Even Spiderman could be ensnared by Asbestos. Asbestos and the Comics.
My Blog today is meant for just some light reading. As the purpose of my Blogs is to bring asbestos history to life, I thought that I would reach back to when Marvel Comics was much younger and the word Asbestos meant something different that it does today. Asbestos and its associated diseases are nothing to make light of, but the story of how asbestos was viewed is enshrined as part of its history. Some of this topic has appeared in other Blogs Sites over the last several years, such as by asbestos attorneys, but not in the context of history.
Introducing supervillains Asbestos Man (1963) and Asbestos Woman (1947):
Of course, the outfit is important.
We also had Joe and Asbestos. This comic originated in 1925 geared towards racing enthusiasts, with Asbestos joining the cast shortly thereafter as a stereotyped black man working a menial stable hand position. The comic ran until 1966 although only in a few newspapers.
We then had asbestos referenced in a number of other ways. In addition to Spiderman’s web and Asbestos Lady’s suit, both shown above, we have the lining of a villain’s trailer.
An asbestos covered lasso.
Asbestos paste.
As the times and science has progressed, these comics seem a million miles away. Even into the 1960s, these comics did not discuss the hazards related to asbestos; well, except by supervillains to The Human Torch.
I hope that you have appreciated the trip down memory lane.
Please let me know either in the comments or by email at TheAsbestosBlog@gmail.com your thoughts on this history.
5 Responses
Of course you realize you intermixed 2 characters. The “Torch” is not “Spiderman”
Otherwise GREAT BLOG . Very interesting??
The Spiderman is in the top comic ensnared by his own asbestos covered web. I understand that, for whatever reason, that comic did not show on the email.
Lots of fun.
And sorry to read about your father.
Thank you. Mesothelioma is a terrible disease.
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