Human Torch (android)

Human Torch
The original Human Torch Marvels #1 (Jan. 1994). Cover art by Alex Ross.
Publication information
Publisher	Timely Comics Atlas Comics Marvel Comics
First appearance	Marvel Comics #1 (Oct. 1939)
Created by	Carl Burgos (writer / 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
Notable aliases	Jim Hammond, The Torch
Abilities	Accomplished street fighter Skilled unarmed combatant Fire manipulation and resistance Flight Ability to survive without oxygen for long time periods

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

The "Human" Torch was actually an android created by scientist Phineas Horton. 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 adapted a secret identity as a police officer for 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 renovated his name and powers into a new character, Johnny Storm, a member of the Fantastic Four (who was actually human-mutate). 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. In 2012, Hammond was ranked 28th in IGN's list of "The Top 50 Avengers".