Jake Taylor

Jake Taylor, also known as Heatstroke, is a fictional character in the Graffiti series, created by David Ragin.

The younger brother of Max Taylor and cousin of Melrose Hawthorne and Chris Taylor, Jake is a superhuman from Southfield, Michigan with pyrokinetic abilities. Initially wide-eyed and naïve, but growing to be more short-tempered and aggressive, Jake works very closely with his brother and their friends to become superheroes under the training of both Melrose and Graffiti.

In film, Jake Taylor / Heatstroke is portrayed by Robbie Johnson, and has appeared in two Graffiti films to date, Graffiti: Welcome to Foxworth Enterprises (2015), and Graffiti: Heroes and Villains (2017).

Background
Jake and Max learned of their abilities at a very young age, but were restricted from using their abilities from their parents. However, his cousin Melrose convinced them that she could train Jake and his brother on how to safely and properly utilize their abilities, which the parents agreed to.

Melrose would go on to train the young superhumans until she relocated to Japan for college, leaving Dylan as their new trainer. Despite his orders, Jake and Max would frequently practice their powers outside of class, usually to unfortunate results.

Following the establishment of the S.A.I.N.T. Program, and subsequently the Junior S.A.I.N.T. Program, Jake recruited his friend Danny Jones to join the team, which he immediately accepted.

History
Main Article: Plot of Graffiti

Dreams and Knightmares arc
Jake Taylor makes a brief appearance in this arc on the list of potential superhumans that attacked Dylan.

Foxworth Enterprises arc
Jake Taylor makes his full debut in this arc.

Heroes and Villains arc
Jake Taylor appears in this arc.

Powers and Abilities

 * Pyrokinesis: Jake's superpowers involves the control and resistance to heat, the production of pyrokinetic discharges.


 * Pyrokinetic Constructs: Jake is able to contort his flames into different shapes and constructs.


 * Self Combustion: He can increase the kinetic energy in his molecular structure causing them to ignite. This process creates heat and light that he can use.


 * Pyrokinetic Blade Construction: Jake can construct blade weapons of various shapes and sizes out of fire. Some blades are a mere instant spark from friction, while others may last forever, depending on his skills. The flames can increase the cutting edge by using high temperature to melt and incinerate the target.


 * Heat Manipulation: With concentration, he can generate heat fields without open flames, such as a wall of intense heat around himself to melt incoming projectiles, or focusing enough heat through his hands to cook food. He can heat most metals enough to reshape them.


 * Fire Immunity: While using his powers, he instinctively generates a super-thin, invisible psionic energy field around himself that protects him from heat and flame, but not from other forms of injury.


 * Enhanced Durability: As a superhuman, Jake's body has the natural ability to sustain numerous blows of external assault, though his inner body can take damage if struck hard enough.

Weaknesses

 * Cold Temperatures: While not unable, Jake is more susceptible to cold environments and has increased difficulty using his powers when around cold.


 * Water: Since Jake is a fire-based superpower, his flames are vulnerable to water.


 * Temper: Years of being grouped with his brother and essentially living in his shadow, Jake has acquired a more aggressive and sensitive attitude.