Strange Tales #119
The Torch Goes Wild!
Mad that his girlfriend Doris is dating another man, being left behind from a FF vacation due to school, and his continued rivalry with Spider-Man, Torch is in a foul mood. However, the Torch soon finds himself preoccupied when the man known as the Rabble Rouser has convinced city hall to pass ordinances that prevent the Human Torch from using his flame. The Rabble Rouser has a mechanical wand provided to him by his Soviet employers to create dissent in the States during the visit of a foreign prince.
When the prince is part of a parade, he is captured by the Rabble Rouser, prompting the Torch to go after him. After a quick battle, the Torch grabs the Rouser's wand and uses it to convince him to become a model American, before destroying it with his flame powers. Afterwards, Doris visits Johnny, and tells him that she only dated another man to make him jealous.
Recurring Characters
Fantastic Four (Human Torch, Mister Fantastic, Invisible Girl, Thing), Doris Evans, Rabble Rouser
Continuity Notes
One of the people against the Human Torch mentions that the Torch and Spider-Man are "always feuding." The pair has had a rocky relationship since Strange Tales Annual #2.
Spider-Man mentions his familiarity with being panned by the press. Spider-Man has been the constant target of editorials written by Daily Bugle owner J. Jonah Jameson since Amazing Spider-Man #1.
All the Cold War themes in this story should be considered topical references per the Sliding Timescale of Earth-616 (particularly references to the late Fidel Castro).
Beyond the Purple Veil!
Doctor Strange is up late studying a sinister gem when he discovers two common burglars breaking into his house. He sends them through the wall and leaves them without calling the police. This encourages the thieves to return next evening, after Strange has dismissed Wong and retreated to his study. They steal the strange gem and escape. Doctor Strange quickly senses that something is wrong. The gem has transported the unsuspecting thieves to the Purple Dimension. Dr, Strange enters the Purple Dimension and is brought before its ruler, Aggamon the All-Powerful.
Aggamon shows how his subjects are slaving in the mines digging for gems and then offers to release his captives, if Doctor Strange takes their place. He accepts, but breaks free of his shackles as soon as the two thieves have been returned. Aggamon attacks with his jeweled demolisher beam and Strange counters with his magic amulet. The contest lasts for hours and both grow weaker. At last, the cowardly Aggamon surrenders. With his amulet, Strange weakens Aggamon's powers and makes it so that only by releasing his captives may Aggamon regain his strength. Doctor Strange returns to his house, where he learns that the two crooks have given themselves up and promised to live straight from now on.
Recurring Characters
Doctor Strange, Wong, Aggamon
Continuity Notes
This is the first time Wong is actually called by name.
