Flying over Glenville, Johnny wonders if the residents have grown bored with him. He gives them a "free show", but the reaction is decidedly negative. This turns out to be the fault of TV commentator Ted Braddock, who's been doing a series of very negative editorials about Johnny, which have succeeded in turning many people against him. Meanwhile, The Eel steals a bag containing "Project X" from inventor Charles Lawson, who begs him to return it. It turns out the bag contains a miniature radio-active atomic pile, which is danger of going off within one hour of being exposed to air if the proper switch is not thrown on it! Hearing about it on the news, a fence tells The Eel why it's too "hot" to handle. Lawson helps Johnny track down The Eel, who's gotten rid of the device, but not believing him, Johnny attacks. Johnny manages to fly the device into the upper atmosphere where it explodes, as he absorbs most of the blast-- but nearly dies in the process. As Reed uses a ray to restore Johnny's "half-dead cells" to vitality, Braddock broadcasts a editorial retracting everything bad he ever said about The Torch. Johnny recovers, causing cheers in the general public and frustration among the underworld.