The Asbestos Lady (yeah, that was really her name) was a two-bit hood in the early '40s who ran afoul of the Human Torch before he joined the Invaders. Her main gimmick was an asbestos costume that made her immune to fire.
When she learned of the experimental advancements in asbestos that scientist Fred Raymond was making, Asbestos Lady decided to improve her act. She and her thugs broke into the Raymond home and threatened to harm Fred Raymond's wife Nora and son Toro (yeah, that Toro) if Fred didn't join her gang. However, the Human Torch had been watching and saved the Raymonds. Asbestos Lady escaped, but she had unwittingly introduced the Human Torch to his future partner Toro.
After Fred and Nora Raymond learned they were dying, they decided to go on a final trip with their son. But the Asbestos Lady sabotaged their plans by laying a tree across the tracks of their train. All aboard were killed except the young Toro (who was immune to fire). After Toro joined the circus, Asbestos Lady decided to pay him a visit. Unfortunately for her, Toro's new guardian the Human Torch caught her and melted her boots to the asphalt on the street. Humiliated, Asbestos Lady was locked away. What ultimately became of her is unknown.
INSIDE STORY: The Asbestos Lady was known as the Asbestos Girl in her Golden Age appearance. While she was originally a minor player, Roy tied her into Toro's origin in order to bring her into modern Marvel continutity.
First Appearance: HUMAN TORCH #27 (1947)
First and Only Modern Appearance: INVADERS #22 (1977)
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