Who was The First Marvel Superhero? Who is the Human Torch? If we go back in time, Marvel Comics introduced a total of three superheroes in its first issue back in 1939 – Human Torch, Angel, and Namor the Sub-Mariner. However, Human Torch appeared first in the list, so we can consider him to be the first Marvel Comics Superhero. Marvel Comics #1 which was published in October 1939, became the first comic book published by Timely Comics, the predecessor of Marvel Comics.
Who was The First Marvel Superhero?
The first issue of Marvel Comics (Back Then Timely Comics) had a total of seven stories, three of which were about superheroes. The first one was “The Human Torch” which introduced Jim Hammond, a.k.a. Human Torch to the continuity. The other two superheroes were “The Angel” which introduced Thomas Holloway and “The Sub-Mariner”, which introduced Namor McKenzie.
Since the editor of the comic book decided to start the first issue with the story “The Human Torch”, Jim Hammond is popularly considered to be the first-ever Marvel superhero. Human Torch made the debut in the first story of the now-classic comic book Marvel Comics #1 (1939). This fictional superhero character was created by artist Carl Burgos, who also wrote his original story.
Human Torch (Jim Hammond), was an android created by Professor Phineas Horton. He was initially viewed as a scientific monstrosity, as he was able to surround himself with flames and control them, but he soon adapted to the human moral code and became a superhero. In normal life, Jim Hammond operates as an officer with the New York City Police Department (NYPD). In superhero life, he was initially viewed as a scientific monstrosity, as he was able to surround himself with flames and control them, but he soon adapted to the human moral code.
Human Torch is also responsible for the “discovery” of Namor, the other Superhero, whom he fought during their first encounter. The character of Human Torch is closely associated with the Golden Age of Comic Books. The character was gradually revitalized during the ’70s and is now a regular, albeit supporting character in the present-day Marvel Universe.
The appearance of the Human Torch can be seen in animated form in television series and in video games. The character also made a cameo appearance in the form of an exhibit in the movie Captain America: The First Avenger. He is not to be confused with a more famous character of the same name, the Human Torch who is a member of the Fantastic Four and whose real name is Johnny Storm. The two of them, despite the identical superhero name, are completely unrelated characters.
Powers & Weaknesses of Human Torch – First Marvel Superhero
Human Torch is comparatively a very normal superhero (fit male in his 20s) when compared to a lot of other Marvel superhero characters. He does not have superpowers like other Superheroes. However, he is an android which makes him more durable than a regular human.
Some of the Superpowers of Human Torch are:
- He can manipulate other flames he encounters and is immune to any fire-based attack, which actually makes sense when you think of it.
- He can also generate radiation and has the ability of thermokinesis, the ability to mentally control the ambient heat energy within his immediate environment, even when he himself is not aflame.
Some of the Weaknesses of Human Torch are:
- Contact with water or anything that can extinguish a fire is his biggest weakness
- Jim Hammond’s other weakness is that he cannot hold his plasma state for more than 16.8 hours, which is a very significant form of energy depletion.
The first hero in the Marvel comic books – Human Torch
In 1939, Timely Comics released Marvel Comics #1 with their first heroes. The first Marvel comic book introduced the Human Torch as the first hero. This comic book also introduced two other characters, namely Angel and Namor the Sub-Mariner.
Soon, Namor McKenzie became an anti-hero who fought the Human Torch. Though all three characters were introduced in the same comic book, Human Torch is considered the first among them. That’s because the story of the first comic book was named “The Human Torch” after the character.
Who is the Human Torch?
The protagonist of this Timely Comics magazine, Jim Hammond, was an android created by Prof. Phineas Horton. Adapting to the human moral code, Jim Hammond became an officer for the NYPD. Considered a monster initially, Hammond was able to surround himself with fire and control it. Thus, the name “Human Torch”.
Hammond is a superhuman due to his impeccable demeanor and code of conduct. The Human Torch, played by Jim Hammond, should not be confused with the member of the Fantastic Four. The Human Torch in Fantastic Four is Johnny Storm.
The powers of the Human Torch include drawing and manipulating flames, generating radiation, controlling ambient heat energy in the surroundings, and thermokinesis. Naturally, he is immune to fire attacks. Moreover, water and fire extinguishing materials are his weaknesses. His energy also depletes as he cannot hold his plasma form for more than 16.8 hours.
First heroes of official Marvel comic books
Timely Comics introduced many superheroes during the Golden Age. Most of these heroes were the epitome of good qualities and God-like handsomeness. More realistic characters were introduced when Timely Comics changed to Marvel Comics.
It took a decade for the Marvel Comic Universe to come under Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. Under them, Marvel Comic books flourished and the team introduced the Fantastic Four. The team also saw a Human Torch that was different from the Android Hammond.
Mr.Fantastic’s interesting team, Human Torch, The Invisible Girl and The Thing, had many human flaws that readers of Marvel comic books could relate to. They fought each other and behaved petty and spoilt but came together in times of need.
Readers believed it was possible for the characters to get superpowers. According to the story, a scientist’s rocket that included him, his girlfriend’s brother, and a friend traveled via cosmic rays. All four passengers received special superpowers as a result. The widespread popularity of the Fantastic Four ensured that they joined the MCU in later years.
It is worth mentioning that among the host of Golden Age heroes, the Human Torch remains a viable character, though mostly playing a side role. He was seen in a short role in Captain America: The First Avenger. He can be seen on many platforms, from Marvel comic books to television series to video games.
Above is information about Who was The First Marvel Superhero? Who is the Human Torch? that we have compiled. Hopefully, through the above content, you have a more detailed understanding of The First Marvel Superhero. Thank you for reading our post.
