American Update: Spider-Mania Bonus: Strange Tales Annual #2 – the Human Torch Meets Spider-Man
*Marvel: One of the scarcer Spider-Man appearances, and often overlooked, was his guest-shot in Strange Tales Annual #2. While Annual #1 had been devoted exclusively to reprinted Big Panty Monsters and shock-ending chillers, by the second issue, Johnny Storm, the Fantastic Four’s Human Torch, had taken over as the lead feature, and an all-new 18-page Lee & Kirby story teamed him up with – and in finest Marvel tradition, pitted him against – the Amazing Spider-Man! This issue is scarce in the USA, and even rarer here in the UK, for reasons unknown. This is a pence copy, GD/VG, with minor lower spine wear and a small upper spine split, on sale at £145.