Fantastic Four Preview Reveals One Way Human Torch's Powers Have Changed

CBR

By Jeremy Blum

Published Sep 21, 2021

Johnny Storm's cosmic powers go into overload in a preview of Fantastic Four #36, resulting in a Human Torch who cannot simply 'flame off.'

A preview of Fantastic Four #36 reveals a glimpse at the newfound power of Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch -- though it's a power that he is unable to turn off.

Written by Dan Slott with artwork by Nico Leon, the issue features Reed Richards attempting to contain Johnny's explosive flames, which are so bright that they light up the entire Baxter Building. According to Reed, the power of Johnny's fire keep rising in accordance with his emotional state, and despite the Human Torch's best efforts, there is little he can do to simply "flame off."

Meanwhile, Franklin Richards suggests that his father determine a way to siphon off Johnny's excessive power and transfer it to him -- a suggestion that draws instant condemnation from his mother and sister.

Johnny Storm's new, always-on state is a direct result of events spinning out of the failed wedding of Doctor Doom and Zora Vukovic -- also known as Lady Victorious -- in "The Bride of Doom" storyline, which spanned Fantastic Four #32-34. Furious at the last-minute confession that Zora had shared an intimate night with Johnny Storm, Doctor Doom called off the wedding, tried to execute his guests, and blasted the Human Torch with a ray that made his abilities escalate.

Fantastic Four #36, by Dan Slott and Nico Leon with covers by Mark Brooks, Nick Bradshaw, Rachelle Rosenberg and Russell Dauterman, goes on sale Sept. 22.