VisionQuest Episode 4 Reveals JIM, the MCU's First Human Torch
The episode introduces JIM as Earth-616's first Synthetic Man, tied to Phineas Horton, and Marvel Studios has confirmed Paul Bettany plays the character.
Episode 4 of VisionQuest introduced JIM, identified as the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Earth-616's first Synthetic Man and its first Human Torch, according to screenrant.com. The character is named as Jim Hammond, the original Human Torch of Marvel Comics.
In the episode, JIM is described as the first synthetic consciousness created by Phineas Horton and as the source code behind later artificial intelligence in the MCU. JIM malfunctioned because he could not process complex emotions, and his body burst into flames as a result.
Vision, played by Paul Bettany, explains that the Mind Stone helped him avoid the same flaws. Marvel Studios has confirmed that Bettany will play JIM in some capacity.
A comic-book origin dating to 1939
Jim Hammond was created by writer and artist Carl Burgos for Marvel Comics #1 in 1939, predating Johnny Storm and The Fantastic Four, who appeared in 1961. Horton's Synthetic Man was also referenced on screen before: in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, a display at the Stark Expo promoted the creation in a glass capsule.
According to the episode, Tony Stark's AI programs were built on work from Markridge Biotech, a company Stark Industries purchased. New VisionQuest episodes release on Tuesday nights on Disney+.
Quick answers
Who plays JIM in VisionQuest?
Marvel Studios has confirmed that Paul Bettany, who plays Vision, will play JIM in some capacity.
When do new VisionQuest episodes release?
New episodes release on Tuesday nights on Disney+.
Who is Jim Hammond?
Jim Hammond is the original Human Torch in Marvel Comics, created by Carl Burgos for Marvel Comics #1 in 1939, before Johnny Storm and The Fantastic Four appeared in 1961.