STRANGE TALES 121 (1964)
by Stan Lee & Dick Ayers
cover by Jack Kirby
I’m not really all that surprised that somebody wanted the return of Plantman after his hilarious first appearance…
…but “one of the most fearsome foes the Torch has ever faced”? REALLY!?
Though I have to admit he has the most hilarious introduction I have ever seen: waking up the hero splashing water in his face.
The title of the story is “Prisoner of the Plantman”, but it doesn’t specify that he traps the Human Torch INSIDE HIS CLOSET.
AND IT WORKS.
All of this so that the Plantman can get on his crime spree.
The Torch does eventually get out of the closet (ehm) but it’s too late to catch the Plantman.
Now that’s just embarrassing.
The Torch takes it personally, asking the rest of the Fantastic Four to not steal the spotlight let him catch the Plantman on his own.
Now that’s just embarrassing, again.
At least the Plantman chewing up the scenery is entertaining.
Note that the fight is taking place at the botanical gardens because the Plantman lured the Human Torch there. So it’s his fault that there are cans of weed killer just waiting to be used.
Say what you want about Chlorophyll Kid, but at least HE doesn’t have to fight in a garden in order to have weapons. And if you’re being upstaged by a member of the Substitute Heroes you really have only yourself to blame.
Now this is what I call trusting your artist.
The Torch even makes a surprisingly intelligent point: basically the Plantman has no real reason to be a criminal!
The Plantman, however, commits a crucial mistake: threatening the Torch’s girlfriend.
Honestly I would’ve preferred if what pushed the Torch to the limit was the threat of being considered lamer than the Plantman.
And so we end with the promise of more Plantman action.
It won’t be on these pages: the Plantman’s next appearance is on X-Menb, and after that he’ll be all over the place… as a credible threat a couple of times, but he’s mostly a punching bag.
Historical significance: 0/10
Shockingly, the Plantman does not become the Human Torch’s nemesis.
Silver Age-ness: 10/10
Does it stand the test of time? 0/10
Stan Lee is really off his game. And even Dick Ayers, who I usually don’t like all that much, is much worse than usual. Maybe it has something to do with the inker being uncredited?