Human Torch

Human Torch's History

The original Human Torch began his existence in 1939 in the laboratory of Professor Phineas T. Horton, one of the pioneers in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics. The culmination of Horton's research was an android who mimicked virtually all of the functions of a human being, including independent thought, but was composed entirely of synthetic materials.

The one flaw in the android's design concerned the photoelectric solar cells called Horton Cells which covered every square inch of his body and served as his power source. The cells were too volatile and caused the epidermis of the android to burst into flame upon contact with air but without harming the android itself. After the process was stabilized with nitrogen, the android became the first superhero known as the Human Torch during World War II, and took a human alias as police officer Jim Hammond. He teamed up with Captain America and the Invaders during this period.

The Human Torch's legacy lives on two heroes: after the young Johnny Storm got similar powers, he became the second Human Torch, and Ultron used a spare body of the original Human Torch to create Vision. Hammond himself has met both of these heroes, battling Johnny through a misunderstanding and serving alongside Vision in the West Coast Avengers.