Human Torch (android)

For Johnny Storm, member of the Fantastic Four, see Human Torch.
Human Torch
The original Human Torch as depicted in The Marvels Project #2 (September 2009). Art by Steve Epting.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceMarvel Comics #1 (October 1939)
Created byCarl Burgos (writer and artist)
In-story information
Alter egoJim Hammond
Team affiliationsAvengers
Invaders
All-Winners Squad
V-Battalion
West Coast Avengers
Heroes for Hire
Legion of the Unliving
Secret Avengers
The Descendants
S.H.I.E.L.D.[1]
PartnershipsToro
Sun Girl
Notable aliasesThe Torch
Abilities
  • Fire manipulation and resistance
  • Flight
  • Self-sustenance
  • Expert street fighter

The Human Torch, also known as Jim Hammond, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer and artist Carl Burgos, he first appeared in Marvel Comics #1 (October 1939), published by Marvel's predecessor, Timely Comics.

The "Human" Torch was an android created by scientist Phineas Horton, off of the tutelage of Victor Timely. He possessed the ability to surround himself with fire and control flames. In his earliest appearances, he was portrayed as a science fiction monstrosity, but quickly became a hero and adopted a secret identity as a police officer for the New York City Police Department.

The Human Torch was one of Timely Comics' three signature characters, along with Captain America and Namor the Sub-Mariner. Like many superheroes, the Human Torch fell into obscurity by the 1950s. In 1961, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby repurposed his name and powers for a new character, Johnny Storm, a member of the Fantastic Four who is a mutate[a] instead of an android. Unlike Captain America and the Sub-Mariner, the original Human Torch has had only a small presence in the post-1950s Marvel comic books and is closely associated with the Golden Age.

  1. ^ All-New Invaders #5


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