Toro (comics)

Toro
Toro makes his first appearance (right) appearing alongside his mentor the original Human Torch. From Human Torch Comics #2
Publication information
Publisher	Timely Comics, Atlas Comics
First appearance	Human Torch Comics #2 (Fall 1940) (First modern appearance): Prince Namor, The Sub-Mariner #14 (June 1969)
Created by	Carl Burgos (writer / artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Thomas Raymond
Species	Inhumans
Team affiliations	The Invaders Kid Commandos Young Allies All-Winners Squad Legion of the Unliving
Partnerships	Human Torch
Notable aliases	The Flaming Kid, Human Torch
Abilities	Fire manipulation and resistance Flight

Toro is the name of two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first Toro was originally featured in Timely Comics and later as a Marvel Comics superhero who appeared as the partner of the original Human Torch.

The first Toro made his debut in Timely Comics' Human Torch Comics #2 (premiering fall 1940 with no cover date and as issue #2, having taken over the numbering from the single-issue Red Raven). Toro appeared in numerous comics titles in the 1940s, both during World War II and the post-war era. He starred with Bucky in Young Allies Comics, and made appearances in various issues of Kid Comics, Amazing Comics, Complete Comics, Mystic Comics, All-Winners Comics, and Sub-Mariner Comics. Toro and the Torch later appeared in Atlas' Young Men #24 (December 1953). Toro also made several appearances in Marvel Comics titles, beginning in Marvel Super-Heroes #13-14 (March, May 1968). He was a regular character in the 1970s Invaders series. After years of only appearing in flashback stories, he returned to current publication with the 2008 Avengers/Invaders maxiseries and the 2009 miniseries The Torch.

Thomas Raymond was born in New York City to parents who were laboratory assistants to Phineas Horton, creator of the original Human Torch. After their employment with Horton had ended, they were killed in a train derailment. Toro himself was found at the site of the accident by a traveling circus completely unscathed despite the blaze from the wreckage raging around him. Adopted by the circus, his complete immunity to flame was used to draw additional crowds to the circus sideshow.