View source for Human Torch

{{short description|Marvel Comics character}}
{{About|the modern Marvel Comics character|the original version|Human Torch (android)|other uses}}
{{pp-move}}
{{Infobox comics character
<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|character_name=Human Torch
|image=Human Torch (Johnny Storm).png
|converted=y
|caption=Variant cover of ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four]]'' #645 (April 2015).<br>Art by [[Michael Komarck]].
|real_name=Jonathan Lowell Spencer "Johnny" Storm
|species=Human mutate
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|debut=''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four]]'' #1 (November. 1961)
|creators=[[Stan Lee]] (writer)<br>[[Jack Kirby]] (artist)<br>(based upon the [[Human Torch (android)|original character]] by [[Carl Burgos]])
|alliances=[[Fantastic Four]]<br>[[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]]<br>[[Future Foundation]]<br>[[Fantastic Force]]<br>[[Herald of Galactus]]<br>[[Fantastic Four Incorporated]]<br>[[Uncanny Avengers|Avengers Unity Division]]
|aliases=Invisible Man
|powers=
* [[Pyrokinesis]]
* Fiery form that enables [[flight]]
* Heat energy absorption
| cat            = super
| subcat         = Marvel Comics
| hero           = y
| villain        =
| sortkey        = Human Torch
}}

The '''Human Torch''' ('''Jonathan Lowell Spencer''' "'''Johnny'''" '''Storm''') is a<!--Do not add "fictional" as it is tautological; superheroes (and characters in general) are by definition implied to be fictionalized to some extent.--> [[superhero]] character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The character is a founding member of the [[Fantastic Four]]. He is writer [[Stan Lee]]'s and artist [[Jack Kirby]]'s reinvention of a similar, previous character, the [[android Human Torch]] of the same name and powers who was created in 1939 by writer-artist [[Carl Burgos]] for Marvel Comics' predecessor company, [[Timely Comics]].

Like the rest of the Fantastic Four, Johnny gained his powers on a spacecraft bombarded by [[cosmic ray]]s. He can engulf his entire body in flames, fly, absorb fire harmlessly into his own body, and 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 in comparison to his reticent, overprotective and compassionate older sister, [[Susan Storm]], his sensible brother-in-law, [[Reed Richards]], and the grumbling [[Ben Grimm]]. In the early 1960s, he starred in a series of solo adventures, published in ''[[Strange Tales]]''. The Human Torch is also a friend and frequent ally of the superhero [[Spider-Man]], who is approximately the same age.

In film, the Human Torch has been portrayed by [[Jay Underwood]] in the unreleased 1994 film ''[[The Fantastic Four (unreleased film)|The Fantastic Four]]''; [[Chris Evans (actor)|Chris Evans]] in the 2005 film ''[[Fantastic Four (2005 film)|Fantastic Four]]'', its 2007 sequel ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]'', and the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU) film ''[[Deadpool & Wolverine]]'' (2024); [[Michael B. Jordan]] in the 2015 film ''[[Fantastic Four (2015 film)|Fantastic Four]]''; and [[Joseph Quinn]] in the MCU film  ''[[The Fantastic Four: First Steps]]'' (2025), who will reprise the role in ''[[Avengers: Doomsday]]'' (2026) and ''[[Avengers: Secret Wars]]'' (2027).

==Publication history==
Created by writer [[Stan Lee]] and artist [[Jack Kirby]], Johnny Storm is a renovation of [[Carl Burgos]]'s original character, the [[android Human Torch]], created for [[Timely Comics]] in 1939. Storm first appeared in ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|The Fantastic Four]]''<!--first 15 issues titled "The" Fantastic Four--> #1 ([[cover-date]]d Nov. 1961), establishing him as a member of the titular [[superhero]] team. In his plot summary for this first issue, Lee passed on to Kirby that the recently formed [[Comics Code Authority]] had told him that the Human Torch was only permitted to burn objects, never people.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Batchelor |first1=Bob |title=Stan Lee: The Man Behind Marvel |date=2017 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=9781442277816 |pages=73–74}}</ref> Over the course of the series, Johnny being the little brother of teammate Susan Storm a.k.a. the Invisible Girl was one of several sources of tension within the group.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Batchelor |first1=Bob |title=Stan Lee: The Man Behind Marvel |date=2017 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=9781442277816 |page=xiii}}</ref>

Additionally, he starred in a solo feature in ''[[Strange Tales]]'' #101-134 (Oct. 1962 – July 1965).<ref>[http://www.comics.org/series/824/ ''Strange Tales''] at the [[Grand Comics Database]].</ref> An eight-issue series, ''The Human Torch'' (Sept. 1974 – Nov. 1975), reprinted stories from that solo feature, along with stories featuring the original android Human Torch.<ref>[http://www.comics.org/series/2177/ ''The Human Torch'', Marvel, 1974 series] at the Grand Comics Database.</ref> Later years also saw a 12-issue series, ''Human Torch'' (June 2003 - June 2004) by writer [[Karl Kesel]] and [[penciler]] [[Skottie Young]],<ref>[http://www.comics.org/series/10987/ ''Human Torch'', Marvel, 2003 series] at the Grand Comics Database.</ref> and the five-issue team-up miniseries ''Spider-Man / Human Torch'' (March–July 2005) by writer [[Dan Slott]] and penciler [[Ty Templeton]].<ref>[http://www.comics.org/series/12807/ ''Spider-Man / Human Torch''] at the Grand Comics Database.</ref>

The Human Torch was the permanent co-star of ''[[Marvel Team-Up]]'', but was dropped after three issues because the creators found this format too restrictive.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Miller|first=Jonathan|date=October 2010|title=Spider-Man and Company: The Wide World of Marvel Team-Up|journal=[[Back Issue!]]|issue=#44| pages=33–39|publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]]|location=Raleigh, North Carolina}}</ref> He co-starred in two [[one-shot (comics)|one-shot]] comics, ''Spider-Man & the Human Torch in... Bahia De Los Muertos!'' #1 (May 2009), by writer Tom Beland and artist Juan Doe,<ref>[http://www.comics.org/series/40949/ ''Spider-Man & the Human Torch in... Bahia De Los Muertos!'] at the Grand Comics Database.</ref> and ''Incredible Hulk & the Human Torch: From the Marvel Vault'' #1, a previously unpublished story from 1984, intended for ''[[Marvel Team-Up]]'' by plotter [[Jack C. Harris]], scriptwriter and artist Kesel, and breakdown artist [[Steve Ditko]].<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/851494/ ''Incredible Hulk & the Human Torch: From the Marvel Vault'' #1] at the Grand Comics Database.</ref>

==Fictional character biography==
===Early life===
Growing up in Glenville, New York, a fictional [[Long Island]] suburban town, Johnny Storm lost his mother due to a car accident from which his father, surgeon [[Franklin Storm]], escaped unharmed.<ref name="ReferenceA">''Fantastic Four'' #32 - "Death of a Hero". Marvel Comics.</ref> Franklin Storm spiraled into alcoholism and financial ruin, and was imprisoned after killing a loan shark in self-defense. Johnny Storm was then raised by his older sister, [[Sue Storm]].

[[Image:Human Torch appearance.jpg|thumb|300px|A panel from ''The Fantastic Four''<!--First 15 or so issues titled "The" Fantastic Four--> #1 (Nov. 1961) (left) shows the Human Torch as drawn in his first adventure. The depiction was altered when the story was reprinted in ''Fantastic Four'' Annual #1 (1963) (right), to conform to how the Human Torch was depicted from ''The Fantastic Four'' #3 onward. Original pencil art by [[Jack Kirby]] and unconfirmed inker. Alterations by [[Sol Brodsky]].<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/17360/ ''Fantastic Four Annual'' #1] at the [[Grand Comics Database]].</ref>]]
At 16, Storm joined his sister and her fiancé, [[Reed Richards]], in a space flight in which [[cosmic radiation]] transformed those three and spacecraft pilot [[Ben Grimm]] into superpowered beings who would become the celebrated [[superhero]] team the [[Fantastic Four]]. Storm, with the ability to become a flaming human with the power of flight and the ability to project fire, dubs himself the Human Torch, in tribute to the [[World War II]]-era hero known as the [[Human Torch (android)|Human Torch]].<ref>''The Fantastic Four'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> In ''The Fantastic Four'' #4, it is Storm who discovers an [[amnesia]]c [[hobo]] whom he helps regain his memory as the [[antihero]] [[Namor the Sub-Mariner]], one of the three most popular heroes of Marvel Comics' 1940s forerunner, [[Timely Comics]], returning him to modern continuity.

Though a member of a world-famous team, Storm still lived primarily in Glenville and attended Glenville High School. Here he thought he maintained a [[secret identity]], although his fellow townsfolk were well aware of his being a member of the Fantastic Four and simply humored him. This series introduced what would become the recurring Fantastic Four foes the [[Wizard (Marvel Comics)|Wizard]]<ref name=":2">''Fantastic Four'' Vol. 2 #1 (Sep. 4, 1996). Marvel Comics</ref> and [[Trapster|Paste-Pot Pete]], later known as the Trapster.<ref>''Strange Tales'' #104. Marvel Comics.</ref> In Storm's home life, Mike Snow, a member of the high-school wrestling squad, bullied Storm until an accidental flare-up of the Torch's powers scarred Snow's face. Storm dated fellow student Dorrie Evans, although she eventually grew tired of his constant disappearances and broke off their relationship.<ref>Various issues, ''Strange Tales'' #113 to ''Fantastic Four'' #45 (Dec. 1965). Marvel Comics.</ref>

===College===
After graduating high school, Storm enrolled at New York City's Metro College.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #35 (Feb. 1965). Marvel Comics.</ref> There he befriended his roommate [[Wyatt Wingfoot]].<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #50. Marvel Comics.</ref> He also met the [[original Human Torch]] of the 1930s and 1940s.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' Annual #4. Marvel Comics.</ref> Around this time, Storm met and fell in love with [[Crystal (character)|Crystal]], a member of the superpowered race the [[Inhumans]].<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #45 (Dec. 1965). Marvel Comics.</ref> After their relationship ended, Crystal returned to her native city of Attilan and eventually married the superhero [[Quicksilver (Marvel Comics)|Quicksilver]].<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #150 (Sept. 1974). Marvel Comics.</ref> Storm, crushed, attempted to move on, finding that his high-school girlfriend, Dorrie Evans, had married and had two children.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' Vol. 1 #134 (Feb. 27, 1973). Marvel Comics.</ref> Storm dropped out of college but remained friends with Wingfoot, who often participated in the Fantastic Four's adventures.

Storm eventually began a romance with who he thought was [[Alicia Masters]] but was eventually revealed to be an alien from the shapeshifting [[Skrull]] race, [[Lyja]], posing as Masters.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #269-270</ref> In the interim, they married.<ref>"Dearly Beloved", by [[Roger Stern]], [[John Buscema]], and [[Sal Buscema]]. ''Fantastic Four'' #300 (March 1987). Marvel Comics.</ref> Storm later discovers "Alicia's" true identity, and that Lyja is pregnant with his child. He then witnessed Lyja's apparent death and rescued the real Alicia from the Skrulls.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #357-358. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Storm briefly joined his nephew [[Franklin Richards (character)|Franklin Richards]]' [[Fantastic Force]] team, where he battled his otherdimensional counterpart, Vangaard (formerly Gaard). [[Lyja]] posed as student Laura Green and dated Storm to stay close to him; Storm recognized her when they kissed, though he did not reveal this to her until later.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=June 2010}}

===Outside career and anti-registration movement===
Seeking an acting career, Storm was cast as the [[Old West]] hero the [[Rawhide Kid]], but producers reconsidered and gave the role to Lon Zelig (actually the alien [[Super-Skrull]]).<ref>''Fantastic Four'' Vol. 3 #51 (Jan. 9, 2002). Marvel Comics.</ref> After working mostly in some television shows, Storm also spent some time as a firefighter at the behest of his former classmate, Mike Snow,{{Volume needed|c=y|date=May 2016}} but when Snow moved away after his wife turned out to be a [[psychopath]]ic [[arson]]ist and seemingly died, Storm left the job. He later returned to the profession during a period when the Fantastic Four was short on cash.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Civil War|publisher=Marvel Comics|year=2011|location=New York, New York.}}</ref>{{Volume needed|c=y|date=November 2020}} Frustrated with her brother's directionless life and near-disastrous pranksterism, his sister compelled him to become [[chief financial officer]] for the Fantastic Four, Inc. Infighting and betrayal resulted in a near-catastrophe, ending Storm's position.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 3 #65-66. Marvel Comics.</ref>

After a major battle with the supervillain and dictator [[Doctor Doom]], Fantastic Four leader [[Reed Richards]] attempted to claim Doom's [[Latveria]] for the Fantastic Four, an act that alienated the [[United States government]] and his own team. This led to team-member [[Ben Grimm]]'s apparent death and the Fantastic Four's subsequent dispersal. Storm took to fixing cars for a living. Grimm later was revealed to be alive.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #509-511. Marvel Comics.</ref> Over the Internet, Storm meets a young woman, Cole, whom he learns is the daughter of one of the Fantastic Four's oldest enemies, the [[Wizard (Marvel Comics)|Wizard]]; after a confrontation with that supervillain, who escaped with Cole, Storm remained hopeful of meeting her again.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #514-516. Marvel Comics.</ref> For a time, Storm became the Herald of the powerful cosmic being [[Galactus]], becoming the Invisible Boy after switching powers with his sister and teammate, Susan Richards, the [[Invisible Woman]].<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #517-524. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the 2006–2007 "[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]" company-wide crossover, in which the superpowered community is split over the [[Superhuman Registration Act]], which required them to register with, and become agents of, the US government, Storm and his sister allied with the underground rebels, the [[Secret Avengers]].<ref>[[Millar, Mark]]. ''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]'' #4 (Oct. 2006). Marvel Comics.</ref> Shortly afterward, during the "[[Secret Invasion]]" company-wide crossover, the shape-shifting extraterrestrial [[Skrull]]s intensified their clandestine infiltration of Earth. Storm was briefly reunited with his former Skrull girlfriend, [[Lyja]]. Though part of the invading force, she finds she still has some feelings for him, and does not carry out her mission of sabotage. She returns to her people, unsure of herself and of any future relationship.<ref>''Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four'' #1-3. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Death and return===
In the conclusion of the 2011 "Three" storyline, in ''Fantastic Four'' #587 (March 2011), the Human Torch appears to die fighting a horde of aliens from the [[Negative Zone]]. The series ended with the following issue, #588, and relaunched in March 2011 as simply ''FF''.<ref name=JohnnyDeath1>{{cite web |last=Ching |first=Alber |url=http://blog.newsarama.com/2011/01/25/associated-press-spoils-fantastic-four-587-hours-before-comic-goes-on-sale/ |title=Associated Press Spoils 'Fantastic Four' #587 Hours Before Comic Goes on Sale |publisher=Newsarama.com |date=January 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616160700/http://blog.newsarama.com/2011/01/25/associated-press-spoils-fantastic-four-587-hours-before-comic-goes-on-sale/ |archive-date=June 16, 2013 }}</ref><ref name=JohnnyDeath2>Ching, Albert. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110128181812/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/hickman-fantastic-four-587-110125.html "Hickman Details FANTASTIC FOUR #587's Big Character Death"], Newsarama, 25 January 2011</ref><ref>Moore, Matt. [https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=12753404 "After Half Century, It's 1 Fantastic's Farewell"], [[Associated Press]] via [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]], January 25, 2011. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110727091314/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=12753404 WebCitation archive].</ref> [[Spider-Man]], one of Storm's friends, took his place on the team,<ref name=ElectricPrimate>{{cite web |last=Khouri |first=Andy |url=http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/02/09/fantastic-four-FF-new-costumes-spider-man/ |title=Fantastic Four Get a New Name, New Costume and an Old Spider-Man |publisher=ComicsAlliance.com |date=9 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824112129/http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/02/09/fantastic-four-FF-new-costumes-spider-man/ |archive-date=24 August 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last=Hanks| first=Henry |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/02/10/spiderman.ff.go/index.html?hpt=C2 |title=Spider-Man replacing Human Torch on new 'FF' team|publisher= CNN|date= February 11, 2011}}</ref> as requested in the Torch's will.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #657. Marvel Comics.</ref>

It is later revealed that the Human Torch was revived by a species of insect-like creatures that were implanted in his body by [[Annihilus]] in an attempt to force Storm to help open the Negative Zone portal. Storm eventually escapes and Richards determines Storm was on the other side of the portal for two years from his perspective.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #601. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Human Torch becomes an ambassador within Inhuman society and joins [[Steve Rogers]]'s [[Avengers Unity Squad]] and helps [[Rogue (Marvel Comics)|Rogue]] in incinerating the telepathic portions of Professor Xavier's brains, thus unknowingly preventing [[Hydra (comics)|Hydra]] from using it for their [[Secret Empire (organization)|secret empire]].<ref>''Avengers'' #0 (October 2015). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Uncanny Avengers'' vol. 3 #22. Marvel Comics.</ref> He becomes a multi-billionaire when he inherits Reed Richards' and Sue Storm's wealth and uses the money for rebuilding the [[Avengers Mansion]] and philanthropy.<ref>''Uncanny Avengers'', vol. 3, #28. Marvel Comics.</ref> He is seemingly annihilated when he grabs a cosmic object called Pyramoids during the fight between the [[Lethal Legion]] and the [[Black Order (comics)|Black Order]] in Peru, but is restored after [[Living Lightning]] wins a high stakes poker game versus [[Grandmaster (Marvel Comics)|Grandmaster]].<ref>''Avengers'' #689. Marvel Comics.</ref>

To help the Thing cope with Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman's disappearance, the Human Torch takes him on a journey through the [[Multiverse (Marvel Comics)|Multiverse]] using the Multisect in order to find them.<ref>''Marvel Two-In-One'' vol. 2 #1-8. Marvel Comics.</ref> They have not been able to find Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman as they return to [[Earth-616]] empty-handed.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 6 #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> The Human Torch and the Thing were reunited with Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman to help alongside other superheroes who were part of the Fantastic Four (including surprisingly [[X-Men]]'s [[Iceman (Marvel Comics)|Iceman]]) fight the Griever at the End of All Things after Mister Fantastic persuaded the Griever to let him summon the Thing and the Human Torch. As the Thing and his teammates finally return to 616, while Future Foundation stays behind to keep learning multiverse, the Thing reveals to them that he proposed to Alicia and they are about to get married soon. Although the [[Baxter Building]] is now owned by a new superhero team Fantastix, the Thing allows his teammates to use his hometown Yancy Street as their current operation base.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 6 #2-#4. Marvel Comics.</ref> He later becomes engaged to an Unparalleled superhero named Sky from the planet Spyre, who then travels back to Earth with him and joins the Fantastic Four. Their relationship is brief however, when Johnny cheats on her with Victorious, a hero from Latveria and fiancé of Doctor Doom.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 6 #15-20. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During a conflict at Doom's wedding, where his infidelity with Victorious is revealed, Johnny Storm becomes permanently stuck in his Human Torch form and his powers are boosted to the point where it is unsafe for him to be around others.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 6 #36. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the ''[[Reckoning War]]'' storyline, Johnny unites various cosmic factions and leads their armies to defend the [[Watcher (comics)|Watchers]]. Once the multiverse is saved, Johnny opts to return to Spyre with Sky so that her people can cure him and return him to normal.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 6 #45. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==Powers and abilities==
Johnny Storm gained a number of superhuman powers as a result of the mutagenic effects of the cosmic radiation he was exposed to, all of which are related to fire. His primary ability is to envelop his body in fiery plasma without harm to himself, in which form he is able to fly by providing thrust behind himself with his own flame, and to generate powerful streams and balls of flame. He can also manipulate his flame in such a way as to shape it into rings and other forms, such as a fiery duplicate of himself that he can remotely control. Even when not engulfed in flame himself, Storm has the ability to control any fire within his immediate range of vision, causing it to increase or decrease in intensity or to move in a pattern directed by his thoughts. Additionally, he is able to absorb fire/plasma into his body with no detrimental effects.

The plasma field immediately surrounding his body is hot enough to vaporize projectiles that approach him, including bullets. He does not generally extend this flame-aura beyond a few inches from his skin, so as not to ignite nearby objects. Storm refers to his maximum flame output as his "nova flame", which he can release omnidirectionally. Flame of any temperature lower than this cannot burn or harm the Torch. This "nova" effect can occur spontaneously when he absorbs an excessive amount of heat, although he can momentarily suppress the release when necessary, with considerable effort.<ref>''Strange Tales'' #112/1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Storm has demonstrated enough control with fire that he can safely shave another's hair,<ref>{{Cite comic| writer = [[Lee, Stan]]| penciller = [[Kirby, Jack]]| inker = [[Sol Brodsky|Brodsky, Sol]]| colorist = [[Stan Goldberg|Goldberg, Stan]]| letterer = [[Artie Simek|Simek, Artie]]| editor = Lee, Stan| story = Chapter 2 Enter the Sub-Mariner!| title = [[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four]]| volume = 1| issue = #4| date = May 1962| publisher = [[Canam Publishers Sales Corp.]]| location = [[New York, NY]]| page = | panel = | id =| url = https://www.comics.org/issue/16933/#437830}}</ref> or hold a person while in his flame form without his passenger feeling discomforting heat. His knowledge extends to general information about fire as well, supported by regular visits to fire-safety lectures at various firehouses in New York. In one instance when poisoned, Storm superheated his blood to burn the toxin out.<ref>''Spider-Man/Human Torch'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Storm's ability to ignite himself is limited by the quantity of [[oxygen]] in his environment, and his personal flame has been extinguished by sufficient quantities of water, flame retardant foam, and vacuum environments. He can reignite instantly once oxygen is returned, with no ill effects. In early stories he could only remain aflame for up to five minutes at a time, after which he would need five minutes to recharge before igniting himself again.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lee |first1=Stan |title=Epic Collection: Fantastic Four: The World's Greatest Comic Magazine |date=2014 |publisher=Mavel Comics |isbn=978-0-7851-8832-2 |page=440}}</ref>

Storm was depicted as transmuting his body itself into living flame in the first two issues of ''The Fantastic Four''.<!--first 15 issues had "The" in cover title--> In all subsequent appearances, his power consists in the generation of a flaming aura.

==Romance==
The Human Torch has been involved in several romantic relationships throughout the years, including, but not limited to, the [[Inhumans|Inhuman]] [[Crystal (character)|Crystal]], member-in-training and future [[Galactus]] herald [[Frankie Raye]], the [[Skrull]] agent [[Lyja]] disguised as [[Alicia Masters]], the [[Homo mermanus|Atlantean]] [[Namorita]], [[Inhumans|Inhuman]] [[Medusa (comics)|Medusa]], and [[X-Men]] member [[Rogue (Marvel Comics)|Rogue]].

Crystal dissolved her relationship with him due to the adverse effects of pollution within population centers of ''[[Homo sapiens]]''.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #105 (Dec. 1970). Marvel Comics.</ref> Frankie Raye ended her relationship with him when she accepted Galactus' offer to become his newest herald.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #244 (July 1982). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Lyja, while in the disguise of the [[Thing (comics)|Thing]]'s former girlfriend Alicia Masters, carried on a long-term relationship including marriage with the Torch,<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #300 (March 1987). Marvel Comics.</ref> until it was revealed that her true nature was as a Skrull double agent.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #357 (Oct. 1991). Marvel Comics.</ref> Although the two attempted reconciliation after it was learned that their "child" was actually an implanted weapon to be used against the Fantastic Four,<ref name=":0">''Fantastic Four'' #309 (May 31, 1994). Marvel Comics.</ref> they ultimately parted on less than favorable terms.<ref name=":0" />

Torch's brief relationship with Namorita<ref>''The New Warriors'' Vol. 2 #4 (Nov 10, 1999). Marvel Comics.</ref> lasted until he pursued a career in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]].{{Volume needed|c=y|date=January 2012}} It is suggested that he had a short relationship with his [[Uncanny Avengers]]/Unity Squad leader Rogue, following which he had a rebound relationship with Medusa (Crystal's sister).<ref>''Uncanny Avengers'' vol. 3 #1. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/x-position-duggan-readies-rogue-for-big-moments-in-uncanny-avengers/|title=X-POSITION: Duggan Readies Rogue for Big Moments in "Uncanny Avengers"|website=CBR|date=9 February 2016|access-date=22 May 2018}}</ref><ref>''Uncanny Avengers'', vol. 3 #26</ref> At first it seemed as if he and Rogue resumed their relationship,<ref>''Uncanny Avengers'' vol. 3 #30. Marvel Comics.</ref> which was considered as an open secret,<ref>''Avengers'' #679-680. Marvel Comics.</ref> however this relationship came to an end after his apparent death and when Rogue rekindled her relationship with Gambit.<ref>''Rogue & Gambit'' #3 (March 2018). Marvel Comics.</ref> He has also had relationships with civilian women.

==Other versions==
===Age of Apocalypse===
In the [[Age of Apocalypse]], Johnny never becomes the Human Torch. Instead, he is among Reed Richards' crew, along with Ben Grimm as pilot and Johnny's sister Susan. Reed Richards attempts to evacuate a full contingent of refugees in his own experimental tran-ship, but a mutant saboteur interferes with the launch. Johnny and Reed sacrifice themselves to save the others from the forces of [[Apocalypse (character)|Apocalypse]].<ref>''X-Universe'' #1 (Mar. 21, 1995). Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Counter-Earth===
On [[Counter-Earth (comics)|Counter Earth]], counterparts of the Fantastic Four hijack an experimental spaceship in order to be the first humans in space. [[Man-Beast]] negates the effects of the cosmic radiation for all of them except [[Brute (Reed Richards)|Reed Richards]] who succumbs to the effects a decade later.<ref>''Adam Warlock #6''</ref>  Johnny Storm's counterpart is revealed to have been killed by the cosmic radiation.<ref>''Spider-Man Unlimited'' (Vol. 2) #3 (Dec. 1999). Marvel Comics</ref>

===Earth-65===
In [[Spider-Woman (Gwen Stacy)|Ghost-Spider]]'s [[Multiverse (Marvel Comics)#Earth-65|universe]], Susan and Johnny Storm went missing on a trip to Latveria. When they return to New York, they are shown twisted to evil and murderers of their own mother.<ref>''Ghost-Spider'' #9 (May 13, 2020). Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Earth-98===
In [[Earth-98]] universe, Johnny married Crystal and has a daughter named Luna and a son named Ray. He is also the leader of the Fantastic Four.<ref>''Fantastic Four Annual'' (Dec. 9, 1998). Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Earth-A===
The [[Earth-A]] version of Johnny does not join Reed and Ben in their trip to space. He serves in the Vietnam War, where he is believed to have been killed. However, Johnny is found and saved by [[Arkon]], who gives him superpowers and the new identity of '''Gaard'''.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #162 (September 1975)</ref>

===Heroes Reborn===
In the [[Heroes Reborn (1996 comic)|Heroes Reborn]] history of the Marvel Universe, created after a battle with [[Onslaught (Marvel Comics)|Onslaught]], Johnny is an owner of a popular casino and part financial backer of Reed Richards' plan to go into space. His handprint is one of two — the other being his sister's — needed for launch. His rivalry with Ben Grimm now extends into much more dangerous areas, such as a potentially deadly game of 'chicken' without thought to the life of the woman in his passenger seat.<ref name=":2" />

After being attacked by agents of [[Doctor Doom]], Johnny ends up going up into space on Reed's spacecraft prototype as he really had nowhere else to go. The entire launch base had been overtaken by enemy forces and it was miles to civilization. It is during the flight a cosmic anomaly imbues him and the others with their powers. After the crash of the prototype, Johnny would prove more reliable, recovering Reed Richards and rescuing his own sister.<ref name=":2" />

===House of M===
In the ''[[House of M]]: Iron Man'' limited series, Johnny Storm is a contestant on a reality game show called ''Sapien Death Match.'' He has no inherent superpowers, but wears a [[Powered exoskeleton|suit of powered armor]] that has a "flame on" ability.<ref>''House of M: Iron Man'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Marvel 1602===
In the ''[[Marvel 1602]]'' universe, Jon Storm is a young hothead who has to leave London following a duel. Along with his sister, who is escaping a man she does not love, he joins Sir Richard Reed on his explorations, and is caught in the radiation of the Anomaly, turning him into a Human Torch. The Four continue their explorations until they are captured by Otto von Doom prior to the original ''1602'' miniseries.<ref name=":1">''Marvel 1602'' #4 (Nov. 2003). Marvel Comics.</ref>

At the start of the miniseries ''1602: Fantastick Four'', Jon has rejoined high society, and once more finds himself embroiled in a duel, this time with [[Wyatt Wingfoot|Lord Wingfoot]], who is betrothed to the 1602 version of Doris Evans. When he is called upon to battle Otto von Doom, he kidnaps Doris and takes her with them, believing this is for her own good.<ref name=":1" />

===Marvel 2099===
In [[Marvel 2099]], there are different versions of the Human Torch:

* The Earth-96943 version of Human Torch is a clone of Johnny Storm. He and his fellow [[Fantastic Four#Marvel 2099|Fantastic Four]] clones were created by the 2099 version of [[Uatu#Marvel 2099|Uatu the Watcher]].<ref>''2099: Manifest Destiny'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>
* Earth-906943 and Earth-2099 have an Atlantean Human Torch named [[Relur]].

===Marvel Mangaverse===
In the [[Marvel Mangaverse]] comics, the Human Torch is portrayed by two separate characters spanning two very different continuities. The first character is a member of the Megascale Metatalent Response Team Fantastic Four on Earth-2301a and the mirror opposite of Earth-616's Johnny Storm in terms of personality. The team uses power-packs to boost their talents to manifest at [[mecha]]-sized levels in order to combat [[Godzilla]]-sized monsters that seem to constantly attack Earth. In volume two of Mangaverse, which takes place on Earth-2301b, the character of Johnny Storm has been replaced with a young woman named Jonatha Storm, who is the half-sister of [[Invisible Woman|Sioux Storm]]. Jonatha is quite hotheaded; sometimes riding into battle singing "I am the Goddess of Hellfire." She denies being impulsive, saying she can only be described that way in comparison to her "neurotic" teammates. In ''New Mangaverse'', Jonatha is slightly redesigned to look a few years younger than she did in volume one of Mangaverse, and no longer wears her hair in multiple braids, instead sporting two pigtails on each side of her head. After witnessing the murder of the other Fantastic 4 members by supernatural assassins, she joins [[Spider-Man]], [[Spider-Woman]] ([[Mary Jane Watson]]), [[Black Cat (Marvel Comics)|Black Cat]], [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]], and [[Iron Man]], in hopes of getting [[revenge]].<ref>''Marvel Mangaverse: Fantastic Four'' #1 (Jan. 2002). Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Marvel Zombies===
In this alternative universe, [[Reed Richards]], driven insane by the deaths of his children, deliberately infects Johnny Storm, [[Sue Storm]], and [[Ben Grimm]] with the zombie virus. The three then turn Reed into a zombie and the four of them go on a rampage with the other zombies. Eventually Reed contacts his [[Maker (character)|Ultimate universe counterpart]] and gets him to come to the infected universe. Johnny travels with the three others to the Ultimate Universe. They attack the Fantastic Four there but are thwarted, and are locked up in a containment cell. Johnny eats live animals and loathes the Ultimate version of himself, remarking that he especially hates his hair. When they escape the four attack the Baxter Building, Ultimate Reed switches bodies with Ultimate Doom and takes on all four zombies. Johnny is last seen being torn apart and extinguished by Reed in Doom's body.<ref>''Ultimate Fantastic Four'' #32 (Aug. 16, 2006). Marvel Comics.</ref>

===MC2===
In the [[Marvel Comics 2|MC2]] alternative future Johnny leads the [[Fantastic Five]].<ref>''Fantastic Five'' #1 (Aug.18, 1999). Marvel Comics.</ref> He is married to [[Lyja]] and they have a son Torus Storm (who calls himself "Super-Storm" when role-playing as a hero). Torus has inherited both his father's flame powers and his mother's stretching / shapeshifting powers.<ref>''Fantastic Five'' #2 (Sep. 15, 1999). Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Spider-Gwen===
In this universe starring Gwen Stacy as Spider-Woman, Johnny and Susan's family are stars of a television series and they are still children. Silk picks up a magazine that says they are entering their fourth season.<ref>''Spider-Gwen'' (2016) #7</ref>

===''Spider-Verse''===
In the Amazing Spider-man comic's event ''[[Spider-Verse]]'', [[Scarlet Spider|Scarlet Spider (Kaine)]] and [[Ben Reilly#"Spider-Verse"|Spider-Man (Ben Reilly)]] met and fought a clone of Johnny Storm (Earth-802) who is the Head of Security of Baxter Building and serving one of the Inheritors, Jennix.<ref>''Scarlet Spider'' #1-3 (Nov. 26 & Dec. 17, 2014; Jan. 21, 2015)</ref>

===Ultimate Marvel===
In the [[Ultimate Marvel]] Universe, Johnny Storm is the youngest child of [[Franklin Storm#Ultimate Marvel|Franklin Storm]], but is not as intelligent as Franklin or his sister [[Invisible Woman#Ultimate Marvel|Susan]]. He spent time at the Baxter Building, but his rebellious nature meant that he learned little from his time spent there. Although he is portrayed as being very vain, [[narcissistic]], and displays some [[misogynistic]] tendencies, he is also shown to have a deep devotion to his friends and family. He is good friends with [[Spider-Man (Ultimate Marvel character)|Spider-Man]], and has a friendship/friendly rivalry with [[Iceman (Marvel Comics)|Bobby Drake]].{{Volume needed|c=y|date=February 2013}}

He is present at Reed Richards' test of the N-Zone Teleportation Device in the Nevada Desert. After a malfunction in the device, he wakes up in France in a hospital bed. He uncontrollably bursts into flames until he learns to control his powers by saying "Flame On" and "Flame Off.". When [[Mole Man]]'s creatures attacks, Johnny finds out he can fly while on fire. It is explained by Reed that Johnny's combustion makes him lighter than air. Johnny's body is covered with a microscopically thin film of transparent plates that make him impervious to flame. When he activates his powers, fat cells beneath his skin create clean nuclear fusion and jet out between the plates as plasma which then ignites on contact with air. Periodically, Johnny enters a hibernation where his old layer of skin peels off as ash while a new layer forms underneath. Unlike the mainstream Human Torch, Ultimate Johnny's power sometimes have detrimental effects on his health, specifically causing unhealthy levels of weight loss and exhaustion.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=February 2013}}

In ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man]]'', Johnny meets Spider-Man when his sister says he has to finish high school. Johnny picks a school in Queens which happens to be [[Midtown High School (comics)|Midtown High]]. He quickly meets and becomes friends with Peter Parker, [[Mary Jane Watson|Mary Jane]] and [[Liz Allan]]. At a bonfire, he catches fire.<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' Vol. 1 #68 (Nov. 3, 2004). Marvel Comics.</ref> This scares off Liz Allan and when he arranges to meet Liz, she does not show up.<ref name=":3">''Ultimate Spider-Man'' Vol. 1 #69 (Nov. 17, 2004). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Encouraged by Mary Jane, Spider-Man shows up instead and gives Johnny a heart-to-heart talk about great power and great responsibility. Together, they save people from a burning building when Johnny absorbs the flames. Spider-Man shows Johnny that they will not always be appreciated by the public.<ref name=":3" />

In issue #98 of ''Ultimate Spider-Man'', the Fantastic Four learn Spider-Man's identity, and Johnny recognizes Peter.<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' Vol. 1 #98 (Aug. 2, 2006). Marvel Comics.</ref> In issue #101, Nick Fury and a regiment of [[Spider-Slayer|Spider Slayers]] try to arrest Peter but are stopped by Johnny and the rest of the Fantastic Four.<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' Vol. 1 #101 (Oct. 25, 2006). Marvel Comics.</ref>

In the "Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends" story arc (beginning with issue #118 and concluding in issue #120) Johnny returns to Midtown High wanting to spend time with real friends after becoming frustrated on a date with a popular pop-star who only came for publicity. After some prodding, Johnny arranges for a group consisting of himself, Peter, Mary Jane, Kitty Pryde, [[Kenny McFarlane|Kong]], [[Iceman (Marvel Comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Bobby Drake]], and [[Liz Allan#Ultimate Marvel|Liz Allan]] (Johnny's apparent romantic interest) to have a somewhat normal day at the beach. During the evening bonfire, mirror his last visit, Liz Allan bursts into flame, exposing herself as a mutant. At the end of the arc, Liz returns to the Xavier Institute with Iceman.<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' Vol. 1 #118-#119 (Jan. 30 & Feb. 27 2008). Marvel Comics.</ref>

In ''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #129, Johnny attends another unsuccessful date with the same pop-star as before and after again becoming frustrated calls Peter Parker to give him an excuse to leave. Johnny laments that he does not know any nice girls and has no real way of meeting any, and wants Peter to set him up. After flying off, he encounters the [[Vulture (Marvel Comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Vulture]] mid-robbery. Johnny attempts to stop him, but is thwarted several times before being assisted by [[Spider-Woman (Ultimate Marvel character)|Spider-Woman]] (a female clone of Peter Parker who is still mentally Peter up to the point of her "birth" in the Clone Saga story arc, a fact not disclosed to Johnny). Johnny proceeds to follow her around asking her for details about who she is, going as far to flirt with her. The very embarrassed Spider-Woman swings off.<ref>''Ultimate Spider-Man'' Vol. 1 #129 (Dec. 24, 2008). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Throughout the first story arc of ''Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man'' (the continuation of ''Ultimate Spider-Man''), Johnny Storm appears at Peter Parker's door and passes out in his arms. When he wakes up he informs [[Aunt May#Ultimate Marvel|Aunt May]] that he does not wish to return to the Baxter Building. May decides to let him live with her, Peter and Gwen (later also adding Bobby Drake to the household as well). As to not raise suspicion and to not reveal Peter's secret identity, May comes up with the idea of coloring Johnny's hair black and having him pose as Johnny Parker, Peter's cousin. She then enrolls him and Bobby at Midtown High along with Peter and Gwen. The school is then attacked by a [[Spider-Slayer#Ultimate Marvel|Spider-Slayer]], created by [[Mysterio#Ultimate Marvel|Mysterio]], to hunt down Spider-Man. Johnny runs away from the school before "Flaming On", as to not reveal his new secret identity, then returns to aid Peter in the fight, only to discover that the Shroud has already taken care of it. Johnny decides to melt the remains of the Spider-Slayer anyway.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=February 2013}}

Later, when [[Green Goblin (Ultimate Marvel character)|Norman Osborn]] escapes alongside Vulture, [[Kraven the Hunter#Ultimate Marvel|Kraven the Hunter]], [[Electro (Marvel Comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Electro]], [[Doctor Octopus#Ultimate Marvel|Doctor Octopus]], and [[Sandman (Marvel Comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Sandman]], Johnny and Bobby find them at Peter's home. In the ensuing battle, Johnny manages to knock Osborn unconscious before Sandman incapacitates him. Spider-Man then wakes him up to fight Osborn again, but Johnny only succeeds in adding to Osborn's power before being knocked out yet again. Spider-Man is eventually killed after defeating Osborn and the other supervillains and Johnny is the one who checks to see if he truly is dead.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=February 2013}}

Johnny appears briefly in the first issue of ''[[Ultimate Fallout]]''. Distressed by Peter's death, he screams and releases most of his energy above New York City.<ref>''Ultimate Fallout'' #1 (Jul. 13, 2011). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Johnny eventually joins [[Kitty Pryde]]'s team of mutants in ''[[Ultimate Comics: X-Men]]''. He elects to stay behind and defend a group of younger mutants in the [[Morlocks (comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Morlock]] tunnels while Kitty, Iceman, [[Jimmy Hudson]], and [[Rogue (Marvel Comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Rogue]] decide to head to the Southwest to fight off the [[Sentinel (comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Sentinels]].{{Volume needed|c=y|date=February 2013}} He is later rescued wandering the streets of New York, having been severely tortured. The only clue to the fate of the children is a garbled phone call to Kitty by one of the children lamenting Johnny's disappearance.<ref>''Ultimate Comics X-Men'' #18 (Sept. 2013)</ref>

===Ultimate Universe===
During the "[[Ultimate Invasion]]" storyline, [[Maker (character)|Maker]] visited [[Earth-6160]] and remade it into his own image. He sabotages the rocket flight that would have given the Fantastic Four their powers, with Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm being killed, Susan Storm sustaining terminal radiation poisoning, and Reed Richards surviving, but being imprisoned.<ref>''Ultimates'' (vol. 3) #4 (November 2024)</ref>

===What If?===
In ''What If?'' vol. 2 #11 (March 1990), the origins of the Fantastic Four are retold, showing how the heroes lives would have changed if all four had gained the same powers as the individual members of the original Fantastic Four. In "Pyros", all have the power of the Human Torch; after the team sets fire to what they believe to be an uninhabited area in order to battle a monster, they inadvertently kill the daughter of a woman squatting one of those buildings; the guilt causes them to disband, after which Reed Richards returns to his research, Storm becomes a race car driver and Grimm adopts the Human Torch moniker and joins the Avengers. Susan Storm, who could never forgive herself for the child's death, took monastic vows and spent the rest of her life as a nun in penance. In "Team Elastics", all have the power of Mister Fantastic, but Grimm, Sue Storm and Reed Richards all believe their powers to be silly; which also causes Sue Storm to leave Reed. Reed Richards returns to his research, only using his powers to aid him in his work, such as handling dangerous chemicals at far range, and Sue marries Ben Grimm, where they live a quiet domestic life free of superpowers. Johnny is the only member to go public, where he becomes a performer called "Mr. Fabulous", using his powers to gain fame, fortune and women. In "Monstrous", all become monsters, and relocate to Monster Isle. In "The Phantoms", each gain one aspect of the invisibility power, with Johnny able to become intangible.  The story focuses on the four becoming a special secret unit of [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] which defends against an attack by, and ultimately captures and places in custody, Doom.<ref>''What If?'' vol. II #11/4</ref>

==In other media==
===Television===
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[Fantastic Four (1967 TV series)|Fantastic Four]]'' (1967), voiced by Jack Flounders.<ref name="BTVA">{{Cite web |title=Human Torch Voices (Fantastic Four) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Fantastic-Four/Human-Torch/ |website=Behind The Voice Actors |postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.}}</ref>
* The Human Torch was intended to appear in ''[[The New Fantastic Four]]'', but was dropped due to rights issues and replaced with series-original character [[H.E.R.B.I.E.]] Similarly, the Human Torch was meant to appear in ''[[Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends]]'' before [[Firestar (Marvel Comics)|Firestar]] was created in his place.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/28/ranking-the-spider-man-animated-series-2|title=Ranking the Spider-Man Animated Series|last=Schedeen|first=Jesse|website=IGN|date=April 28, 2014|access-date=April 29, 2014}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[Fantastic Four (1994 TV series)|Fantastic Four]]'' (1994), voiced by [[Brian Austin Green]] in the first season and [[Quinton Flynn]] in the second season.<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch appears in the ''[[Spider-Man: The Animated Series]]'' three-part episode "Secret Wars", voiced again by Quinton Flynn.<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes]]'', voiced by [[Christopher Jacot]].<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[The Super Hero Squad Show]]'', voiced by [[Travis Willingham]].<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'', voiced by [[David Kaufman (actor)|David Kaufman]].<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch appears in the ''[[Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.]]'' episode "Monsters No More", voiced by [[James Arnold Taylor]].<ref name="BTVA"/>

===Film===
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[The Fantastic Four (unreleased film)|The Fantastic Four]]'' (1994), portrayed by [[Jay Underwood]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collura |first=Scott |date=November 17, 2016 |title=''Doomed: The Untold Story of Roger Corman's The Fantastic Four'' Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/11/17/doomed-the-untold-story-of-roger-cormans-the-fantastic-four-review |access-date=January 3, 2025 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[Fantastic Four (2005 film)|Fantastic Four]]'' (2005), portrayed by [[Chris Evans (actor)|Chris Evans]].
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]'', portrayed again by Chris Evans. Across two encounters with the [[Silver Surfer]], he temporarily obtains the ability to switch powers with his teammates through touch.
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[Fantastic Four (2015 film)|Fantastic Four]]'' (2015), portrayed by [[Michael B. Jordan]].<ref>Fleming, Michael [https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/fox-sets-fantastic-reboot-1118007959/ "Fox sets 'Fantastic' reboot"], ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', August 31, 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.vibe.com/article/michael-b-jordan-signed-fantastic-four | title=Michael B. Jordan Signed On For 'Fantastic Four' | publisher=vibe | date=October 21, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= Kit| first= Boris|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/fox-chooses-fantastic-four-reboot-681868/|title= Fox Chooses 'Fantastic Four' Reboot Stars| website= [[The Hollywood Reporter]]| date= 19 February 2014}}</ref> This version is the adoptive brother of Susan Storm who gained his powers during a botched expedition to [[Negative Zone|Planet Zero]] and initially used a suit to control them.
* The ''Fantastic Four'' (2005) incarnation of the Human Torch appears in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU) film ''[[Deadpool & Wolverine]]'' (2024), portrayed again by Chris Evans.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Darney |first=Caroline |date=July 24, 2024 |title=The 6 most mind-blowing cameos in Deadpool & Wolverine |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/deadpool-and-wolverine-cameos-mcu-spoilers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725021637/https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/deadpool-and-wolverine-cameos-mcu-spoilers |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |access-date=July 24, 2024 |newspaper=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> He was exiled to the [[Void (Marvel Cinematic Universe location)|Void]] by the [[Time Variance Authority (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Time Variance Authority]] (TVA) and joined a resistance movement against [[Cassandra Nova (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Cassandra Nova]], who later murders him.
* The [[Johnny Storm (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Human Torch]] appears in the MCU film ''[[The Fantastic Four: First Steps]]'' (2025), portrayed by [[Joseph Quinn]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vary|first1=Adam B.|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/fantastic-four-cast-marvel-studios-1235875766/|title=Marvel's 'The Fantastic Four' Lands Its Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach|date=14 February 2024|publisher=Variety}}</ref>
* The Human Torch will appear in the MCU films ''[[Avengers: Doomsday]]'' (2026) and ''[[Avengers: Secret Wars]]'' (2027), portrayed again by Joseph Quinn.<ref name="SDCC2024F4">{{Cite web |last1=Grobar |first1=Matt |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |date=July 28, 2024 |title='The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Unveiled As Official Title Of Marvel Pic; Core Four Will Appear In Next Two 'Avengers' Movies – Comic-Con |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-marvel-comic-con-1236021939/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728023326/https://deadline.com/2024/07/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-marvel-comic-con-1236021939/ |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |access-date=July 28, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

===Video games===
* The Human appears in ''[[Questprobe featuring Human Torch and the Thing]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/fantastic-four/ |title=Fantastic Four: Questprobe |publisher=MobyGames |access-date=2011-04-12 |archive-date=2016-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209073744/http://www.mobygames.com/game/fantastic-four/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man (handheld video game)#Sequels|The Amazing Spider-Man 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-02 |title=The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (1992) |url=https://longplays.org/infusions/longplays/longplays.php?cat_id=30&longplay_id=11427 |website=World Of Longplays |at=Timestamp: 12:52}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[Spider-Man (1995 video game)|Spider-Man]]'' (1995).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-12 |title=LongplayArchive {{!}} Longplay of Spider-Man (1995) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lxhuxsk1qw |website=YouTube |at=Timestamp: 14:38}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[Fantastic Four (1997 video game)|Fantastic Four]]'' (1997).
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[Spider-Man (2000 video game)|Spider-Man]]'' (2000), voiced by [[Daran Norris]].<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch appears in ''Fantastic 4: Flame On''.<ref>{{Cite web |first= |date=2023-08-20 |title=LongplayArchive {{!}} Longplay of Fantastic 4: Flame On |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdKeWiNm8xE |website=YouTube}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears as a playable character in ''[[Fantastic Four (2005 video game)|Fantastic Four]]'' (2005), voiced by Chris Evans. Additionally, his "classic" design appears in bonus levels, voiced again by Quinton Flynn.<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The [[Ultimate Marvel]] incarnation of the Human Torch appears in ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (video game)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'', voiced by [[David Kaufman (actor)|David Kaufman]].<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch, based on Chris Evans' portrayal, appears in ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (video game)|Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]'', voiced by Michael Broderick.<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects]]'', voiced by [[Kirby Morrow]].<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'', voiced by [[Josh Keaton]].<ref name="BTVA"/> Additionally, his classic, Ultimate Marvel, original, and modern designs appear as alternate skins.<ref name="MUA1">{{Cite book|title=Marvel Ultimate Alliance: Signature Series Guide |first=Thom |last=Denick |publisher=Brady Games |location=Indianapolis, Indiana| isbn=0-7440-0844-1 |year=2006 |pages=30, 31}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2]]'', voiced again by David Kaufman.<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel Super Hero Squad Online]]'', voiced by Antony Del Rio.<ref name="BTVA"/><ref name="voice">{{cite web|url=http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/08/4247721/extensive-cast-of-voice-actors.html |access-date=February 12, 2012 |title=Extensive Cast of Voice Actors Unveiled for Super Hero Squad Online }}{{dead link|date=October 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[LittleBigPlanet]]'' via the "Marvel Costume Kit 2" DLC.<ref name="LittleBigPlanetMCK2">{{cite web |url=http://www.littlebigplanet.com/en/downloadable_content_items/1096?t=US |title=Marvel Costume Kit 2 |publisher=[[Sony]] |access-date=December 30, 2012 |archive-date=February 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219215805/http://littlebigplanet.com/en/downloadable_content_items/1096?t=US |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[Pinball FX 2]]'', voiced by [[Travis Willingham]].<ref name="BTVA"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://marvel.com/news/story/15748/download_the_marvel_pinball_fantastic_four_table |title=Fantastic Four Pinball |publisher=Marvel.com |access-date=2014-02-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017170331/http://marvel.com/news/story/15748/download_the_marvel_pinball_fantastic_four_table |archive-date=2013-10-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel: Future Fight]]''.<ref name="marvel.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/games/marvel-games-welcomes-marvel-s-first-family-with-fantastic-four-world-s-greatest-week|title=Marvel Games Welcomes Marvel's First Family with Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Week {{!}} News {{!}} Marvel|website=Marvel Entertainment|language=en|access-date=2019-08-12}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel: Avengers Alliance]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-02 |title=Iksak {{!}} Marvel Avengers Alliance - Heroic Battle Thing, Human Torch, Invisible Woman |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrNmlaP1SnQ |website=YouTube}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth]]'', voiced by [[Roger Craig Smith]].<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch initially appeared as a playable character in ''[[Marvel Heroes (video game)|Marvel Heroes]]'', voiced by [[Matthew Yang King]],<ref name="BTVA"/><ref name="MarvelHeroesMMORPG">{{cite web|url=https://www.marvelheroes.com/news/news-articles/human-torch-joins-marvel-heroes |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121217163744/https://www.marvelheroes.com/news/news-articles/human-torch-joins-marvel-heroes |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-12-17 |title=Human Torch joins Marvel Heroes |publisher=[[Marvel Heroes (video game)|Marvel Heroes]] |date=2012-07-11 |access-date=2012-07-19 }}</ref> before he was removed on July 1, 2017 for legal reasons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2017 |title=The Fantastic Four Characters Are Being Removed From Marvel Heroes |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/the-fantastic-four-characters-are-being-removed-from-marvel-hero/ |access-date=October 30, 2023 |website=Gaming |language=en}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego Marvel Super Heroes]]'', voiced again by Roger Craig Smith.<ref name="BTVA"/><ref name="Storm and Thing">{{cite web|last=Parsons|first=Arthur|title=HULK Smash!!!!|url=http://videogames.lego.com/en-us/community/blog/2013/April/|publisher=LEGO|date=April 18, 2013|access-date=April 12, 2013}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel Puzzle Quest]]''.<ref name="marvel.com"/>
* The Human Torch appears as a downloadable playable character in ''[[Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order]]'' via the "Shadow of Doom" DLC, voiced again by Matthew Yang King.<ref name="BTVA"/>
* The Human Torch appears as a downloadable playable character in ''[[Marvel Rivals]]'', voiced by [[Scott Whyte]].<ref name="marvelrivals.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.marvelrivals.com/announcements/20250217/40955_1212156.html|title=Human Torch and The thing Join the fight on Feb 21st!}}</ref>
* The Human Torch appears in ''[[Fortnite]]'' as part of a promotional shop item.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fortnite.com/news/the-fantastic-four-are-coming-to-fortnite-unlock-their-outfits-early?lang=en-US|title=The Fantastic Four Are Coming to Fortnite - Unlock Their Outfits Early!|date=August 10, 2025|access-date=July 21, 2025|publisher=[[Epic Games]]|website=Fortnite.com}}</ref>

===Miscellaneous===
*Johnny Storm appears in a daily radio adaptation of the early issues of ''Fantastic Four'', played by [[Bill Murray]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Monaco |first=Steve |url=http://blogs.citypages.com/amadzine/2005/01/bill_murray_as_the_human_torch.php |title=Bill Murray as . . . The Human Torch? - Minneapolis / St. Paul News - Steve Monaco - Couch Pundit |publisher=Blogs.citypages.com |date=2005-01-13 |access-date=2011-04-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101014070949/http://blogs.citypages.com/amadzine/2005/01/bill_murray_as_the_human_torch.php |archive-date=2010-10-14 }}</ref>
*The Human Torch appears in the BBC radio adaptation of ''Spider Man'', voiced by Eric Meyers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dirkmaggs.dswilliams.co.uk/The%20amazing%20spiderman%20dirk%20maggs.htm |title="Dirk Maggs Radio Play The Amazing Spider Man", dirkmaggs.dswilliams.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012061543/http://www.dirkmaggs.dswilliams.co.uk/The%20amazing%20spiderman%20dirk%20maggs.htm |archive-date=12 October 2008 }}</ref>

===Merchandise===
* The Human Torch received an 8-inch action figure in [[Mego Corporation|Mego]]'s "World's Greatest Super Heroes" toy line in the 1970s.
* The Human Torch received an action figure in series 2 of the [[Marvel Legends]] toy line via the [[Fantastic Four]] box set.
* The Human Torch received a figurine in [[The Classic Marvel Figurine Collection]].

==Reception==
The Human Torch was ranked as the 90th greatest comic book character by ''[[Wizard (magazine)|Wizard]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://herochat.com/forum/index.php?topic=170859.0 |title=Wizard's top 200 characters. |publisher=republished at Herochat.com, 18 May 2008 |work=[[Wizard (magazine)|Wizard]] |access-date=May 19, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608020121/http://herochat.com/forum/index.php?topic=170859.0 |archive-date=8 June 2011 }}</ref> [[IGN]] ranked the Human Torch as the 46th greatest comic book hero, stating that even though the youngest member of the Fantastic Four routinely basked in the glory of his celebrity status, he also proved himself in his many adventures with both the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/top/comic-book-heroes/46 | title=Human Torch is number 46 | website=IGN | access-date=May 19, 2011 | archive-date=November 24, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124093056/http://www.ign.com/top/comic-book-heroes/46 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Collected editions ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Title
!Material collected
!Published date
!ISBN
|-
|''Human Torch Masterworks Vol. 1''
|''Strange Tales'' #101-117 and ''Annual'' #2
|August 2009
|{{ISBNT|978-0785120704}}
|-
|''Human Torch Masterworks Vol. 2'' 
|''Strange Tales'' #118-134
|August 2009
|{{ISBNT|978-0785135050}}
|-
|''Essential Human Torch Volume 1''
|''Strange Tales'' #101-134 and ''Annual'' #2
|August 2003
|{{ISBNT|978-0785113096}}
|-
|''Human Torch: Strange Tales - The Complete Collection''
|''Strange Tales'' #101-134 and ''Annual'' #2
|August 2018
|{{ISBNT|978-1302913342}}
|-
|''Spider-Man & The Human Torch''
|''Spider-Man/Human Torch'' #1-5
|August 2009
|{{ISBNT|978-0785140047}}
|-
|''The Thing & The Human Torch by Dan Slott''
|''Spider-Man/Human Torch'' #1-5, ''The Thing'' #1-8
|August 2018
|{{ISBNT|978-1302913359}}
|-
|''Human Torch by Karl Kesel & Skottie Young: The Complete Collection''
|''Human Torch'' (vol. 3) #1-12
|July 2014
|{{ISBNT|978-0785190981}}
|-
|''Marvel Two-In-One Vol. 1: Fate Of The Four''
|''Marvel Two-In-One'' (vol. 2) #1-6
|July 2018
|{{ISBNT|978-1302910921}}
|-
|''Marvel Two-In-One Vol. 2: Next Of Kin''
|''Marvel Two-In-One'' (vol. 2) #7-12 and ''Annual'' #1
|February 2019
|{{ISBNT|978-1302914912}}
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://marvel.com/universe/Human_Torch_%28Johnny_Storm%29 The Human Torch on the Marvel Universe Character Bio]
* [[MarvelDatabase:Human Torch (Johnny Storm)|MDP: Human Torch]] (Marvel Database Project) (wiki)
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060211212023/http://www.adherents.com/lit/comics/HumanTorch.html The Religion of the Human Torch]}}

{{Fantastic Four}}
{{Avengers characters}}
{{Black Panther}}
{{Deadpool}}
{{Spider-Man characters}}
{{Namor}}
{{Human Torch (android)}}
{{Jack Kirby}}
{{Stan Lee}}

[[Category:Avengers (comics) characters]]
[[Category:Characters created by Jack Kirby]]
[[Category:Characters created by Stan Lee]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1961]]
[[Category:Fantastic Four characters]]
[[Category:Fictional actors]]
[[Category:Fictional astronauts]]
[[Category:Fictional characters from New York City]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with fire or heat abilities]]
[[Category:Fictional firefighters]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics American superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics mutates]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics superheroes]]