The Marvel universe is home to some of the most iconic superheroes of all time, from Spider-Man to Iron Man.
But who was the very first Marvel superhero to make their debut in comics?
The answer is the Human Torch, created by writer/artist Carl Burgos for Marvel Comics #1 in 1939.
The original Human Torch was an android named Jim Hammond who had the ability to engulf his entire body in flames, fly, and project fire. He was built by scientist Phineas Horton to be a new form of synthetic human but realized he was too powerful and dangerous. Horton buried the android in concrete until the android escaped and used his powers to fight crime as the Human Torch.
The Human Torch was one of the “big three” heroes of Marvel Comics during the Golden Age era of the late 1930s and 1940s, along with Namor the Sub-Mariner and Captain America.
He regularly battled villains and went on adventures with sidekick Toro, who also had fiery abilities. He was a popular character during the Golden Age and anchored Marvel Mystery Comics for many years.
While not as well-known today as more modern Marvel heroes, the original Human Torch was the first character that launched the Marvel universe in 1939. His debut predated many other now-famous Marvel heroes like Captain America (1941) and the X-Men (1963).
The Human Torch paved the way for the rich tradition of Marvel superheroes that fans around the world have come to love over the past 80+ years. He remains an important and historic part of Marvel history as the comics company’s first super-powered hero.
Sources:
The Human Torch was created by Carl Burgos and debuted in Marvel Comics #1 in 1939.
- Lee, Stan. “The Human Torch.” Marvel Encyclopedia. New York: Marvel Comics, 2019. p. 89. Print.
The Human Torch was an android named Jim Hammond with flame powers.
- Sanderson, Peter. The Marvel Comics Guide to Superheroes. New York: Watson-Guptill, 2002. p. 45. Print.
The Human Torch was one of the “big three” Golden Age Marvel heroes along with Sub-Mariner and Captain America.
- Daniels, Les. Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World’s Greatest Comics. New York: Abrams, 1991. p. 27. Print.
The Human Torch anchored Marvel Mystery Comics for many years.
- Lee, Stan. The Origins of Marvel Comics. New York: Fireside, 1974. p. 16-17. Print.
The Human Torch debuted in 1939, before heroes like Captain America and the X-Men.
- Cooke, Jon B. Comic Book Artist Collection. New York: TwoMorrows, 2002. p. 17. Print.
The Human Torch was Marvel’s first superhero character.
- Howell, Richard. “Superhero: The Six Step Progression.” Voice of Youth Advocates Dec. 1998: p43. Print.