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The Human Torch is a fictional character, a superhero who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a founding member of the Fantastic Four. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Fantastic Four #1 (cover-dated Nov. 1961). A similar, unrelated character of the same name and powers had been created in 1939 by writer-artist Carl Burgos for Marvel Comics' predecessor company, Timely Comics.
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 in comparison 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 portrayed him in the 2005 film Fantastic Four and the 2007 sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
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