The Human Torch (Jonathan "Johnny" Storm) is a fictional character and superhero of the Marvel Comics universe. He is a member of the Fantastic Four, making his first appearance in Fantastic Four #1 November 1961. Writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby re-introduced the Torch as a Silver Age version of the Golden Age character of the same name created by Carl Burgos.
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 when compared 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.
Chris Evans portrays him in the 2005 film Fantastic Four and the 2007 sequel Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer.
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 when compared 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.
Chris Evans portrays him in the 2005 film Fantastic Four and the 2007 sequel Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer.
Fictional character biography
Early life
Growing up in suburban Glenville, New York, Johnny Storm suffered in his young life. He lost his mother in a car accident whereas his father, Franklin Storm, a talented surgeon, managed to escape from the accident unharmed. Despite his professional skills, he was unable to save his wife's life and spiraled into alcoholism and financial ruin. After killing a loan shark in self defense, Franklin was sent to jail and Johnny was primarily raised by his sister, despite their closeness in age.
Despite the dramatic manner of his mother's death, Johnny was drawn to automobiles and became quite the mechanic at a young age. While still a teenager, he selflessly rescued two of his friends from a burning building. No stranger to adventure, he was nearly chosen as the human host of the demonic Zarathos, the Ghost Rider. He was attacked by the legendary St. Germaine, who sought the power for himself. Johnny escaped the lure of Zarathos with the help of archaeologist Max Parrish, the uncle of Cammy Brandeis, who Johnny had a bit of a crush on. This was an example of his normal life, until the life altering rocket ride into space.
Early life
Growing up in suburban Glenville, New York, Johnny Storm suffered in his young life. He lost his mother in a car accident whereas his father, Franklin Storm, a talented surgeon, managed to escape from the accident unharmed. Despite his professional skills, he was unable to save his wife's life and spiraled into alcoholism and financial ruin. After killing a loan shark in self defense, Franklin was sent to jail and Johnny was primarily raised by his sister, despite their closeness in age.
Despite the dramatic manner of his mother's death, Johnny was drawn to automobiles and became quite the mechanic at a young age. While still a teenager, he selflessly rescued two of his friends from a burning building. No stranger to adventure, he was nearly chosen as the human host of the demonic Zarathos, the Ghost Rider. He was attacked by the legendary St. Germaine, who sought the power for himself. Johnny escaped the lure of Zarathos with the help of archaeologist Max Parrish, the uncle of Cammy Brandeis, who Johnny had a bit of a crush on. This was an example of his normal life, until the life altering rocket ride into space.
Becoming the Human Torch
Following his sister Sue, a now-16 year old Johnny joined Reed Richards' crew in a space flight. Riddled with cosmic radiation, Johnny transformed into a flaming monster when the flight crashed back to earth. Calling himself Human Torch in tribute to the World War II era hero of the same name, the youthful Johnny found new adventure as part of the Fantastic Four, proving to be an invaluable if somewhat volatile member of the team. In the team's first appearance, he battled the Mole Man for the first time. He first fought the Skrulls soon after that. Falling out with his teammates after a battle with the Miracle Man, Johnny left the group and encountered amnesiac World War II hero Namor the Sub-Mariner. Recognizing Namor from comic books, Johnny dropped him into the sea, hoping to restore his memory. The plan worked, but after Namor found Atlantis in ruins, he declared war on humanity. Johnny rejoined the Fantastic Four and they drove Namor off. Johnny fought Doctor Doom after his encounter with Namor. The immature Johnny again considered quitting the Fantastic Four, this time to join his cousin Bones' circus, but quickly returned to the team.
Following his sister Sue, a now-16 year old Johnny joined Reed Richards' crew in a space flight. Riddled with cosmic radiation, Johnny transformed into a flaming monster when the flight crashed back to earth. Calling himself Human Torch in tribute to the World War II era hero of the same name, the youthful Johnny found new adventure as part of the Fantastic Four, proving to be an invaluable if somewhat volatile member of the team. In the team's first appearance, he battled the Mole Man for the first time. He first fought the Skrulls soon after that. Falling out with his teammates after a battle with the Miracle Man, Johnny left the group and encountered amnesiac World War II hero Namor the Sub-Mariner. Recognizing Namor from comic books, Johnny dropped him into the sea, hoping to restore his memory. The plan worked, but after Namor found Atlantis in ruins, he declared war on humanity. Johnny rejoined the Fantastic Four and they drove Namor off. Johnny fought Doctor Doom after his encounter with Namor. The immature Johnny again considered quitting the Fantastic Four, this time to join his cousin Bones' circus, but quickly returned to the team.
