Paste-Pot-Pete

Having been paroled for helping out the Avengers, Paste-Pot Pete has spent his freedom creating a new outfit and weapons to make him a more formidable foe. Spotting the Thing flying in a Fantasti-Car, Paste-Pot attacks him and easily subdues Thing and steals his jet.

The Torch picks up the anti-theft system on the Fantasti-Car on his ring, and leaves his bowling date with Doris to investigate. He frees the Thing and the two heroes quickly defeat Paste-Pot, and turn him over to the authorities. Returning to the bowling alley, Torch explains the situation to Doris, who forgives him for seeming to stand her up.

Recurring Characters

Human Torch, Thing, Doris Evans, Paste-Pot Pete

Continuity Notes

• The Thing tells the Torch that Paste-Pot Pete was released from prison after helping the Avengers defeat the Masters of Evil. This happened in Avengers #6.

• Paste-Pot thinks back to his first caper and his original costume worn in Strange Tales #104.

The Lady From Nowhere

While out in his astral form, Doctor Strange spots a mysterious spectral woman who is locked in a trance. Taking her back to his Sanctum and casting a protection spell, Strange visits the Ancient One, who uses a magic candle to send Strange to the mystery woman's point of origin.

Ending up in the ancient past, Doctor Strange battles the mystic named Zota, who is responsible for the woman's predicament. Defeating Zota and returning to his own time, Strange conjures a spell that frees the mystery spirit, who turns out to be Cleopatra.

Recurring Characters

Doctor Strange, Ancient One, Zota, Cleopatra, Mark Anthony, Hamir the Hermit

Continuity Notes

• Strange is wearing the Amulet of Amagotto in this story. Which should not be confused with the Eye of Agamotto which Strange first obtains in Strange Tales #128.

• Seen here is the Ancient One's servant Hamir, who is not officially named until Strange Tales #141.