Who was Marvel’s first superhero? If we go back in time, Marvel Comics featured a total of three superheroes in its first issue in 1939 – Human Torch, Angel, and Namor the Sub-Mariner. However, Human Torch appeared first in the list, so we can consider him Marvel Comics’ first superhero. Marvel Comics #1, published in October 1939, became the first comic book published by Timely Comics, the predecessor of Marvel Comics.
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Marvel Comics History
Here is the timeline of events in Marvel Comic History:
|
Year |
Event |
|
1939 |
Marvel was launched in 1939 by Pulp Magazine publisher Martin Goodman as Timely Comics. |
|
1951 |
In 1951 Goodman formed his own distribution company and Timely Comics became Atlas Magazines. Atlas’ output was primarily in other genres such as comedy, westerns, horror, war, and science fiction. |
|
1960s |
Atlas changed its name to Marvel Comics. |
|
1961 |
The Marvel Universe was unveiled in 1961. Readers were introduced to creators Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and the original Bullpen, with stories that embraced a modern brand of heroes. |
|
1991 |
Marvel Comics goes public |
|
1996 |
Marvel Comics went bankrupt in 1996 |
|
1998 |
The company emerged from bankruptcy in 1998 and began to diversify its production, launching imprints aimed at a variety of demographics and expanding its movie offerings under the Marvel Studios banner. |
|
2007 |
Marvel has started publishing digital comics |
|
2009 |
The Walt Disney Company bought the parent company of Marvel Comics. |
Marvel’s First Superhero – Human Torch
The first issue of Marvel Comics (Back Then Timely Comics) featured a total of seven stories, three of which were about superheroes. The first was “The Human Torchwhich introduced Jim Hammond, aka Human Torch to the sequel. The other two superheroes were “The Angel” which featured Thomas Holloway and “The Sub-Mariner”, which featured Namor McKenzie.
Ever since the comic book publisher decided to start the first issue with “The Human Torch” story, Jim Hammond is widely regarded as the very first Marvel superhero. Human Torch debuted in the first story of the now classic Marvel Comics #1 (1939) comic book. 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 considered a scientific monstrosity, as he was able to surround himself with flames and control them, but he quickly adapted to the human moral code and became a superhero. In normal life, Jim Hammond operates as an officer of the New York Police Department (NYPD). In superhero life, he was initially considered a scientific monstrosity, as he was able to surround himself with flames and control them, but he quickly adapted to the human moral code.
Human Torch is also responsible for “discovering” Namor, the other superhero, whom he fought when they first met. The Human Torch character is closely associated with the Golden Age of comics. The character was gradually revitalized during the 70s and is now a regular, albeit supporting, character in the current 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 an appearance as an exhibit in the movie Captain America: The First Avenger. He should not 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, despite the identical superhero name, are completely independent characters.
Powers and Weaknesses of Human Torch – First Marvel Superhero
Human Torch is relatively a very normal superhero (fit man in his twenties) compared to many other Marvel superhero characters. He doesn’t have superpowers like other superheroes. However, he is an android which makes him more durable than a regular human.
Some of Human Torch’s superpowers are:
- He can manipulate other flames he encounters and is immune to any fire-based attack, which makes sense when you think about it.
- He can also generate radiation and has the ability of thermokinesis, the ability to mentally control the ambient thermal energy in his immediate surroundings, even when he himself is not in flames.
Some of Human Torch’s weaknesses are:
- Contact with water or anything that can extinguish a fire is its greatest weakness
- Jim Hammond’s other weakness is that he cannot sustain his plasma state for more than 16.8 hours, which is a very severe form of energy depletion.