Human Torch (android)

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	Avengers 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]
Partnerships	Toro Sun Girl
Notable aliases	The 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.

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