* 1st APPEARANCE "PLANTMAN" (Samuel Smithers)
* 1st Appearance "Doris Evans" Johnny Storm's girlfriend

Late again for one of his dates with Doris Evans, Johnny arrives to be witness to Dorry's father firing his gardener for wasting his time on a device that stimulates plants growing. Vengeful, and after his device is struck by lightning giving it the ability to make him control plants totally, the gardener becomes the criminal known as Plantman. As Plantman, Smithers tries to frame Dorry's father with robbing the store in which he works, and planting evidence pointing blame to Mr. Evans. Johnny vows to clear Mr. Evans' name, and ends up battling with the Plantman.

The two are at a match until the Torch begins to gain the lead, the Plantman then escapes by hiding in a tree, planning to strike again with a more devious plan. Afterwards, Doris thanks Johnny for clearing her fathers name.

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