WithAvengers: Doomsdayon the horizon and Marvel gearing up to shake up the multiverse with the Fantastic Four, theMCUhas the perfect opportunity to unite one of Marvel’s best superhero duos,Spider-Manandthe Human Torch. Marvel’s friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man is a part of many superhero duos, but Peter Parker and Johnny Storm are by far the Marvel Universe’s greatest and most enduring hero friendship.
First meeting inAmazing Spider-Man#1, by Stan Lee, Sol Brodsky, and Steve Ditko, Spider-Man and the Human Torch initially had a rough start as the two heroes fought upon their first encounter. However, Johnny Storm and Peter Parker would gradually form one of the Marvel Universe’s most exciting friendships that would last longer than nearly any other relationship Peter Parker and Johnny Storm had.
With the current state of the MCU, Spider-Man and the Human Torch’s dynamic may be what the MCU needs, both for Tom Holland’s Peter Parker and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
MCU Spider-Man Is in Desperate Need of a Superhero Ally, and the Human Torch Is the Perfect Fit
Marvel Needs a New Superhero Duo that’s not Deadpool & Wolverine
After the events ofSpider-Man: No Way Home, Tom Holland’s Peter Parker has lost Aunt May, his girlfriend, his best friend, and the superhero community, leaving him alone and in desperate need of companionship.Though the MCU’s Fantastic Four are currently in a different reality from Peter Parker, it’s already been hinted that Peter and Johnny will share a screen,withAvengers: Doomsdayset to be a massive multiverse event. As The Fantastic Four is about to debut in the MCU, upcoming Marvel films, namelyAvengers: DoomsdayorAvengers: Secret Wars, will be the absolute ideal time to introduce the epic duo of Spider-Man and Human Torch.
Peter and Johnny have been lifelong friends, but there is often friction between the two, which would make for a compelling character dynamic within the MCU should they team up.
What makes Peter and Johnny’s relationship so fun isn’t just their friendship but rather the discord that comes with it, because though the two are friends, there is also often tension that arises from their polar opposite personalities. Peter and Johnny have been lifelong friends, butthere is often friction between the two, which would make for a compelling character dynamic within the MCU should they team up. Should the MCU unite Spider-Man with Johnny Storm, it would possibly rival the popularity of Deadpool and Wolverine’s duo, but also help reconnect Peter with new, much-needed superhero allies.
Peter Parker and Johnny Storm Have One of the Most Compelling Friendships in Marvel History
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch are the Wholesome Friendship MCU Fans Need
Throughout the comics, Spider-Man and the Human Torch’s relationship has been uniquely realistic and allowed the two heroes to be emotionally vulnerable. InSpider-Man/Human Torch#5 by Dan Slott and Ty Templeton, Peter and Johnny both admit that they envy one another’s lives; Johnny envies Parker’s career and relationships, and Peter admits he envies Johnny’s carefree lifestyle. Despite having an initial disdain for one another within the comics,Spider-Man and the Human Torch’s connection has gradually developed into a lasting friendshipand mutual understanding, with their polar-opposite personalities complementing each other.
Peter is often the voice of reason to Johnny’s brash and irresponsible behavior, and Johnny often helps Peter break free from his more introverted nature, giving the two an interesting yin and yang dynamic. ThoughFantastic Four: First Stepshas yet to be released, actor Joseph Quinn has noted he wants to forgothe hero’s infamous womanizing tendenciesand make Johnny less callous to others' feelings. This sentiment bodes well for the MCU Spider-Man and Human Torch duo as it would potentially make a Spider-Man and Human Torch friendship far more wholesome while still encapsulating their fun dynamic.
Peter Parker Is the Unofficial Fifth Member of the Fantastic Four.
Despite Peter and Johnny often having a turbulent relationship where the two clash as much as they team up, there is no denying that the two are always there for one another in their darkest hour. When Johnny Storm dies inFantastic Four#587, Peter Parker was there for his family andeventually joined The Fantastic Four in his absence.With the MCU’s Spider-Man at his lowest point, introducing the Human Torch into Spider-Man’s life would allow Johnny to uplift Peter Parkerand grant him a found family within The Fantastic Four.
Spider-Man and the Human Torch’s friendship is so enduring within Marvel Comics because it brings conflict to the heroes' lives, but also builds off of their shared experiences as heroes, showing a rare moment of vulnerability and realism within a superhero relationship.Introducing their dynamic to the big screen would give the MCU the much-needed nuance by allowing Marvel to take inspiration from Peter and Johnny’s long comic book history.Avengers: Doomsdaywould be an excellent time to introduce such a nostalgic and timeless friendship into the MCUand build their dynamic to eventually become an MCU staple.
