Marvel Tales #16

In "Where Flies the Beetle...!", Johnny—still trying to impress Doris Evans without relying on his Torch identity—finds himself caught in a bizarre twist when a gardener’s experimental plant-enhancing device goes haywire after a lightning strike. Suddenly, plants gain intelligence and obey their creator’s will, turning the gardener into the Plantman, who launches a criminal spree with a shocking motive. With Doris’ father framed and the city at risk, Johnny must fight not just the Plantman, but the very ground beneath his feet. Written by Stan Lee and Joe Carter, with dynamic art by Dick Ayers and colors by Stan Goldberg, this 1968 tale of botanical menace features a standout cover by Steve Ditko.