Considering how little he is paid by his company for his work as a chemist, Professor Orson Kasloff decides to put his genius to the service the underworld which seems like a more profitable option. However as the mob rejects him, he observes how the Human Torch has become a threat to organized crime so he plots to defeat the hero to prove his worth to gang leaders. Calling himself Asbestos Man, he sends a challenge to the Human Torch. Then he dons a suit and weapons he designed to be fireproof and faces the young hero whom he easily defeats. Next day, news of his victory spread around the city. Impressed by this, a mob leader offers him a partnership. However the Human Torch comes back, and instead of attacking him directly, he focuses on surrounding objects that are not fireproof and forces him to surrender.