View source for Human Torch (android)

{{Short description|Marvel Comics fictional character}}
{{For|Johnny Storm, member of the Fantastic Four|Human Torch}}
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|image=Human Torch (Jim Hammond).png
|caption= The original Human Torch as depicted in<br>''The Marvels Project'' #2 (September 2009). Art by [[Steve Epting]].
|character_name=Human Torch
|real_name=Jim Hammond
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|debut=''[[Marvel Mystery Comics|Marvel Comics]]'' #1 (October 1939)
|creators=[[Carl Burgos]] (writer and artist)
|alliances=[[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]]<br>[[Invaders (comics)|Invaders]]<br/>[[All-Winners Squad]]<br>[[V-Battalion]]<br/>[[West Coast Avengers]]<br/>[[Heroes for Hire]]<br/>[[Legion of the Unliving]]<br>[[Secret Avengers]]<br>The Descendants<br/>[[S.H.I.E.L.D.]]<ref>''All-New Invaders'' #5</ref>
|partners= [[Toro (comics)|Toro]]<br/>[[Sun Girl (Marvel Comics)|Sun Girl]]
|aliases=The Torch
|powers=
* 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 book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. Created by writer and artist [[Carl Burgos]], he [[first appearance|first appeared]] in ''[[Marvel Mystery Comics|Marvel Comics]]'' #1 (October 1939), published by Marvel's predecessor, [[Timely Comics]].

The "Human" Torch was an [[Android (robot)|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]]. 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 [[Human Torch|Johnny Storm]], a member of the [[Fantastic Four]] who is a mutate{{efn|In Marvel comics, the term "mutate" is used as a noun to designate characters that received superpowers from an external source, as opposed to Marvel's [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutants]].}} instead of an android. Unlike Captain America and Namor, the Human Torch has had a small presence in post-1950s comics and is closely associated with the [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]].

==Publication history==
Following his debut in the hit ''Marvel Comics'' #1,<ref>Per researcher Keif Fromm in ''Alter Ego'' #49, p. 4 (caption), that initial comic, cover-dated October 1939, quickly sold out 80,000 copies. Goodman immediately produced a second printing, cover-dated November 1939 and identical except for a black bar in the inside-front-cover indicia over the October date, and the November date added at the end. That sold approximately 800,000 copies.</ref> the Human Torch proved popular enough that he soon became one of the first superheroes to headline a solo title. Through the 1940s, the Torch starred or was featured in ''Marvel Mystery Comics'' (the book's title beginning with issue #2), ''The Human Torch'' (premiering with issue #2, Fall 1940, having taken over the numbering of the defunct ''[[Red Raven Comics]]''), and ''[[Captain America Comics]]'' #19, 21–67, 69, 76–77, as well as appearing in several issues of ''[[All Select Comics]]'', ''[[All Winners Comics]]'', and ''[[Young Allies (Marvel Comics)|Young Allies Comics]]''.

Seeing a natural "fire and water" theme, Timely was responsible for comic books' first major [[Fictional crossover|crossover]], with a two-issue battle between the Human Torch and the [[Namor|Sub-Mariner]] that spanned ''Marvel Mystery Comics'' #8–9—telling the same story from the two characters' different perspectives.{{multiple image|align=left|direction = horizontal|header=|width=150
|image1=MarvelComics1.jpg|alt1=|caption1=''Marvel Comics'' #1 (October 1939): The issue that first introduced the fictional character. Cover art by [[Frank R. Paul]].|image2=marvelmystery9.jpg|alt2=|caption2=''[[Marvel Mystery Comics]]'' #9 (July 1940): Fire vs. water in comics' first major crossover. Cover art by [[Bill Everett]].}}

''Marvel Mystery Comics'' ended its run with #92 (June 1949), and ''The Human Torch'' with #35 (March 1949), as superheroes in general had faded in popularity. Timely Comics publisher [[Martin Goodman (publisher)|Martin Goodman]]—who by the early 1950s had transitioned the company to its next iteration, as [[Atlas Comics (1950s)|Atlas Comics]]—attempted to revive superheroes with the [[anthology]] comic ''Young Men'' #24–28 (Dec. 1953 – June 1954), starring the Human Torch (art by [[Syd Shores]] and [[Dick Ayers]], variously, with covers and initially some panels featuring the Torch redrawn by Burgos for style consistency), along with the Sub-Mariner and [[Captain America]]. The solo title ''The Human Torch'' returned for issues #36–38 (April–Aug. 1954) before again being canceled. The Torch also appeared in stories in the briefly revived ''Captain America Comics'' and ''Sub-Mariner Comics'', and in the anthology ''Men's Adventures'' #28 (July 1954).

The original Human Torch debuted in present-day Marvel Comics continuity in ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four Annual]]'' #4 (Nov. 1966).

Human Torch appeared as a regular character in the 2010–2013 ''Secret Avengers'' series, from issue #23 (April 2012) through its final issue #37 (March 2013).

Starting in 2014, the Human Torch began appearing as a main character in the [[Marvel NOW!]] relaunch of ''[[Invaders (comics)|The Invaders]]''.<ref>[http://www.newsarama.com/18870-invaders-inhuman-lead-all-new-marvel-now-lineup-this-winter.html INVADERS, INHUMAN Lead 'All-New' Marvel NOW! Lineup this Winter]</ref>

==Fictional character biography==
===Early life===
{{multiple image
 | align = right
 | total_width = 320
 | image1 = Marvel Comics 1 page 4.jpg
 | caption1 = The Human Torch escapes from his captivity in [[Timely Comics]]' ''[[Marvel Mystery Comics|Marvel Comics]]'' #1 (October 1939) by [[Carl Burgos]].
 | image2 = Human Torch (Marvels 1 1994).jpg
 | caption2 = [[Alex Ross]]' cover of Marvel Comics' ''[[Marvels]]'' #1 (Jan. 1994), which pays homage to Burgos's 1939 interior sequence depicting the Torch's debut
}}
The Human Torch was an [[Android (robot)|android]] created by Professor Phineas Horton in his lab in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]] for "scientific" purposes. At a press-conference unveiling, however, Horton's creation burst into flames when exposed to oxygen. The android showed human-like sentience, personality, and awareness, but the spectators feared that he posed a safety threat. Public outcry led to the Torch being sealed in concrete, though he escaped due to a crack that let oxygen seep in. The Torch then inadvertently caused parts of New York City to burn and, after dealing with a mobster who wanted to gain advantage of his abilities for fire insurance (and accidentally causing the mobster's death in an explosion), he eventually learned to control his flame, rebelled against his creator, and vowed to help humanity.<ref>''Marvel Comics'' #1 (October 1939). Timely Publications.</ref>

The Torch later first encountered and battled [[Namor|Namor the Sub-Mariner]].<ref>''Marvel Mystery Comics'' #8–10 (June–Aug. 1940). Timely Publications.</ref>

He would join other heroes as war broke out in Europe, and later in the Pacific, to fight the [[Axis powers]]. In his solo title's debut issue, he acquired a young partner, Thomas "[[Toro (comics)|Toro]]" Raymond, the [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutant]] son of two nuclear scientists whose exposure to radiation gave him the ability to control fire.<ref>''Human Torch Comics'' #2 (Fall 1940). Timely Publications.</ref>{{efn|This is the first issue, the series having taken over the numbering of the unrelated series ''[[Red Raven Comics]]''.}} The Human Torch also joined the New York City police force as part of his "human cover" under the name James "Jim" Hammond. He would later drop the human name and serve the police force outright as the Human Torch, fighting villains and his off-and-on foe, the Sub-Mariner.

Both the Torch and the Sub-Mariner joined with Captain America and his partner [[Bucky Barnes|Bucky]] as the core of the superhero team the [[Invaders (comics)|Invaders]], fighting [[Nazis]] during [[World War II]] (in [[retcon]] stories that premiered in 1970s comics).<ref>''Giant-Size Invaders'' #1 (June 1975). Marvel Comics.</ref> With the Invaders, he was soon brainwashed by the [[Red Skull]] and battled the [[Liberty Legion]].<ref>''The Invaders'' #5–6 (March & May 1976); ''Marvel Premiere'' #30 (June 1976). Marvel Comics.</ref> He later gave a blood transfusion to Jacqueline Falsworth, giving her superhuman powers to become [[Spitfire (comics)|Spitfire]].<ref>''The Invaders'' #11 (Dec. 1976). Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Torch, the Sub-Mariner, Captain America, and Bucky banded together with the [[Whizzer (Robert Frank)|Whizzer]], and [[Miss America (Madeline Joyce)|Miss America]] in post-war America in a subsequent super-team, the [[All-Winners Squad]] (the original Captain America and Bucky's membership were later retconned as having been the second [[Spirit of '76 (Marvel Comics)|Captain America]] and [[Bucky (Marvel Comics)|Bucky]]).<ref>''[[All Winners Comics]]'' #19 (Fall 1946). Marvel Comics.</ref> In Marvel continuity, the Human Torch was responsible for the death of [[Adolf Hitler]]. When [[Battle of Berlin|the Russians were invading Berlin]], the Torch and Toro broke into [[Führerbunker|Hitler's bunker]] just as he was about to commit suicide, to offer him the chance to surrender himself to the Americans rather than the Russians. Hitler lunged for a red switch, presumed by the Torch to be a bomb. In return, the Human Torch blasted fire at Hitler, burning him alive.<ref>''What If?'' #4 (Aug. 1977 – first series). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Sometime afterward, the Torch was placed in deactivation sleep in the [[Mojave Desert]]; an [[Nuclear weapons testing|atomic bomb test]] awoke him. Learning that Toro had been captured by the [[Soviet Union|Soviets]] and brainwashed, the Torch rescued his old partner and learned that the nuclear bomb's radiation had made his powers both much stronger and more unstable.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=April 2009}}

To keep Toro a young boy, the writers [[retcon]]ned the character slightly, claiming the Torch met him after World War II rather than at the beginning of the war.{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}} The revival lasted five issues. Later writers explained how fearing he would become a danger to those around him, the Torch flew back out into the desert and went nova, using up his energy reserve and effectively deactivating himself.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=April 2009}}

===Reactivation and joining Avengers West Coast===
[[File:avengerswescoast50.png|250px|thumb|right|[[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]]'s cover to ''[[West Coast Avengers|Avengers West Coast]]'' #50]]
In modern-day continuity, the [[Mad Thinker]] reactivated the Torch to have him battle the [[Fantastic Four]], deactivating him when the Torch refused to kill the heroes.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' Annual #4</ref> In a storyline in the ''[[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]]'' that dealt with the secret background of its [[Android (robot)|android]] member, the [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]] revealed that the Torch's body had been found by a renegade robot named [[Ultron|Ultron 5]], and modified to become the Vision, his mind wiped of past memories and his powers altered with the coerced help of the Human Torch's original creator, Phineas Horton. The seed of this idea was planted by artist [[Neal Adams]] and worked out in detail in ''The Avengers'' #133–135 (May–June 1975) by writer [[Steve Englehart]].

A later story by [[Roy Thomas]] in ''What If?'' #4 (Aug. 1977), planted the suggestion that the Vision was actually made from a second android created by Horton, named [[Adam II]]. This freed up the Human Torch for a possible revival. This was followed up by [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]], who had the [[Scarlet Witch]] revive the Torch in ''[[Avengers West Coast]]'', seeking answers about her husband, the Vision, and to help Ann Raymond, wife of Tom "[[Toro (comics)|Toro]]" Raymond. In these stories, it was determined that the Vision had been made by Ultron out of the Torch's spare parts, which explained their physical similarities. The Torch served the Avengers for many issues before losing his powers to save the former superheroine [[Spitfire (comics)|Spitfire]] in the 1990s series ''[[Namor]]''. His powers gone, the Torch settled down with Ann Raymond.

He became the Chief of Security for Oracle, Inc.,<ref>''Namor, the Sub-Mariner'' #12. Marvel Comics.</ref> and would appear later as the CEO of Oracle, Inc., a company run by Namor.<ref>''Heroes for Hire'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> There he ran the mercenary team [[Heroes for Hire]], and his mysterious connection to the Vision was furthered when [[Ant-Man (Scott Lang)|Ant-Man]] (Scott Lang) declared that his internal mechanisms were identical to the Vision's despite the differences in their appearance and powers.<ref>''Heroes for Hire'' #13. Marvel Comics.</ref> During the time-travel adventure ''[[Avengers Forever]]'', the Avengers subsequently discovered [[Immortus]], the custodian of Limbo, had used a device called the Forever Crystal to diverge the Torch's personal timeline while keeping the two outcomes concurrent. According to this explanation, the Human Torch ''is'' the Vision, but also continues to exist as himself.<ref>''Avengers Forever'' #8. Marvel Comics.</ref>

When Oracle, Inc., was closed down and Heroes for Hire disbanded, Hammond was soon asked to head [[Citizen V]]'s V-Battalion upon the retirement of [[Destroyer (Roger Aubrey)|Roger Aubrey]], the [[Destroyer (Golden Age)|Destroyer]]. While on leave from the V-Battalion as field leader of the [[Invaders (comics)|New Invaders]], he became attached to [[Tara (comics)|Tara]], a female android based on him, whom he came to regard as a daughter of sorts. He also renewed acquaintances with Spitfire, to the dismay of her beau, [[Union Jack (comics)|Union Jack]] (Joey Chapman).<ref>''The New Invaders'' #1–5. Marvel Comics.</ref> Tara was revealed to have been created by the [[Red Skull]]; overrides on her developing personality allowed the Invaders' enemies, the Axis Mundi, to use her as a weapon against the team. As Tara heated toward overload to kill the Invaders, the Torch channeled her heat to prevent her meltdown. With his own systems then overloading, he flew high into the atmosphere, away from where he could cause harm, and detonated.<ref>''The New Invaders'' #9. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Torch's remains were recovered by the United Nations and sequestered for research. They were subsequently stolen by professor Zhang Chin, who used the Torch's chemistry to create a virus weapon that caused infected persons to immolate. Captain America (Barnes) and the Sub-Mariner stopped the attack, and were able to pressure the U.S. Government into burying the Torch with full military honors.<ref>''Captain America'' #46–48. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The superhuman training camp created in the aftermath of the Civil War is named [[Camp Hammond (comics)|Camp Hammond]], in the Torch's honor. A statue of Hammond on the grounds bears the inscription "JIM HAMMOND, THE FIRST OF THE MARVELS: He showed us that heroes can be made".<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #2 (June 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref> When the camp was shut down by [[Norman Osborn]], an angry mob tore down the statue.<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #23. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Avengers/Invaders===
The original Human Torch appears in the ''Avengers/Invaders'' maxi-series alongside his fellow Invaders when an incident takes them from the battlefields of [[World War II]] to the present [[Marvel Universe]], where they encounter both the [[The New Avengers (comics)|New Avengers]] and [[The Mighty Avengers|Mighty Avengers]]. During his time in the future, the Torch briefly attempts to 'lead' S.H.I.E.L.D.'s [[Life Model Decoy]]s against the organization in the belief that they are sentient machines that have been enslaved by the agency, but it is revealed that he has been deceived by [[Ultron]], who had infiltrated the Helicarrier.<ref name="Avengers/Invaders #1-12">''Avengers/Invaders'' #1–12. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Weaponization===
Some time after his destruction, the pieces of his body are gathered and reassembled in a secret [[UN]] lab, until stolen by a squad of mercenaries led by [[Batroc the Leaper]], at the behest of the Chinese science-villain Professor Pandemic. As a young boy, the Professor was rescued from Japanese authorities by the Invaders, and was fascinated by the Torch. Now, he intends to use the technology to further his goals. [[Bucky Barnes|Captain America]] (James Barnes), [[Black Widow (Natasha Romanova)|Black Widow]], and the Sub-Mariner race to prevent this from happening.<ref>''Captain America'' #43–46. Marvel Comics.</ref> The Professor used the Torch's chemistry and cell structure to create an airborne virus that can spontaneously kill people.<ref name="Captain America #47">''Captain America'' #47. Marvel Comics.</ref> The Professor plans to use this virus to eradicate half of Earth's population. Luckily, Cap is able to stop this and made sure that Jim received a proper burial.<ref>''Captain America'' #48. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===The Torch===
At the beginning of the "[[Dark Reign (comics)|Dark Reign]]" storyline, the recently resurrected [[Toro (comics)|Toro]] is captured by [[Advanced Idea Mechanics|A.I.M.]] during an attempt to kill the [[Mad Thinker]]. Initial experimentation on Toro makes the Mad Thinker realize that he can reconstruct the Torch. A.I.M. steals the Torch's body from Arlington National Cemetery for experimentation.<ref name="The Torch #1">''The Torch'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

After the Mad Thinker and A.I.M. spend months experimenting on the Torch's corpse and on the captive Toro they are able to resurrect the Torch, but his memories have disappeared. The Mad Thinker gains control of the Torch using "Compound D", a synthetic molecule he adapted from the Torch's cells (H<sub>42</sub>N<sub>2</sub>C<sub>2</sub>O<sub>6</sub>), which he dubs "Horton cells". Meanwhile, Toro's powers begin to manifest themselves again and a startling discovery proves that Toro's mutation may have been created as a result of his mother working for Horton.<ref>''The Torch'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Thinker uses the Torch as a weapon of mass destruction to destroy an Estonian town. An escape attempt by Toro damages the control mechanism and sets the Torch free. He returns to the A.I.M. carrier and begins murdering everyone in sight. The Mad Thinker reveals that he has managed to synthesize more of the Compound D which can interact with living organisms and control them. As he teleports to safety the compound pours into the ocean. It reaches an Atlantean settlement below, as it was being visited by [[Namor]], and infects the population.<ref>''The Torch'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>

As the Compound D infection spreads through New York, the Torch battles an infected Sub-Mariner and learns the nature of Compound D after Sub-Mariner attempts to infect him. Sub-Mariner is defeated and while Reed Richards can create an antidote, he cannot create enough of it fast enough. The Torch, Toro, and Johnny Storm team up and attack the Mad Thinker's base and the Thinker at first refuses to cooperate until the Torch threatens that he will scorch the Earth clean, starting with the Thinker. The Thinker realizes the Torch's memories are returning, and provides the antidote before teleporting away. The antidote is released and all infected victims are cured, but Reed Richards determines that the antidote breaks down all Horton cells, not just Compound D and that the Torch has only a few days before he is destroyed.<ref>''The Torch'' #4. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Toro attempts to investigate his past to learn of his parents' association with Professor Horton and learns that some Horton cell prototypes were stolen long ago. The Torch is visited by the Golden Age Vision who advises him to seek out Toro and aid him while he still can. Their quest takes them to an underground society called "New Berlin", where the population has been taught  that the Axis powers won WW2; people who leave the underground city are incinerated. The leader of the colony lures the Mad Thinker to it and then holds him captive to coerce him to cooperate. It is revealed that all citizens of New Berlin are in fact androids created from the unstable prototype Horton cells and that the atmosphere of the colony is saturated with anti-combustion chemicals to keep the citizens intact; this also prevents Toro and the Torch from using their powers and they are captured. The Thinker stabilizes the New Berlin leader's weapon so that it can function without destroying itself. The Thinker also frees the Torch and Toro.  Despite the Torch still dying from the Compound D antidote, he engages the Inhuman Torch in battle. The Inhuman Torch can absorb and manipulate all flame and siphons the flame from the Torch and Toro. The Torch manages to reignite himself and engages the Inhuman Torch in a final fight. By channeling his fire into a nova flame the Torch overload the Inhuman Torch, fusing it into an inert statue.  A side effect of the Torch using the nova flame deactivates the enzyme in his body, saving his life. They bid farewell to New Berlin and the Golden Age Vision takes them back to New York. The Thinker reveals that the leader of "New Berlin" is himself an android. Unwilling to believe this, the leader attempts to leave New Berlin and is incinerated.<ref>''The Torch'' #5–8. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Secret Avengers===
The Torch is later offered membership in the [[Secret Avengers]] by Captain America after [[Hawkeye (Clint Barton)|Hawkeye]] takes over as the team's leader.<ref>''Secret Avengers'' #23</ref> During his first mission with the group, the Secret Avengers travel to the Core, a subterranean city inhabited by an advanced race of robots called Descendants. The Torch finds that he is worshiped by the Descendants, who respectfully refer to him as "Grandfather".<ref>''Secret Avengers'' #24. Marvel Comics.</ref> During an encounter with a cyborg resembling the original [[Miss America (Madeline Joyce)|Miss America]], the Torch learns that the city was created by a man known as the Father, who created the Descendants back in the 1940s as part of a failed attempt to replicate Professor Horton's work. The Torch is badly damaged during the Avengers' escape from the Core, and is placed in stasis until his body can be repaired.<ref>''Secret Avengers'' #25. Marvel Comics.</ref>

[[Black Ant (comics)|Black Ant]] later frees the Torch and teleports him back to the Core, where he is repaired by Father.<ref>''Secret Avengers'' #33. Marvel Comics.</ref> There, the Torch sides with the Descendants,<ref>''Secret Avengers'' #34. Marvel Comics.</ref> realizing that he never quite fit in with humans. He then leads an army of robots during a raid on New York City, with the goal of forcibly assimilating the human race through the use of [[nanotechnology]].<ref>''Secret Avengers'' #35. Marvel Comics.</ref> The Torch eventually realizes that he had been brainwashed, and destroys the Orb of Necromancy, the mystical artifact that granted life to the descendants. Although the human race is saved, the Descendants are all killed as a result. Distraught, the Torch quits the Avengers and flies off to parts unknown.<ref>''Secret Avengers'' #37. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===All-New Invaders===
A number of months after his resignation from the Avengers, Hammond is shown living in a small town called Blaketon, now working as a mechanic. He is forced to abandon his new life after being attacked by a squadron of [[Kree]] soldiers, resuming his identity as the Human Torch once again.<ref>''All-New Invaders'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> After being saved by the intervention of Captain America and the [[Bucky Barnes|Winter Soldier]], the Torch joins the newly reformed Invaders.<ref>''All-New Invaders'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

When the Fantastic Four are declared to be unfit guardians for the children of the [[Future Foundation]],<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 5 #7. Marvel Comics.</ref> Hammond offers to take custody of the children to provide a guardian that the FF can trust who they know will do all that he can to reunite them with their parents,<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 5 #8. Marvel Comics.</ref> even threatening to leave S.H.I.E.L.D. if he is forced to make a choice between the agency and his promise to protect the children.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 5 #9. Marvel Comics.</ref> During the final confrontation with the forces of Counter-Earth – unleashed by the mysterious Quiet Man as part of his plan against the Fantastic Four – [[Sleepwalker (comics)|Sleepwalker]] revealed that Hammond had a soul despite his artificial origin.<ref name="Fantastic Four (2014) #645">''Fantastic Four'' (2014) #645. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==Physiology==
Earlier writers portrayed the Torch's body as anatomically identical to human, but made out of synthetic material. Correspondingly, the Torch was shown to have human needs and human weaknesses; he has been felled by drugs, poison gas, hypnotic and telepathic attacks in both Golden Age stories and the ''[[Invaders (comics)|Invaders]]'' series from the 1970s. The Torch has a heart, lungs, circulatory and digestive systems, and has been shown sleeping, eating, and drinking on more than one occasion. Toro has humorously implied that the Torch has normal human excretory functions. This concept of a living, artificial human made of synthetic flesh and blood was unique in comics, as opposed to the more common theme of a mechanical automaton that only externally resembles a human being.<ref>''The Torch'' 1–8. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Marvels'' series 1994. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Mystery Comics'' #17. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Invaders'' #38–41. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Human Torch Comics'' #5–6. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Saga of the Original Human Torch'' #1–4 (1990). Marvel Comics.</ref>

After the Mad Thinker's modification and reactivation of the Torch, writers began to portray him as clearly mechanical, containing circuits, relays, and motors, much like a traditional robot. This variable presentation of his anatomy remains an unresolved issue, whether an overlooked [[continuity error]] or explained within the fictional context of the stories. After his creation by Phineas Horton, many others have examined and experimented on the Torch's body, including the Mad Thinker, Zhang Chin, Henry Pym, and unspecified scientists working for the United Nations. It is unclear if any of these entities have made additions to the Torch's original body design that could explain the appearance of his mechanical components.<ref name="Captain America #47"/><ref>''The West Coast Avengers'' vol. 2 #42–45. Marvel Comics.</ref> ''Captain America'' #47 describes the Torch's anatomy as biologically based, moving the pendulum back in the other direction: the Torch's body has both DNA and a cellular structure, according to Zhang Chin.<ref name="Captain America #47"/> Other writers have continued to emphasize the Torch's mechanical aspects, both in terms of showing metallic body components and references to the Torch having 'programming' that can be altered.<ref>''Secret Avengers'' #25, ''Captain America & Bucky'' #628. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The [[Mad Thinker]] has stated that the Torch's organs are composed of "Horton cells" – synthetic replicas of human cells using plastic and carbon polymers that duplicate the structures found in organic human cells.<ref name="The Torch #1"/> These cells can be grown in a culture, and are compatible with human and mutant physiology. Even in small clusters, they are capable of generating and storing a remarkable amount of power:

* While traveling inside the Human Torch in miniaturized form, [[Ant-Man (Scott Lang)|Scott Lang]] temporarily gained a version of the Torch's powers after coming in contact with one of the cells that powers the Torch.<ref>''Heroes for Hire'' #13 (July 1998)</ref> This is a homage to a similar incident in which [[Hank Pym]] entered the Vision's body and was temporarily rendered intangible.<ref>''The Avengers'' #93 (Nov. 1971). Marvel Comics.</ref>
* The Pyronanos, a type of [[nanomachine]]-based artificial beings, were created using cells secretly extracted from Jim Hammond.<ref>''Livewires'' #1–6. Marvel Comics.</ref>
* Compound D, a mind control substance created by the [[Mad Thinker]], is made from Horton cells.
* [[Toro (comics)|Toro]], the Torch's teenaged sidekick, is a mutant who was exposed to Horton cells as a child. The cells bonded to his nervous system and caused his powers to manifest as an exact duplicate of the Torch's.<ref>''The Torch'' miniseries 2009. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Of particular note is the Torch's synthetic blood, which in addition to being a [[Universal blood donor|universal blood type]] has been shown to have restorative properties:

* A "[[blood transfusion]]" from the Torch gave [[Spitfire (character)|Spitfire]] her superspeed powers,<ref>''Invaders'' #7. Marvel Comics.</ref> and prevented her conversion to one of the [[undead]];<ref>''Invaders'' #9–11. Marvel Comics.</ref> a second transfusion decades later saved her life and restored her youth.<ref>''Namor the Sub-Mariner'' #12. Marvel Comics.</ref> Aware of the initial transformation, the Hyena obtained a blood specimen from the Torch in the hopes of creating an army of Nazi speedsters.<ref>''The Invaders'' Annual #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> A similar transfusion to [[Warrior Woman (Marvel Comics)|Warrior Woman]] reversed much of her brain damage and restored her health and power.<ref>''Namor the Sub-Mariner'' #9–12 (Dec. 1990– Mar. 1991). Marvel Comics.</ref>
* The robot Ultron reported he could "taste life" after drinking the Torch's blood.<ref name="Avengers/Invaders #1-12"/>

==Powers and abilities==
The Human Torch is a synthetic being designed and constructed of artificial materials. He has the capacity for creative intelligence, unlimited self-motivated activity, and human-like emotions. The Torch has the ability to envelop his body in fiery plasma without harm to himself and to utilize this heat energy for various effects, including flight, formation of fiery shapes, energy releases in the form of heat blasts, "nova flame bursts" (highest intensity heat blasts, similar to the heat-pulse of a nuclear warhead), and concussive force blasts. The Torch has the ability to control ambient heat energy in his immediate environment, which allows him to control flames not of his own generation, makes him immune to the effects of external heat and to absorb heat from other sources. The Torch's flame can be extinguished by lack of oxygen, or by smothering materials such as water, sand, fire-fighting foam, or heat-resistant blankets unless his flame is at such intensity that it immediately vaporizes such materials on contact.

While in flame form, the original Human Torch has engaged in hand-to-hand combat with Namor, the Sub-Mariner. He has also dug underground and through vessels like a human missile.

The upper limit of his resistance has been undefined over the years, having once walked out stronger from a nuclear blast, and on another time considered destroyed by another nuclear blast, this last one happening in the last issue of ''New Invaders''.

The Torch was a member of the NYPD in the 1940s, and has police academy training. He has received some training in unarmed combat by [[Captain America]], and is an expert in the combat use of his superhuman powers. The Torch is also an accomplished street fighter.

The Torch can live without oxygen, entering a stasis mode.

==Reception==
In 2012, Hammond was ranked 28th in [[IGN]]'s list of "The Top 50 Avengers".<ref>{{cite web |date=April 30, 2012 |title=The Top 50 Avengers |url=http://www.ign.com/top/avengers/28 |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=July 28, 2015 |archive-date=August 31, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831011827/http://www.ign.com/top/avengers/28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Other versions==
===Amalgam Comics===
The '''Human Lantern''', an amalgamation of the Human Torch android and [[Alan Scott]] / [[Green Lantern]], appears in the [[Amalgam Comics]] story ''Super-Soldier: Man of War'' #1.<ref>''Super-Soldier: Man of War'' #1. Amalgam Comics.</ref>

===House of M===
An alternate universe variant of the Human Torch android appears in "[[House of M]]".<ref>''Captain America'' Vol. 5 #10. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Marvel Apes===
An unidentified ape called the '''Simian Torch''' appears in "[[Marvel Apes]]".<ref>''Marvel Apes'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Marvel Apes'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Spider-Ham===
A [[funny animal]]-themed variant of the Human Torch android called the '''Asinine Torch''' appears in ''[[Spider-Ham|Peter Porker, The Spectacular Spider-Ham]]'' #9.<ref>''Peter Porker, The Spectacular Spider-Ham'' #9. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Ultimate Universe===
An alternate universe variant of the Human Torch from [[Earth-6160]] appears in "[[Ultimate Invasion]]". This version was stored in a [[Damage Control (comics)|Damage Control]] facility before [[Iron Man#Ultimate Universe|Iron Lad]], [[Mister Fantastic#Ultimate Universe|Doom]], and [[Alternative versions of Captain America#Ultimate Universe|Captain America]] reactivate him amidst an attack by H.A.N.D. agents.<ref>''Free Comic Book Day 2024: Ultimate Universe/Spider-Man'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Ultimates'' Vol. 4 #6. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Human Torch later takes his leave from the Ultimates to go on a mission to "start a fire".<ref>''Ultimates'' Vol. 4 #13. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==In other media==
===Television===
* The android Human Torch makes a cameo appearance in a flashback in the ''[[Fantastic Four (1994 TV series)|Fantastic Four]]'' episode "When Calls Galactus".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Jim Hammond (Character) |url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/jim-hammond/4005-12605/ |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Comic Vine |language=en}}</ref>
* The android Human Torch appears in ''[[The Super Hero Squad Show]]'' episode "World War Witch!", voiced by [[Jim Cummings]].<ref name=":0" /> This version is a member of the Invaders.

===Film===
The android Human Torch, renamed the "'''Synthetic Man'''", makes a cameo appearance in ''[[Captain America: The First Avenger]]'' as part of the 1943 [[Stark Expo]].<ref>{{cite web |title=15 MCU Cameos That Were Wasted |url=https://www.cbr.com/15-mcu-cameos-that-were-wasted/2/?v=8 |website=CBR |access-date=21 November 2018 |date=29 March 2017 |last=Cardona |first=Ian}}</ref>

===Video games===
* Jim Hammond appears as an unlockable playable character in ''[[Lego Marvel's Avengers]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Andrew |date=January 6, 2016 |title=Characters - LEGO Marvel's Avengers Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-marvel-avengers/Characters |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> voiced by [[Sam Riegel]].{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}
* Jim Hammond appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel Puzzle Quest]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Piecing Together Marvel Puzzle Quest: Human Torch (Jim Hammond) |url=https://marvel.com/articles/games/piecing-together-marvel-puzzle-quest-human-torch-jim-hammond |website=Marvel.com |access-date=30 August 2019 |date=29 August 2019}}</ref>

==Collected editions==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Title
!Material collected
!Published date
!ISBN
|-
|''Marvel Masterworks Golden Age: Human Torch Vol. 1''
|''Human Torch Comics'' #2–5A
|October 26, 2005
|{{ISBNT|978-0785116233}}
|-
|''Marvel Masterworks Golden Age: Human Torch Vol. 2''
|''Human Torch Comics'' #5B–8
|December 27, 2007
|{{ISBNT|978-0785122500}}
|-
|''Marvel Masterworks Golden Age: Human Torch Vol. 3''
|''Human Torch Comics'' #9–12
|July 2010
|{{ISBNT|978-0785133490}}
|-
|''Decades: Marvel in the 40s - The Human Torch vs. the Sub-Mariner''
|Material from ''Marvel Mystery Comics'' #7–10; ''Human Torch Comics'' #5B,#8 and #10
|January 29, 2019
|{{ISBNT|978-1302916589}}
|-
|''Timely's Greatest: The Golden Age Human Torch By Carl Burgos Omnibus''
|''Marvel Comics'' #1; ''Marvel Mystery Comics'' #2–34, #83; ''Human Torch'' #2–7, #28; ''All-Winners Comics'' #1–4; ''Daring Mystery Comics'' #7; ''Captain America Comics'' #76; ''Young Men'' #24–28
|December 10, 2019
|{{ISBNT|978-1302919337}}
|-
|''Sub-Mariner & The Original Human Torch''
|''Saga of The Sub-Mariner'' #1–12 and ''Saga of the Original Human Torch'' #1–4.
|September 17, 2014
|{{ISBNT|978-0785190486}}
|-
|''The Torch''
|''The Torch'' #1–8
|July 21, 2010
|{{ISBNT|978-0785146315}}
|}

==See also==
* Ajax the Sun Man, a similar character published by [[Street & Smith]]
* The Fire Man, a similar character published by [[Centaur Publications]]
* [[Fiery Mask]], a similar character published by Timely
* [[Pyroman]], a similar character published by [[Nedor Comics]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.marvel.com/universe/Human_Torch_%28Jim_Hammond%29 Human Torch (android)] at Marvel.com
* [http://www.comics.org The Grand Comics Database]
* [http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/h/humtorch.htm The Golden Age Human Torch]
{{Human Torch (android)}}
{{Invaders}}
{{Secret Avengers}}
{{GoldenAge}}
[[Category:Avengers (comics) characters]]
[[Category:Characters created by Carl Burgos]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1939]]
[[Category:Fictional androids]]
[[Category:Fictional characters from Brooklyn]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with fire or heat abilities]]
[[Category:Fictional New York City Police Department officers]]
[[Category:Golden Age comics titles]]
[[Category:Golden Age superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics robots]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics titles]]
[[Category:Timely Comics characters]]