Hello, I'm an expert in comic book history and culture. Let's dive into the origins of Marvel Comics and its characters.

The first Marvel character is a topic of some debate, but the most widely recognized first character from what would become Marvel Comics is Human Torch. The Human Torch first appeared in "Marvel Comics #1" which was released in October 1939. This character was an android created by Professor Phineas T. Horton. It's important to note that at the time, the company was known as Timely Publications, and it wouldn't be until the 1960s that it would come to be known as Marvel Comics.

However, if we're talking about the first character created by the team that would later be known as the "Marvel Bullpen", which is often associated with the distinctive style and tone of Marvel Comics, then the first character would be Angel, who appeared in "The Twelve-Cent Archie Comic Book" #1 in December 1941. The Angel was created by writer Ray Ferrok and artist Carl Burgos.

To summarize, Human Torch is often considered the first Marvel character due to the early date of his appearance and the historical significance of "Marvel Comics #1". But if we're looking at the creative team that would define Marvel's later style, then Angel could be considered the first character.

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Timely's first publication, Marvel Comics #1 (cover dated Oct. 1939), included the first appearance of Carl Burgos' android superhero the Human Torch, and the first appearances of Bill Everett's anti-hero Namor the Sub-Mariner, among other features.read more >>