Human Torch
- For the original Human Torch, see Human Torch (android).
The Human Torch, born Johnny Storm, is an American superhero and a member of the Fantastic Four. Following the cosmic ray exposure that gave the Four their powers, the teenage Storm gained a supreme control of fire, including the ability to cover himself in flame at will, as well as the ability to fly. A special suit of unstable molecules developed by Mr. Fantastic allows him to "flame on" without igniting his attire. However, he can only use his powers for a short time, and the severity of the powers he uses affects how long he can use them. He is also prone to suddenly bursting into flame when he gets angry or frustrated.
Torch is arguably the most popular member of the Fantastic Four as well as its most ambitious, frequently seeking fame and glory for himself, sometimes at the expense of the team. He briefly left the Fantastic Four following their defeat of Miracle Man. He is very often at odds with team member the Thing, though this rarely escalates beyond good-natured roughhousing. He is also the younger brother of Invisible Girl; when not working with the Fantastic Four, the two live in Glenville. He works a part-time job at a bookstore and attends Glenville High School, where he is an accomplished basketball player. After coming into contact with the Inhumans in late 1965, Johnny quickly developed a romance with Crystal, though the Inhumans' isolationist tendencies impeded the two teenagers' love soon after it began.
Biography
Youth
Johnny was the son of surgeon Franklin Storm and his wife Mary, the latter of whom died in a car crash when Johnny was a child. Franklin tried to operate on Mary, but failed to save her life, and went into a deep depression as a result. He got caught up in gambling debts, was convicted of manslaughter, and imprisoned. Johnny and Sue supported each other growing up in Glenville, and through unclear means soon came to believe that Franklin had died.[1][2]
Origin
Johnny Storm joined Reed Richards' manned space mission due to his sister Sue's participation. The three and Ben Grimm were exposed to cosmic rays, and upon returning to Earth found themselves with new powers. Storm gained the ability to produce and control fire, as well as the power of flight, and dubbed himself the Human Torch.[3]
1961-1963
- Full article: Biography of the Human Torch, 1961-1963
The Human Torch fought alongside his allies against various dangerous foes, including Doctor Doom and Namor the Sub-Mariner, the latter of whom Storm himself brought out of hiding in a failed attempt to bring him back to his heroic self. Torch also fought crime on his own in Glenville, facing such curious enemies as Paste-Pot Pete and the Wizard. Along the way, he developed a competitive rivalry with another teenage hero, Spider-Man, and began dating classmate Doris Evans.
1964
- Full article: Biography of the Human Torch, 1964
In 1964, Human Torch began to regularly fight crime alongside the Thing as a duo, in addition to their responsibilities with the Fantastic Four. Throughout the year, the Torch met new foes such as the Beetle, the Rabble Rouser, and the Green Goblin. He also had a few more run-ins with Spider-Man, as well as one with another young hero, Iceman. Johnny also briefly reunited with his father, Franklin Storm, who sacrificed himself to save the Fantastic Four from the Super-Skrull.
1965
- Full article: Biography of the Human Torch, 1965
References
- ↑ Fantastic Four #31: "The Mad Menace of the Macabre Mole Man!" (October 1964) Lee, Stan (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Stone, Chic (i), Rosen, Sam (let).
- ↑ Fantastic Four #32: "Death of a Hero!" (November 1964) Lee, Stan (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Stone, Chic (i), Rosen, Sam (let).
- ↑ The Fantastic Four #1: "The Fantastic Four!" (November 1961) Lee, Stan (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Klein, George (i), Goldberg, Stan (col), Simek, Artie (let).