Strange Tales #110
The Human Torch Vs. the Wizard and Paste-Pot Pete!
After a training session the Human Torch goes over his scrap book of past adventures, and recalls his previous battles against the Wizard and Paste Pot Pete, wondering what his old foes are up to today. Coincidentally enough, at that very moment Paste Pot Pete is busy breaking the Wizard out of prison so that the two may conspire on how to defeat their mutual foe.
Using the Wizard's suit that mimics the Human Torch's powers, the two begin to commit crimes that would cause the press to accuse the Human Torch of being a spy. However, when the Torch sets a trap to lure the two crooks to try and rob one of the world's richest men, the Torch himself gets captured and placed into a giant hall of mirrors by his foes. The Torch however uses his flame powers to break free and manages to capture the two crooks and turn them over to the police.
Recurring Characters
Fantastic Four (Human Torch, Mister fantastic, Invisible Girl, Thing), The Wizard, Paste-Pot Pete
Continuity Notes
Johnny recalls his previous battles against the Wizard in Strange Tales #102 and 105 and Paste-Pot Pete in Strange Tales #104.
Doctor Strange Master of Black Magic!
A man tormented by nightmares comes to Doctor Strange to seek aid. Doctor Strange promises to help. He travels in spirit form to his old master who lives in a remote mountain temple in Asia. The master tells Strange to depend on his magic amulet if danger threatens. Back in his mortal form Strange visits the man he has promised to help. When the man falls asleep Doctor Strange enters his dream in spiritual form. Inside the dream, Strange is met by a figure bound in chains who presents himself as Mr. Crang. Then another form appears, Nightmare, Strange's ancient foe. Meanwhile the dreaming man awakes. He realizes the dreams are caused by all the men he has ruined. He grabs a gun to shoot Doctor Strange who is kept from reuniting with his mortal form by Nightmare. Doctor Strange uses his amulet to call upon his master who places a hypnotic spell on the man. Doctor Strange slips out of the dream dimension to grab the gun before removing the hypnotic spell. The man confesses his crimes.
Recurring Characters
Doctor Strange, The Ancient One, Nightmare, Wong, Dreamstalker
Continuity Notes
This story breaks from the usual Marvel tradition of giving a new character an origin in their first appearance. Doctor Strange’s origin is not told until Strange Tales #115.
This is also the first appearance of Doctor Strange’s servant Wong, however he is not identified by name until Strange Tales #119.
The Ancient One is only referred to as “The Master” here. He is not called by his official title until Strange Tales #115.
Although this is their first appearances, Doctor Strange and Nightmare mention that they have clashed against each other in the past. To date, the earliest clash between Doctor Strange and Nightmare ever recorded was in a flashback in Doctor Strange (vol. 2) #65.
