Johnny Storm could be a future MCU superstar when the Fantastic Four movie premieres. You might think his Silver Age keys are well out of reach, but these three issues are surprisingly affordable.

They are called the first family of Marvel Comics for a reason. While the publisher is an evolution of Golden Age mainstays Timely and later Atlas Comics, Fantastic Four #1 is considered the true beginning of the Marvel Age. The FF was the backbone of the company as Marvel’s first hit series. That fame quickly extended outside the comics and became a pop culture sensation.

Out of all four members, the first breakout star was the second Human Torch, Johnny Storm. That makes it a priority to get his keys before the FF movie. It may seem like most of those early moments are in the pantheon of FF holy grails, but there are deals to be found. Take a look.

STRANGE TALES #101

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby knew they had something special on their hands and they began putting Johnny Storm into the spotlight within a year of FF #1. Marvel tested the waters with Johnny’s first solo adventure in Strange Tales #101, and it would pave the way for things to come.

This is an important moment in the Human Torch’s comic history, and it is surprisingly affordable. Along with the comic’s age, higher grades are understandably higher priced. However, it’s the mid and lower grades where the deals can be found. Everything from a 6.0 and below has 12-month averages under $650. If you move down to the 4.0 range, prices dip into $400 territory.

STRANGE TALES ANNUAL #2

The Human Torch and Spider-Man have one of the most famous friendships in all of Marvel Comics. The two have been paired together since the FF met Spider-Man in Amazing Spider-Man #1, and Johnny made several guest spots in the early days of ASM. With Spidey being one of the MCU’s premiere heroes, there’s no doubt that he and Johnny will meet on the big screen. That should have implications for Strange Tales Annual #2, the issue where the two had their first official team-up. 

If you want anything from a 6.5 and up, you will easily spend four figures. Like ST #101, the mid and lower grades will give you a piece of comic history for a better price. Beginning with the 6.0, Strange Tales Annual #2 stays under the $750 mark. By the time you reach the 5.0, that investment is closer to $500 or lower.

STRANGE TALES #124

Considering Johnny’s popularity, especially in the ‘60s and ‘70s, it’s a wonder that he didn't get his own forgettable self-titled comic until 1974. His most famous starring role was in the early days of the Silver Age's Strange Tales when this was the Human Torch’s platform. An overlooked issue in that run is ST #124, which happens to be the first time Johnny and Thing teamed outside the FF. These two would have a love-hate relationship that would help define the FF, and owning their two-man team-up is worth the price of admission. In fact, the highest grade sold in recent months has been the 8.5, which sold for a modest $250 in May. 

THE COMING STORM

What Marvel Studios is going to do with the Fantastic Four is anyone’s guess, but I predict the Human Torch will be a star. While the Fox movies were atrocious, Johnny Storm was a bright spot in all three films. Under the Marvel Studios/Disney banner, the Human Torch could relive his Silver Age glory when the FF finally arrives in the MCU. 

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*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.