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The Human Torch
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Real Name
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Jonathan Lowell Spencer "Johnny" Storm
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First Appearance
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The Fantastic Four #1 (November, 1961)
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Creators
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Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
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Team Affliations
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Fantastic Four, Future Foundation, Fantastic Force, Herald of Galactus, Fantastic Four Incorporated
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Aliases
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The Torch, Invisible Man
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Base of Operations
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New York City
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Powers
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Flame generation, pyrokinesis, fiery form, flight,
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Skill and Abilities
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Skilled race-car driver, auto-mechanic, and designer
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Tools and Weapons
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None
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The Human Torch (Jonathan Lowell Spencer "Johnny" Storm) is a superhero in the Marvel Universe and a member of the Fantastic Four.
Origin[]
After helping Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, and his sister Susan steal the experimental rocket that Reed had designed in order to get to the Moon before the Soviet Union, Johnny Storm and the other three are bombarded with cosmic radiation, which gave Johnny the power to engulf himself in flames, throw fire and fly. Soon, he and the others (who also developed powers) became the superhero team The Fantastic Four to fight threats against the Earth and explore new worlds.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Jonathan Storm was born to Mary and Franklin Storm and was raised on Long Island along with his sister Sue. When Jonathan and Sue were children, their mother was in an automobile accident and their father, a doctor, failed to save her. Franklin then fell into despair and became an alcoholic until the day he was arrested for murder and sentenced to prison. Soon, the two siblings moved to the suburbs Glenville to live with their Aunt Marygay and had a relatively peaceful upbringing afterwards. Johnny grew up extremely enthusiastic about automobiles and became a mechanic at a young age.
Other Versions[]
A similar, unrelated character of the same name and powers had been created in 1939 by writer-artist Carl Burgos for Marvel Comics' predecessor company, Timely Comics. The original Human Torch was an android created by Professor Horton. When first exposed to oxygen, the android burst into flame, accidentally destroying the lab where he was created and terrorizing the local populace. Eventually gaining control of its powers, the Human Torch became a member of The Invaders, a WWII super team that he was so focused on fighting Hitler's forces. The other members of the team were Captain America, Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner and Bucky, sidekick of Captain America.
Powers[]
Like the rest of the Fantastic Four, the Human Torch gained his powers on a spacecraft bombarded by cosmic rays. He can engulf his entire body in flames, is able to fly, can absorb fire harmlessly into his own body, and can control any nearby fire by sheer force of will. "Flame on!", which the Torch customarily shouts when activating his full-body flame effect, has become his catchphrase. The youngest of the group, he is brash and impetuous in comparison to his beautiful and compassionate sister, Susan Storm, his sensible brother-in-law, Mister Fantastic, and the grumbling Thing. In the early 1960s, he starred in a series of solo adventures, published in Strange Tales. He is also a friend and frequent ally of Spider-Man, who is approximately the same age as the Torch.
Media[]
Chris Evans portrayed him in the 2005 film Fantastic Four and the 2007 sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
