with artwork by Dick Ayers. This issue features the Human Torch as he encounters a new version of the classic Captain America, only to discover that this hero may not be who he appears to be.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, catching wind of the return of Captain America, the legendary World War II hero who was thought to be lost. The news of Captain America's reappearance spreads like wildfire, and the public is eager to welcome back the star-spangled Avenger. However, Johnny is suspicious; he recalls stories of Captain America’s demise and wonders how the hero could have survived all these years.
Johnny’s curiosity gets the better of him, and he decides to investigate. He attends a public demonstration where Captain America showcases his fighting skills, seemingly proving that he is the real deal. The crowd is thrilled, but Johnny remains unconvinced, feeling that something is off about this Captain America. Determined to uncover the truth, he decides to follow the hero.
As Johnny digs deeper, he discovers that this Captain America is not the genuine article but an imposter—none other than the villainous Acrobat in disguise. The Acrobat has assumed Captain America's identity to gain the public's trust and commit crimes undetected. When Johnny confronts the impostor, the Acrobat reveals his true identity, shedding the Captain America persona and attacking the Human Torch.
A fierce battle ensues between Johnny and the Acrobat, who uses his acrobatic skills to dodge Johnny’s fiery attacks and counter with his own agility and strength. Despite the Acrobat’s skill, Johnny’s superior powers eventually give him the upper hand. He manages to outmaneuver the Acrobat, using his flames to create a fiery barrier that traps the villain and prevents his escape.
With the Acrobat subdued, Johnny exposes the truth to the public, revealing that the return of Captain America was a ruse. The imposter is handed over to the authorities, and Johnny reflects on the importance of vigilance and skepticism, even when facing a figure as iconic as Captain America. The story ends with Johnny wondering if the real Captain America is still out there somewhere, waiting to return.
Editor's Note:
The next part Strange Tales (1951) Annual #2 is now released, visit here. 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 Instagram, Discord, or email us at comicexplainedofficial@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow our page for more comic explanations and updates!
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