There's little question some of Marvel Comics' oldest stories are products of their time, however, the Invisible Woman's sexist nickname in Fantastic Four #44 was definitely too much. In the issue, which came out in 1965, the Fantastic Four are given nicknames to remind readers who they are on a recap page. So while Reed Richards is referred to as "Stretcho" and Johnny Storm is called "Match-Head," Sue Storm is unfortunately referred to as "Sweetums."

The Invisible Woman is one of the most powerful Marvel Comics heroes, who is not only the backbone of the Fantastic Four but the group's most effective leader and communicator. However, being the only woman on the team, she experienced some severe sexism in the pages of her earlier adventures. For example, despite being able to turn invisible, Sue Storm is routinely captured and needs to be saved. Also, in Fantastic Four #12, the team takes on the Hulk, but Sue is told she can help by "keeping the men's morale up." There are so many sexist comments about Sue being the only woman on the team that it's surprising she stuck with them. While the Fantastic Four was progressive for its time - a lot of moments, especially between Sue and Reed have aged quite poorly.

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One of the most obvious examples of sexism in the Fantastic Four's earliest chapters comes from a simple roll call in Fantastic Four #44. While reintroducing the heroes on a recap page before the story, each member of the team is given a nickname that is in line with their powers or personality. Mr. Fantastic is called "Stretcho" since he can stretch his body, The Thing is nicknamed "Blue Eyes," for his iconic eye color, and the Human Torch is referred to as "Match-Head" as he can light himself up in a hurry. As for Sue? She's given the nickname "Sweetums."

Invisible Woman Sexist Name

It's, unfortunately, par for the course for the Invisible Woman to get a nickname that's pretty sexist in retrospect. While Reed and Johnny get nicknames related to their powers and The Thing's blue eyes are called out, Sue is referred to as "Sweetums," which doesn't have anything to do with her powers or physical features related to them. Instead, it's just a pet name of sorts and a sexist one at that. Of course, Reed or Johnny are never referred to as "Sweetums," but the lone female Fantastic Four member - who holds the group together - still gets sexist nicknames thrown her way. Stan Lee ruined the hero's characterization at times.

The sexism towards the Invisible Woman would mostly stop in future versions of the Fantastic Four. While giving her the nickname "Sweetums" was a product of its time, the treatment of Sue Storm shows how far comics have come over the last 50-60 years. Invisible Woman is a powerhouse, so to be relegated to the team's damsel in distress with a silly nickname ultimately sidelined one of Marvel Comics' greatest heroes. Thankfully, those tropes would be later rectified.

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