The Human Torch is the Fantastic Four ’s most traditionally immature member. His cocky impulsivity was once a product of his age but has since become a core personality trait for the hero. Yet, Johnny once wielded the power of Thor, or at least a version of him did. But what if today’s Johnny Storm tried to lift the Asgardian hammer? Unfortunately, I don’t think Johnny’s quite ready yet.

Back in Siege #4 (2015)–by Kieron Gillen and Filipe Andrade–the Marvel Universe had just launched its 2015 Secret Wars event, culminating in an amalgamated world forged from the shreds of the Multiverse. At this point, the Multiverse’s Thors had been gathered and reformed as Doctor Doom’s Thor Corps , including godly variants of the First Family.

These Odin-Forced-infused heroes triumph as the most worthy among all variants of the Fantastic Four, including Johnny Storm. But I’m not convinced that Earth-616’s Human Torch has the character traits Odin once demanded of Thor, despite his recent growth.

All-Father Thor Clearly Defines What Makes One Worthy of the Power of Mjolnir

Siege #4 (2015) - Written by Kieron Gillen; Art by Filipe Andrade; Color by Rachelle Roseberg; Lettering by VC’s Clayton Cowles; Cover Art by W. Scott Forbes

While the Human Torch Thor was only a momentary blip in the overarching Secret Wars storyline, it does lead one to wonder if Earth-616’s Human Torch has what it takes. To date, no Earth-616 member of the Fantastic Four has ever wielded Mjolnir. Whether it be for lack of trying or lack of worthy qualities, it simply has never been done. But what exactly makes someone worthy of the powers of Thor ? In truth, the enchantments that bind the hammer’s power were designed to ensure only Odin could wield it.

As king and guardian of all the Ten Realms, the All-Father must be able to deliver a strong hand of justice while tempering it with an open and honest heart. In Immortal Thor #5 (2023)–by Al Ewing and Martin Coccolo–Thor states the qualities that Mjolnir demands from its wielder: Comion, Restraint, Nobility, Wisdom, and Humility. Even the near-infinite power of the Elder Gods cannot override this heroic enchantment. But, throughout Johnny Storm’s 60+ years of comic appearances, he hasn’t proven that he routinely possesses all five of these qualities, even though he excels at some of them.

The Human Torch Has Made Great Strides Toward Worthiness

From a Brash Brat to a Genuine Hero

Despite Johnny’s traditionally brash and short-sighted nature, I want to give the hero credit where credit is due. His first major pivot toward true heroism happened in Fantastic Four #244 (1982)–by John Byrne–after his first major love, Frankie Raye, sacrificed her humanity to guide Galactus’s hunger away from Earth. Johnny had become used to his family’s heroic nature, but this event forced him to reevaluate his priorities as a person and a hero. Frankie, who had only recently embraced her heroic nature, made Johnny realize he didn’t have the strength to be a true hero when needed.

Over time, Johnny not only embraced the heroic status that the world expected of him but also proved himself to be a decent leader. In Fantastic Four #600 (2011)–Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting– the Human Torch was forced to take leadership when the Baxter Building was attacked while Reed and Sue were away. Left to defend a depowered Ben Grimm, Franklin, and Valeria alone, Johnny valiantly sacrificed himself to protect his family and Earth from the forces of Annihilus. This marked a major pivot for the character toward his modern, more noble nature.

Johnny Storm Lacks One Major Quality to Be Worthy

Simply Put, Johnny Storm Isn't a Reliable Hero

The Human Torch once again experienced major character growth when Reed Richards teleported the Baxter Building and his children into the future. With the Fantastic Four no more , Johnny continued to work as the Human Torch despite the overwhelming fear the public had about the First Family. Today, Johnny has significantly cooled down. With the Fantastic Four’s reputation in ruins and Doctor Doom now the Emperor Supreme, Johnny has to rise above his traditionally hot-headed past to protect what he loves the most: his family.

Even with all the credit I can give him for his character growth over the years, I still don’t think Johnny has what it takes to wield Mjolnir . He isn’t consistent. Johnny has more than proven himself capable of meeting the requirements but fails to uphold these virtues to the consistency that Mjolnir demands. In more recent comics like Fantastic Four #45 (2022)–by Dan Slott and Farid Karami–Johnny is still impulsive and far too emotionally reactive to any given situation. He lacks consistent restraint and consistent humility. Despite his best efforts, Johnny Storm can’t be relied on.

The Human Torch Isn't Ready for Mjolnir's Power

Johnny Is Too Free of a Spirit for the Responsibility of Mjolnir

No, I don’t think the Human Torch has the power to lift Mjolnir if he tried. While he has experienced a major shift in character growth for the better, he isn’t as consistent in those virtues as the All-Father demands. Even among the Fantastic Four , Johnny still isn’t seen as a leader. He’s more willing to make the sacrifices needed to defend against evil, but no one is looking to him for guidance. Frankly, I don’t think he wants this role. Johnny is a free spirit, and Mjolnir was designed to reject that kind of personality. Despite his best efforts, the Human Torch just doesn’t consistently meet the standards Mjolnir requires.

Siege #4 is now available from Marvel Comics!