The Threat of the Living Bomb!

The Torch's popularity has waned due to negative editorials made by newscaster Ted Braddock that have been turning public opinion against Johnny.

When a new villain known as the Eel steals Project X, a miniature atomic pile, the Torch—with the help of Charles Lawrence, the inventor of the device—goes after the Eel. When the device is at risk of explosion, the Torch tries to convince the Eel to give over the device. The Eel does not believe him and continues his attack.

The Torch is forced to use his powers to take down the Eel's copter and battle him on the ground. The Torch manages to capture Project X, leaving the Eel with the arriving authorities. Johnny takes the bomb out to a safe place where it detonates and he attempts to absorb the heat and flames from the explosion. He succeeds but is seriously injured and Reed Richards uses a device to try and heal Johnny.

After Johnny recovers, Braddock retracts all his negative statements about the Human Torch and declares him a hero.

Recurring Characters

Fantastic Four (Human Torch, Mister Fantastic, Invisible Girl, Thing), Eel

Continuity Notes

• The Wizard is depicted in jail in this story. He was incarcerated following his defeat at the hands of the Human Torch in Strange Tales #110.