This is a comic book review of the Human Torches story in Strange Tales #111, titled “Fighting To The Death With The Asbestos Man!“, but today I also reviewed the Dr. Strange story, and you can find that review by clicking here.

But for a short summary of today’s story, we have a brilliant scientist who feels under appreciated, and decides to turn to a life of crime. Unfortunately for him, there is just one problem, he has no idea how to do it.

Upon failing to make the appropriate network connection’s he decides his path into the criminal underworld is by defeating the human torch, so he makes himself the one nemesis that is immune to everything the torch is, Asbestos Man!

Story

Compared to the wizard last month, I like Asbestos man a lot better. His goals, and ideas are a lot easier to follow, and his flaw more reasonable.  Asbestos Man is a much better super genius to face off against the Human Torch

This does not mean I am calling the story great, but compared to what I have seen against the human torch, this one is quite good.

Art

This story seemed to be on par with what I would expect for a comic book. while some panels did not live up to my expectation’s, others exceeded it.  This inconsistency I feel averaged out what is for the most part an average comic book.

Originality & Continuity

While I do feel this story used plot devices and ideas that it derived from other’s I  feel it did it in a new and original way. I also feel that this story seems to be fitting in with the now ongoing idea that the torches identity is public, letting menaces seek him out at home, making me wonder how long Glenville will be a safe place for the hero to live.

Characters & Development

The Human Torch

I am sure the human torch has used his fiery powers in indirect ways in the past, but sometimes hero’s need to be reminded of the obvious.  that the indirect approach is some times the only way to go. I feel in this issue The Human Torch learned a good lesson and had some potentially strong character growth.