Spoilers for Fantastic Four #32 ahead!
In Fantastic Four #32, Johnny Storm, AKA The Human Torch, has a one-night stand, and it could very well end up destroying Marvel's first family.
The Human Torch’s love life is complicated, to say the least. He has had several committed relationships over the years. The first was Crystal, from the Inhumans. Next was Lyja, a shape-shifting Skrull who initially tried to infiltrate the Fantastic Four by impersonating Alicia Masters (The Thing’s lover), only to fall in love with Johnny. Currently, the Human Torch is dating Kaila, or Sky as she is more commonly known; Sky hails from the planet Spyre and has wings and Human Torch considers her his “soulmate.”. All three of these lovers, past, and present, collide in Fantastic Four #32, written by Dan Slott, with art by R.B. Silva, colors by Jesus Aburtov, and letters by Joe Caramanga.
The issue, part one of the “Bride of Doom” storyline, kicks off with the Human Torch seeking relationship advice from Crystal. In the background is her daughter, Luna, who reads Torch’s aura and tells him he will make a bad choice and “screw everything up.” Torch, along with Sky, the Thing, and the real Alicia Masters, then head to a fancy gala featuring Latverian artifacts and royal treasures. Doctor Doom is not present, but his herald, Victorious, is and is heading up security for the event. While at the gala, Lyja, posing as Sky, tricks the Human Torch into kissing her as the real Sky makes her entrance. This later leads to a confrontation between Sky and Torch, causing her to fly away, saying she needed space away from him. The issue ends with a double whammy: readers learn that Johnny has not only slept with Victorious, but now Doctor Doom has selected her to be his bride!
Luna’s prophecy from the beginning of the issue has proven true, the Human Torch has screwed everything up. He has repeatedly called Sky his “soulmate,” and yet he cheated on her, and it is even implied that Sky knows what he has done. What truly makes matters worse is that Doctor Doom asked Reed Richards to be the best man at his wedding, but now Human Torch, Reed’s brother-in-law, has potentially thrown a wrench into the works. Doctor Doom and the rest of the Fantastic Four will no doubt discover what the Human Torch has done, so there will be serious ramifications for not only the Human Torch but the rest of the team as well.
Marvel has promised the “Bride of Doom” will tear the Fantastic Four apart, and the seeds for that destruction have been planted in Fantastic Four #32, thanks to the Human Torch’s one-night stand.