When the Human Torch decided he didn't want his creator, Professor Phineas T. Horton, to exploit him for profit he left the Professor. Upset but determined to gain from his innovations, Horton went to work on another synthetic man. He managed to solve the original problem he encountered with the Human Torch (namely bursting into flames), and Horton dubbed his new creation Adam-II (after Adam in the Bible, since this was his second attempt at making a man). Unfortunately, Horton discovered a penchant for fire wasn't the only difference in his creations. Adam-II was a malevelont android, one who thought that androids should rule over flesh and blood men. To this end, Adam-II locked Horton away and began creating an army of unintelligent, brutish androids.
A few years later, in 1946, the Human Torch decided to pay a visit to his "father." The Torch and Toro were greeted at Horton's door by a man who seemed very distant towards his "son." He was glassy eyed, and when he shook Toro's hand his grip became unbearable. The Torch instructed Toro to flame on, and Toro's flame melted away artificial skin, revealing this Horton as an android! While investigating Horton's home, the Torch and Toro happened upon Adam-II. He told his "brother" of his plans and invited him to join him. The Torch refused, and he and Toro were taken prisoner alongside Horton. Adam-II revealed his plan to replace a Senatorial hopeful with an android replica, and take over the government from the inside. As Adam-II and his android gang went about their plan, the Torch escaped and summoned his fellow All-Winners Squad partners. The group discovered that Adam-II was planning on murdering and replacing John F. Kennedy, a politician Adam-II thought had the ability to go all the way to the White House (he may've been evil, that Adam-II, but he was no dummy!).
Although the ensuing battle with Adam-II's androids cost the All-Winners Squad the life of Captain America II (formerly the Spirit of '76), they were able to save Kennedy from the android that had replaced his chauffeur. Angered by the ruination of his plans, Adam-II jumped in Kennedy's car and attempted to run down the All-Winners Squad. Unfortunately for him, his automatons bled very slick oil. Their crushed forms had covered the road in oil, and it caused Kennedy's car to go squealing out of control. When he attempted to run over the All-Winners Squad, Adam-II was unable to control the vehicle. It went crashing into a wall and exploded, 'killing' the world's second synthetic man.
INSIDE STORY: Adam-II first appeared in the important WHAT IF #4. Although WHAT IF usually chronicles stories that never actually happened in mainstream Marvel continuity, this story is an exception. It gave Roy a chance to finally chronicle what really happened to the wartime heroes after the war. So, chronologically, Adam-II holds the distinction of being the first post-war villain in Marvel's history. His attempt on JFK's life is also a nice bridge into the early 60s, and modern-day Marvel continuity.
First and Final Appearance: WHAT IF #4 (1977)
Other Appearance (in flashback): HUMAN TORCH (Limited Series) #3 (1990)
Return to the Villains page