Detecting a disturbance near the planet Mercury, the Silver Surfer flies to the planet to investigate and finds that unconscious body of the Human Torch, whose magically enhanced flame will not go out, even in the depths of space. Stabilizing the Torch with his Power Cosmic, the Surfer learns how the Torch was abandoned in space by Kang the Conqueror after he helped moved the planet Mercury out of alignment to save the life of Mantis. Upon hearing Mantis' name the Surfer rushes to Earth so he can be reunited with the woman he had grown to love and thought he lost in space.

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