Is The MCU Really Introducing Another Human Torch? Why That Mystery Character Might Be This Avenger Instead

The growing speculation around the original Human Torch’s potential MCU debut may be overlooking another comic hero still lacking a live-action counterpart. An abundance of new details on VisionQuest emerged at D23 2026, most of which stemming from the release of a new trailer. But there was also some previously unseen VisionQuest artwork (via Collider), which has fueled theories that Johnny Storm’s predecessor may soon be brought to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

What the art shows is a costumed character with flames either emanating from his body or burning all around him. The presence of a man with fire powers in VisionQuest has naturally led to discussions of the original Human Torch – and arguably for good reason. Jim Hammond a.k.a. The Human Torch is an android superhero much like the Vision, and in that sense, he certainly belongs in a story of its kind.

Strengthening the possibility that he’s in the show is their deep comic connections. It’s known from the classic comics that Ultron used Human Torch’s body to build the Vision. Not only that, but the MCU already laid the groundwork for Jim Hammond to exist via an Easter egg in Captain America: The First Avenger’s Stark Expo scene.

But despite all that evidence, none of this means that the original Human Torch should be considered a confirmed character for VisionQuest. After all, there’s another hero in the source material who matches the description of the flaming figure in the artwork.

VisionQuest’s Mystery Character Looks A Lot Like Jack Of Hearts

Other than the fire, there are notable similarities between the mystery VisionQuest character and Jack of Hearts. He may not resemble the classic design of the original Human Torch (which is the one represented in Captain America: The First Avenger), but it’s worth noting that the comic character has since been redesigned to sport more gold on his red suit. That color appears to be present on this character’s outfit, but the specific design certainly differs, to a point where it actually looks more like Jack of Hearts.

The VisionQuest character has what appears to be gold or yellow straps wrapped around his torso and arms, which protrude out from his shoulders. This unique costume design draws comparisons to the shoulder guards worn by Jack of Hearts in Marvel Comics. And like the figure in the artwork, his armor bore golden accents too, and that color extended to his shoulder guards.

Jack of Hearts’ abilities also line up with what was displayed in the art. He doesn’t possess the same fiery aura as the original Human Torch, but he does house high levels of powerful energy within his body, which often materializes around his hands or sometimes even his entire body. This force – known as zero energy – is so destructive that Jack of Hearts once self-destructed to take down an alien ship.

Jack Of Hearts In Marvel Comics Explained

Jack of Hearts isn’t an iconic Marvel hero, but he does have a storied history in the comic books. He made his first appearance in The Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #22 as a young man whose father was killed by an evil organization called the Corporation. Due to coercion by the Corporation, his father had been experimenting with a formula referred to as “zero fluid” in his laboratory. Exposure to that energy is what transformed his son into the Jack of Hearts.

After that, Jack of Hearts began a mission of revenge, taking his fight to the Corporation alongside the likes of White Tiger, The Thing, Iron Man, the Hulk, and the Defenders in their respective comic book titles. In the late 1970s, he developed a recurring role in Iron Man’s comic book series that culminated in Stark becoming a mentor of sorts to Jack of Hearts.

In the 1980s, Marvel gave him his own limited series, and elevated Jack of Hearts into a cosmic superhero, even going as far to reveal that his mother was a member of an alien race, the Contraxians. When this ended, he went back to his usual role as a guest-starring hero.

The alien homeworld of Jack of Hearts’ mother, Contraxia, officially became MCU canon in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Later, Marvel expanded his presence in its universe by making him a full-fledged member of the Avengers in the early 2000s. He became one of the most notable casualties when he sacrificed himself during the “Avengers Disassembled” storyline. He has since been resurrected, however.

How Jack Of Hearts Could Fit Into VisionQuest’s Story

Jack Hart aka Jack of Hearts chokes Norrin Radd and threatens Thanos in Silver Surfer Rebirth

Unlike the original Human Torch, Jack of Hearts isn’t an obvious fit for VisionQuest, but there are elements of his character that would make his inclusion make sense. Jack of Hearts isn’t an android, but he does possess a computerized brain, which would enable him to fit the wider theme of VisionQuest. From Ultron to Jocasta, to F.RI.D.A.Y., many of its confirmed characters are associated with artificial intelligence. And, they all have connections to Tony Stark (as does Jack of Hearts).

In the pages of Iron Man, S.H.I.E.L.D and Tony Stark partnered together to use Jack of Hearts’ zero energy abilities to strengthen the Scanalyzer, an artificial intelligence designed by the agency. But the plan went awry, causing Jack of Hearts to actually absorb the Scanalyzer into his consciousness. Because of this, he has a brain that functions as a highly advanced computer, and one that has evolved into a key part of how his character operates in the Marvel Universe.

Theoretically, Marvel could offer its own interpretation of what happened with Jack of Hearts and the Scanalyzer, portraying it as one of many facets of Iron Man’s legacy in the MCU, even if it’s something that was never shown onscreen.

There’s also the matter of Jack of Hearts’ original archenemy in Marvel Comics – the Corporation. An evil organization run by powerful figures in the worlds of business and politics existing in the MCU hardly feels like a stretch for its universe, and it’s not hard to see why they might take an interest in the advanced technology within Vision’s body. If they’re the villains of the series (and the force behind Paladin), Jack of Hearts would be a natural ally for Paul Bettany’s character in VisionQuest.