I'm Glad Marvel Realizes One of Its Best Hero Duos Makes Zero Sense

Warning: Spoilers for One World Under Doom #1

Spider-Man's friendly rivalry with the Fantastic Four's Human Torch has made them a fan-favorite duo among Marvel Comics readers, but I can't help feeling that their relationship isn't as great as many believe. They don't get along at all, evidenced by their nonstop teasing at every turn. I'd argue that they bicker more frequently than they get along, and Marvel has finally agreed with me that they don't make sense as friends.

One World Under Doom #1 by Ryan North, R.B. Silva, David Curiel, and Travis Lanham follows Marvel's heroes as they head out to face Doctor Doom's forces in Latveria in the wake of his global takeover. While they fly in the Fantastic Four's new invisible jet, Spider-Man and the Human Torch trade insults back and forth for the entire ride.

Finally, having had enough, Spider-Man says, "I have no idea why we're friends." Johnny fires back with a snarky retort, but I'm on Peter's side here. Spider-Man and the Human Torch's friendship simply doesn't work, and it's about time they admitted it.

Spider-Man Finally Admits He Doesn't Know Why He's Friends With the Human Torch

Despite Being An Iconic Marvel Duo, These Two Don't Fit Together

In One World Under Doom #1, Spider-Man and the Human Torch find themselves at odds - which is normal for them, as most Marvel fans are well aware of by now. What sticks out to me, however, is the difference in their attitudes toward each other. Spider-Man seems genuinely frustrated with being in Invisible Woman's force-field construct rather than a proper plane, while the Human Torch pokes fun at his worries without taking his feelings into consideration. Granted, this can be read as standard banter between old pals, but I'm of the opinion that there's a time and a place to be a jerk - even a playful one.

Johnny Storm being a jerk to Peter Parker isn't limited to this story alone, of course. Whenever they share the page, more often than not, Johnny is throwing needless barbs in Peter's direction in hopes of setting him off. All friends take jabs at each other on occasion, yet there can only be so much a person can take before the ribbing goes from lighthearted to downright infuriating. The Human Torch tends to complain whenever Spider-Man is so much as alluded to in his presence, hinting at a loathing that stretches beyond what would be expected from most friendships.

Spider-Man's Friendship With The Human Torch Didn't Get Off to a Promising Start

Peter Parker Originally Bonded With Johnny Storm For the Wrong Reasons

My bewilderment about Spider-Man and the Human Torch's friendship stems from the fact that it was formed on a shaky foundation. The Spider-Man/Human Torch miniseries by Dan Slott and Ty Templeton sheds light on the early days of this duo's rivalry, showcasing their relentless prank war and their festering grudge that only worsens with each interaction. However, the story takes a turn in the series' fifth issue, when Johnny finds out that Peter Parker is Spider-Man and reveals he's always been jealous of him for his "Parker luck". Peter then flips the script and admits he's jealous of Johnny for his carefree life in the Fantastic Four.

While it's sweet that these heroes' mutual jealousy of each other brings them together and inspires them to call a truce, that doesn't make for a healthy basis for a friendship by any stretch of the imagination. Respecting each other is one thing, but I believe that envy ultimately feeds into resentment in the long run. Spider-Man and the Human Torch won't truly appreciate one another's accomplishments, instead wishing they could each have what their friend has. It's only natural that they bicker so much, then, since their dynamic is entirely predicated on a desire to be in the other's position.

Despite Their Differences, Spider-Man and the Human Torch's Dynamic Isn't Entirely Toxic

Peter Parker and Johnny Storm Butt Heads, But That's What Makes Them Work

With all of this being said, the pairing of Spider-Man and the Human Torch has its merits. They constantly push each other's buttons, but when things get serious, they'll always have each other's backs. Additionally, Spider-Man has become an honorary fifth member of the Fantastic Four thanks in large part to his closeness with Johnny, so their incessant bickering could stem from Peter being part of his extended family in a sense. Moreover, though they have trouble settling their differences when they're together, Spider-Man has conveyed how much he cares about Johnny when they're apart.

One story that proves how this friendship can work under certain circumstances is found in Fantastic Four #588 by Jonathan Hickman and Mark Brooks. In the wake of the Human Torch's death, Spider-Man keeps an eye on a grieving Franklin Richards and confides in him about his experience with the death of his own uncle. The kindness he extends to Franklin, and the way he clearly misses Johnny as well, highlights how deep their friendship goes beneath their surface-level disagreements. Spider-Man and the Human Torch's relationship has its flaws, but I can concede that the iconic bond they've formed isn't entirely unjustified.

One World Under Doom #1 is available now from Marvel Comics!

Spider-Man

Created By

Stan Lee, Steve Ditko

First Appearance

Amazing Fantasy

Alias

Peter Parker, Ben Reilly, Otto Octavius, Yu Komori, Kaine Parker, Pavitr Prabhakar, William Braddock, Miles Morales, Kurt Wagner

Alliance

Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Secret Defenders, Future Foundation, Heroes for Hire, Mighty Avengers, New Avengers, Web-Warriors

Race

Human

Franchise

Marvel, Spider-Man

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Fantastic Four

Created by

Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

First Film

The Fantastic Four

Latest Film

Fantastic Four

Upcoming Films

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

First TV Show

The Fantastic Four

First Episode Air Date

September 9, 1967

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