Human Torch (android)
The Human Torch, who is also known as Jim Hammond (originally, Hamond), 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.
| Human Torch | |
|---|---|
The original Human Torch as depicted in The Marvels Project #2 (September 2009). Art by Steve Epting. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Marvel Comics #1 (October 1939) |
| Created by | Carl Burgos (writer and artist) |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Jim Hammond |
| Team affiliations | 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. |
| Partnerships | Toro Sun Girl |
| Notable aliases | Jim Hammond, The Torch |
| Abilities |
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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 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.