May 03, 2008 12:13 am
'Iron Man' a flawed, fascinating high-flying hero
Comics Corner column
By Jeff Johncox
THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT (NORMAN, Okla.)
NORMAN, Okla. — I’ve always been a fan of Iron Man.
I always equated him with Batman, but Marvel’s more disturbed, drunker version.
Last month, Iron Man celebrated his 45th anniversary. Way back in 1963, Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Don Heck and Jack Kirby created the character, so, yes, he even predates the Black Sabbath song (although the song’s story is about a time traveler who comes back to save mankind from a terrible event, but is transformed into metal and turns on the people who don’t trust him because of his appearance).
Tony Stark is one of the most complicated comics frontmen ever. Stark, a billionaire genius whose weapon designs are sometimes misused by the government, becomes Iron Man when he’s attacked by a rogue terrorist group. Shrapnel in his heart has him on his deathbed when fellow captured scientist Yin Sen helps him design an iron suit that keeps him alive.
Stark uses the suit to escape, goes back home and decides to help people rather than continue to provide weapons for the government.
An Air Force pilot he met after he escaped, James “Rhodey” Rhodes, becomes his confidant, as does his secretary Pepper Potts and his chauffeur, Happy Hogan.
Many versions of the suit have come and gone, but one thing has always remained the same: Stark is all about protecting the people.
Even when the “Civil War” storyline turned him into a villain to many Marvel readers, Iron Man has always put the good of the people ahead of his own.
In the film, which opens Friday, there’s a scene where Stark even mentions protection people from his own designs.
And the character was always deep.
When villainous Obadiah Stane committed a hostile takeover of Stark International, Stark became a homeless alcoholic.
Stane made his own suit, known as Iron Monger (this is apparently the plot of the film), and Stark had to build a next-generation model to defeat the new threat.
During this time, Rhodey donned the Iron Man guise for an extended amount of time, and eventually became Iron Man’s partner War Machine.
Complicated history? Yes.
Deep history? Absolutely.
The worst of times
“Civil War” angered many Iron Man fans, myself included. I just thought good ol’ fun-loving, funny and engaging Tony Stark was made into a jerk who pushed his friends away and forced a division throughout the superhero ranks.
By the end of the maxi-series, though, Stark had learned a few things about himself, the U.S. government and his friends.
By the time Captain America was shot and killed, Stark had reconsidered his actions.
But it was way too late.
The best of times
Warren Ellis and Adi Granov relaunched “The Invincible Iron Man” in 2005, and Ellis’ six-part “Extremis” storyline dove right into how cool Stark and Iron Man could be.
The series had a lot of action, some deep character development, and a ton of cool future-tech.
Stark tweaks his suit when he finds a criminal named Mallen, infected with the Extremis agent, is on a rampage.
Ellis’ witty dialogue and Granov’s incredible art make it one of the best six-part superhero stories ever told.
At the same time Ellis and Granov were at work, Joe Casey and Frazer Irving were on the six-part “Iron Man: The Inevitable.” This story featured more of the industrial espionage angle older Iron Man stories focused on.
Although Frazer’s watercolor art takes some getting used to (it’s very abstract), it’s a fun, fast-paced story and was a great monthly companion piece to Ellis and Granov’s superior effort.
The film and the future
Can’t wait. Can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait. I think I’ve been saying that since the first trailer premiered, or maybe it was when Rotten Tomatoes talked about the plot and cast last year.
As an Iron Man fan, I’ve always wanted to see the character on the big screen. And now that Marvel is producing its own films, it looks like the company is introducing individual character after individual character in perhaps preparation for a future “Avengers” film.
Downey even has a cameo as Stark in the summer’s upcoming “Hulk” reboot, starring Edward Norton.
Iron Man lost a lot of readers due to “Civil War,” but thanks to an interesting storyline in the books involving Dr. Doom, and this little movie coming out Friday starring Robert Downey Jr. as Stark, the character is immensely popular again.
With the film coming out, and Iron Man acting more like himself lately, hopefully the character will continue to gain popularity and improve, not just on the big screen, but in the comics.
It’s nice to see “Civil War” finally being put behind the character.
Maybe Stark can finally move on to bigger, better and more explosive things.
Jeff Johncox writes for the Norman (Okla.) Transcript.
|
Resources
• Print this story
• E-mail this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Help Wanted
Are you looking for a OTR Company "That Delivers on it's Promises"? If so, Call Janice @ DMT Services, Inc- 800-237-1769...>MORE
Help Wanted:
Securitas Security Services USA Armed Security Officer/ Immediate Opening in Kansas, Oklahoma. Must be able to work mid...>MORE
Help Wanted
Oaks Mission- Now accepting applications for Full Time Bus Drivers for the 2008- 2009 school year. Positions open until...>MORE
Help Wanted
Tahlequah Pediatrics seeking full time receptionist, experience preferred. Also seeking full time medical assistant or ...>MORE
Help Wanted
Now Hiring all positions. Apply in person 4804 South Muskogee. ...>MORE
Help Wanted
General Laborers needed apply in person, Park Hill Plants and Trees. 456-4548...>MORE
Help Wanted
Big B Food and Deli seeking manager trainees. Mail resume to 429 S. Muskogee, Tahlequah 456-1781...>MORE
Help Wanted
Hail Repair Man and Body Repair Man, must have own body tools. Call: 918-239-0300...>MORE
Help Wanted
Teachers needed. After School M-F 3-6, Teacher M-F 8-3, Certified Teacher M-F 8-3, Certified Lifeguard PT, Twin Oaks Ac...>MORE
Help Wanted
Part-Time Maintenance Person wanted at local apartment complex. Interested persons call 918-260-1835...>MORE
Store Associate
Store Associate Position
Progressive rent-to-own company looking for an individual with excellent communications sk...>MORE
Help Wanted
Loftin Family Practice seeking energetic, friendly LPN for Tahlequah location. Please fax resume to 456-3107 or drop of...>MORE
Help Wanted
Big Red Restaurant Keys, OK All positions, apply in person....>MORE
Help Wanted
Vo-Tech A Plus, Experience A Must! Adams Air, Heat and Refrigeration. 456-1429...>MORE
Help Wanted
Day Care seeking help. Call Shelia 458-1001...>MORE
Help Wanted
Personal Care Aide for the Peggs/ Hulbert areas. Please call Carol Johnson @ Health Care Innovations, Private Services,...>MORE
See all ads |
|
SELL YOUR AUTO HERE
CONTACT BRENDA OR HANNAH TO PLACE YOUR AUTO FOR SALE HERE! 918-456-8833 extension 10 or 11...>MORE
Auto For Sale:
1998 Buick Regal 131k, 1-owner, loaded, excellent condition. $4,500 Call: 457-4246...>MORE
Car For Sale:
1994 Olds Cutlass Cieras, clean. $1800 316-0678...>MORE
CASH FOR JUNK
Or Unwanted Cars. Quick Income. Call 918-4564753...>MORE
Truck For Sale:
1981 Dodge Pickup, slant six engine, long bed, sliding rear window. Runs good, easy to work on, new front end bearings....>MORE
Pickup For Sale:
2001 Tundra V8, power, sharp, 129k miles, camper shell. $10,500 456-3407...>MORE
See all ads |
|
HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER
House For Sale: 3/1.5/1 $79,500. 571-2357...>MORE
House For Rent:
2bdrm, 1ba, large utility room, fenced backyard, CH/A. No Pets! $400 deposit, $450 month. No HUD Call M-F 8-4pm 456-2...>MORE
Apartment For Rent:
One Bedroom Teehee Apartments 2001 E. Downing $285. One person only! 822-0267...>MORE
Mobiles for Rent
Nice! 2 & 3bdrm No Pets! 456-1278...>MORE
Mobile Home For Rent:
2bdrm, W/D, fenced yard $300 month, $300 deposit. 918-457-5911...>MORE
House For Rent:
2bdrm $300 a month, $200 deposit 456-8389...>MORE
Apartment For Rent:
Nice! New! 2bdrm NSU adjacent. $200 deposit, $500 month 207-9245...>MORE
Mobile Homes For Sale:
A $15,000 MORT ASSISTANCE
OR 0% DOWN WITH LAND
SINGLE AND DOUBLEWIDE HOMES
NATIVE AMERICAN
GOV PROGR...>MORE
Apartment For Rent:
Special large 1&2bdrm, very nice inside, $235 and $345., lease and references required. 456-8009...>MORE
House For Sale:
Beautiful Older home needs new family! 3/2/2 Brick 1620 sf, fireplace. $115,000. 2501 Diffee Drive near Cherry Spring...>MORE
House For Rent:
3bdrm, 2ba, nice Keys Area. $650 monthly 453-0115...>MORE
Mobile Home For Sale:
Abandoned Clayton Doublewide 2006, 4bdrm, 2ba, 1700 sq ft. Will move to your property! First Come Basis!! Call 918-43...>MORE
Rooms for Rent
weekly, monthly rates, 2 room efficiency, 1 room- refrigerator, microwave, satellite, bills paid, 458-1144 ext 22...>MORE
House For Rent:
1bdrm, 1ba, nice $400 monthly. 453-0115...>MORE
House For Rent:
4bdrm, 3ba Family Home in Southridge $1200. 918-931-2810...>MORE
Apartments For Rent:
2bdrm apartments available 1322 and 1316 East Boone. W/D hookups, no pets. $450 month, $400 deposit, lease required. ...>MORE
Room For Rent:
Big bedroom in house, bathroom, kitchen, W/D, near NSU $250 month, bills paid, clean lifestyle. 918-860-1520...>MORE
House For Rent:
4bdrm, 2ba 407 North. No inside pets! $600 month, $600 deposit. All new inside. 458-0342...>MORE
House For Rent:
3bdrm, 1.5ba, CH/A, fenced backyard. No Pets! $400 deposit, $600 month. Call M-F 8-4pm 456-2750...>MORE
Houses & Apartments For Rent:
Davis Rentals: Houses and
Retirement
Apartments;
Like New, 3bdrm,
All Appliances,
House for Rent
on Allen Circle.
456-4...>MORE
House For Rent:
320 dogwood month to month, 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 baths, CH/A. $650 per month and $650 deposit. Call Lonni Wright @ Century...>MORE
House For Rent:
3bdrm, 1.5B, CH/A, 2 car garage, new appliance $700. month, $650. deposit, References required, No Pets 918-816-1374, 91...>MORE
Mobile for Rent
Near NSU 2bdrm, $300.00 479-361-2080, 479-530-0002...>MORE
Mobile Home For Rent:
2+1 decking, quiet, dog(ok) $325. 822-7306...>MORE
House For Rent:
Large 1bdrm with Large Laundry Room, $295.00, Lease and References Required. 457-9639...>MORE
See all ads |
|
Commercial Property :
2000 Sq. Ft. across from Chili’s $800 456-3359...>MORE
Lots For Sale:
Three building lots approximately 1/2 lots plated, rural water, gas. $15,000 each. 431-0030...>MORE
Lots For Sale:
Building Lots in town, all utilities available. 822-7084...>MORE
Commercial Property For Rent:
2000 SF Next to Doyle’s Shoes $1,250 per month. Call: Bryce 931-8386 or 456-3220...>MORE
Acreage For Sale:
2 Acres Teresita Spring Creek, utilities. $16,000. 918-207-2957...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|
