Issue(s): Strange Tales #131 (Human Torch story only)
Cover Date: Apr 65
Title: "The bouncing ball of doom!"
Credits:
Stan Lee - Writer
Bob Powell - Penciler
Dick Ayers - Inker

Review/plot:
The title of this issue is "The bouncing ball of doom!" and the story delivers on that promise.

I could tell you that the Mad Thinker is operating without the Puppet Master, and in fact has been planning this particular plot for "many months" which means probably even before he browbeat his partner into getting mind-blasted by Mr. Fantastic.

I could tell you that the Mad Thinker isn't even really defeated in this issue. As per his usual MO, he doesn't directly face his enemies, and unlike the Puppet Master he doesn't get tricked into getting remotely brain-blasted.

But you wouldn't care. You just want to know about the bouncing ball of doom. How it's built from the same elements as the nose cone of a missile. Made in the shape of a ball... for the ball is the strongest form in existence, having no weak spot.

Able to withstand the crushing force far more powerful than a dozen Things.

Equipped with a freeze blast.

Programmed for Random Movement.

Ultimately the Human Torch and the Thing beat it.

But when you spend the entire issue fighting a ball...

...even if you win, you lose.

Quality Rating: D+

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: The MCP places this between FF #36-37.

References: N/A

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: Essential Human Torch