STRANGE TALES 111 (1963)
written by Ernie Hart
pencils by Dick Ayers
cover by Dick Ayers & Jack Kirby
The cover asks the question “How can the Human Torch defend himself against the Asbestos Man?”. Yes, that is the ONLY question raised by the existence of Asbestos Man.
We begin with an inventor eager to do some crime.
“The Human Torch, nemesis of the criminal underworld” really doesn’t sound right.
According to the Silver Age, we could solve all kinds of problems if only scientists were paid.
Look man, I get it if you’re mad at corporations for not paying you enough. But there has to be a middle step before you go full supervillain!
He’s just thinking about all these science crimes, mind you. He hasn’t invented anything that could help him with forgery or counterfeiting money.
In a nice twist, however, he learns that becoming a criminal is harder than it sounds!
If this story made any sense, at this point he would realize that he’s not fit to be a criminal and would just sell his inventions.
Instead he decides that, since he was too scared to deal with the police, he’s going to deal with a superhero.
Sounds legit.
Ah, the 1960s. When an underpaid scientist could rent a haunted castle next to New York City.
Since he has decided to fight the Human Torch, the scientist becomes Asbestos Man.
He issues a challenge to the Human Torch with, what else, an asbestos letter.
So they DO remember that asbestos is a real thing.
Asbestos Man is surprisingly competent.
Although I question the logic of catching fireballs with a net that makes them explode.
Not the best day for the Human Torch.
Susan is actually the one to come up with any sort of strategy for the rematch.
The strategy is basically “throw fire at anything that isn’t made of asbestos”.
In hindsight, the guy dressed in asbestos wasn’t that smart after all.
Who would’ve thought?
Historical significance: 0/10
The Asbestos Man will have a couple more appearances decades later when he will be treated as a joke. We’ve been told he died by… and try not to be shocked… cancer caused by asbestos.
Silver Age-ness: 6/10
It’s still early in the Torch’s career, but one would think that he would find a solution himself! Asbestos Man’s motivations are also incredibly old-fashioned.
Does it stand the test of time? 6/10
Pretty harmless. Dumb, very very dumb, but harmlessly dumb.
Cancer count: 13
Obviously Asbestos Man really increases our numbers here!!!
10) Asbestos Man suit
11) Asbestos shield
12) Asbestos net
13) Asbestos paper