Just one year after the Fantastic Four’s integration into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a second Human Torch has entered the mix via the Disney+ miniseries, VisionQuest. But don’t be fooled, this character is not an alternate universe version of Johnny Storm.
Who is this Human Torch?
The Human Torch is a Marvel Comics synthezoid known as Jim Hammond. He’s similar to Vision in this regard, and in that both were originally described as androids.
Hammond was the creation of a New York professor, Phineas Horton, whose design flaw led to the nickname The Human Torch. For when Hammond was first exposed to oxygen, he burst into flames — although, this did not destroy him.
The character was most prominent before the 1960s. Since then, he’s only played a role in Marvel Comics sparingly.
MCU vs. Comics
There are a few notable differences between the MCU version of The Human Torch and the comics version.
For one, the MCU version is known as J.I.M. and Synthetic Man. He also had a last name in the comics (Hammond), and the title of Synthetic Man is completely new to the MCU.
The creation of J.I.M. was also revealed to be part of Horton’s processing of his own son’s passing (meanwhile, ignoring his daughter). J.I.M. also bears the likeness of both Horton and Vision. Neither of these details were in the comics.
While all of those revelations came in episode 7 of VisionQuest, another came in episode 4 that stood out. In the MCU, The Human Torch earned his nickname because “his inability to process complex emotions spun his clockwork too quickly, flooded his solar cells with oxygen until his entire being was consumed in fire.” Still a nod to the comics with oxygen playing a factor, but also very much a departure from that origin.
Which Human Torch Came First?
The Fantastic Four may be “Marvel’s First Family,” but Jim Hammond still precedes even them. Not only is Hammond the original Human Torch, he’s one of Marvel’s first two characters.
Created by Carl Burgos in 1939, Jim Hammond/The Human Torch was published in Timely Comics’ Marvel Comics #1. (Timely would go on to rebrand itself as Marvel.) This issue also marked the debut of The Sub-Mariner, who is better known today as Namor.
Hammond debuted the year after Superman, the same year as Batman and the year before Captain America. Of course, the Hammond version of The Human Torch hasn’t been nearly as relevant as either of those three, nor the character he debuted alongside (Namor) as well as the character who’d take over his moniker decades later.
VisionQuest FAQs
When does VisionQuest come out?
VisionQuest episodes premiere at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesdays.
Where can I watch VisionQuest?
VisionQuest is available to stream on Disney+. WandaVision and Agatha All Along, both of which laid the groundwork for VisionQuest, are also available on the streaming service.
Who is in VisionQuest?
Paul Bettany is back as Vision in VisionQuest. James Spader is also reprising his role as the evil Ultron after an 11-year hiatus, while James D’Arcy is once again portraying Jarvis following his previous outings in the Agent Carter TV show and Avengers: Endgame time travel sequence.
