The legend of the Human Torch begins way back in the Golden Age of comic books, commonly accepted as the time period of 1938-1945. Carl Burgos created the character of Jim Hammond, who debuted as the Human Torch in Marvel Comics #1, published by the company then known as Timely Publications, in October 1939. He may have been called the “Human” Torch, but originally, the character was actually an android who possessed the ability to control flames, as well as surround himself with fire without harm. At first, the Human Torch and his powers seemed to be a menace; that is, until he learned to control his supernatural abilities, at which point he became one of the early superheroes. During World War II, the Human Torch was a founding member of the Invaders, and in the post-war era, he teamed up with the All-Winners squad, determined to use his powerful control over the element of fire for good.
In 1940, Human Torch fans were introduced to a new character named Thomas “Toro” Raymond in Human Torch Comics #2. He was the son of Fred Raymond, who worked for Professor Phineas T. Horton, creator of the Human Torch, and scientist Nora Jones. Both parents eventually fell ill due to complications from the effects of experiments with heat, fire proofing, even asbestos. As a child, Toro’s home was attacked by the villain Asbestos Lady. When the Human Torch became aware of the situation, he tried to protect the Raymonds. However, the Asbestos Lady struck again while the Raymonds were traveling by train, causing it to crash, and killing Fred and Nora in the process. A couple who ran a circus took Toro in, and he began performing as a fire eater, since by this time, he had realized his own special powers related to the control of fire. The Human Torch learned of the young boy’s powers, so similar to his own, and eventually became Toro’s legal guardian. He taught Toro to harness his powers and the two work as partners; Toro was also a member of both the Invaders and All-Winners.
During the 1950s, along with many other superheroes, the Human Torch fell out of favor with the general public. But the idea of a hero who could control something as seemingly uncontrollable as fire remained appealing, and the Human Torch character returned in the form of Jonathan “Johnny” Storm during the Silver Age, and continues to be popular today. Inspired by the Golden Age hero, legendary comic creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced Johnny Storm along with the rest of the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four #1 in November 1961. Like his teammates, Johnny gained his “Human Torch” powers as a result of being on a spaceship that was bombarded by cosmic rays.
Following this incident, Johnny discovered that he possessed the ability, like the original Human Torch, to engulf his body in fiery plasma, even absorb fire into his body, all without being harmed. Learning to harness his powers, he found that by creating fiery blasts, he could also fly at extreme speeds. Both incarnations of the Human Torch required oxygen to use their powers, just like you need oxygen to start a fire. So, their fires can be extinguished by low air pressure, a vacuum, or smothering with water, sand, foam (like that in a fire extinguisher), or flame retardant blankets. That is, of course, if these items are not instantly torched by the intensity of the Human Torch’s fire, which can reach temperatures of 1,000,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is known as his “Nova Flame.”
Since his introduction, the Human Torch has proven to have a personality that is as large and exciting as his powers. His adventures have a rich history in comics, one that will likely continue to burn brightly for some time.
