Issue(s): Marvel Comics Presents #83 (Human Torch story only)
Cover Date: 1991
Title: "The matchstick and the Moth!"
Credits:
Erik Larsen - Script
Steve Ditko - Plot
Steve Ditko - Penciler
Erik Larsen - Inker
Mark Powers - Assistant Editor
Terry Kavanagh - Editor

Review/plot:
Erik Larsen and Steve Ditko seem like an odd pairing -- ok, they are an odd pairing. Larsen does have some Silver Age sensibilities, though.

The Human Torch encounters a woman called the Moth, who can drain his flame.

The Moth has been hired by gangsters to take care of the Torch, but once he's captured, he hears that they plan to double cross and kill her too. Johnny tries to escape and save her, but she won't believe him about the double-cross, and so she winds up getting shot dead.

I was waiting for the "moth drawn to the flames" connection, and this is what we get.

I can barely even muster up the energy to complain that we don't learn anything about the Moth, like why she'd call herself that if her power is to drain flames?

Quality Rating: D+

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: N/A

References: N/A

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A