Before Iron Man out Robert Downey Jr. The character had a long history in the Marvel Universe. Although it never became by any means one of the emblems of the publishing house (despite being there almost from its beginnings and being part of it along with Thor y al Captain America of the triumvirate of Avengers), in recent years his fame has been greatly enhanced thanks mainly to the success of his film counterpart and how it has permeated the cartoons.
But it’s good to take a look back and see where it comes from. Tony Starkwork for which the third volume of the line Marvel Gold dedicated to the character is an indispensable tool.
A new beginning with Archie Goodwin
The previous volume marked an end of the cycle and, therefore, with this third volume we are at the beginning of a new one. Iron Man already has its own title (here compiled from its second issue, since the first was still part of the plot included in the previous adventures of this hero), and unlike many character series of that time in Marvel Comics on this occasion there is no Stan Lee as a screenwriter.
Archie Goodwin He was chosen to captain the ship of the eccentric millionaire playboy in an iron suit, already being a veteran screenwriter when he arrived at The House of Ideas, and his work did not disappoint at all. Perhaps Goodwin’s name has not passed down to posterity with the prestige of others of his contemporaries (despite having been one of the creators of Luke Cage and other secondary characters in the publishing house), but he had little to envy of people like Lee. All the numbers contained in this volume are yours.
It is also worth highlighting in this volume the presence of George Tuska in the graphic section, which will arrive soon to replace Johnny Craig and stay with Stark for a long season, placing him as one of the artists most closely linked to the character’s history.
Laying the foundation for the Golden Avenger
As this volume contains the first stage of his solo series, despite having already had a long period as a character in the publishing house in Tales of suspense, The idea here was to have self-contained stories (very typical of the series of that time) that would help introduce the character to readers who had not yet encountered him.
In this way we are going to find an environment already well known to today’s reader. We will have Tony Stark as a businessman, the hero with the tin can suit facing colorful villains, his fight to keep his heart beating thanks to the armor and a cast of supporting cast that, although not the one that has survived to this day , matches the concept in which the character has always moved.
In that environment is where we would include, for example, Jasper Sitwellthe agent SHIELDto his faithful friend Happy Hogan or romantic interest Janice Cord.
The Mandarin, the definitive enemy
If we had to point out the most representative villain in the Iron Man gallery, we would undoubtedly talk about The Mandarin. This character, who became known to the general public thanks to the third installment of the character’s film saga (the one directed by the brilliant Shane Black), has put good old Tony in serious trouble on many occasions. He differs from most of the villains our hero usually faces in that, in principle, The Mandarin does not have any technological background. And perhaps that’s what makes him so perfect to take on the man in iron armor…
In this volume he will have an important role during the most interesting part of it, the one in which it will be revealed that he knows the secret identity of the hero (at that time a well-kept secret), something that will be immortalized in one of the best covers included. here.
On the other hand, we will have a parade of villains here who had their moment of glory (being generous) and who have never been talked about again (like the Unicorn). One step above these would be people like him. Gladiatorthe Crimson Dynamo, Madame Mask or the Titanium Manalthough characters like Namor o Hulkwho will also be seen on these pages as special guests.
In short, this third volume of the adventures of Iron Man is a great volume to learn about the dynamics of the character, his most classic adventures and the work of two of the authors most closely linked to him. On the negative side, it should be noted that we are not going to find unforgettable stories or defining moments in the character’s mythology, but the light tone of these adventures can still be enjoyed.
The volume published by Panini Comics in hardcover contains 544 color pages with a size of 17 x 26 cm. and includes the translation of numbers #2 to #25 of The Invincible Iron Man and #2 of Not Brand Echhplus an introduction written by Dewey Cassellarticles written by Raimon Fonseca y George Tuska, and an extras section with various material. The recommended retail price is €49.95 and it went on sale in June 2023.
Marvel Gold. Iron Man 3 – The man who killed Tony Stark
ISBN: 9788411504782
The Mandarin has returned to push the Golden Avenger to the limit! First, he pits him against The Incredible Hulk, in a battle of titans from which only one will walk away. Then he discovers Iron Man’s secret identity… and takes down Tony Stark.
Discover an Iron Man classic like no other. Plus: clashes with The Controller, The Gladiator, The Titanium Man and The Crimson Dynamo, an epic fight against Namor, and the first appearance of Madame Máscara!
Authors: Johnny Craig, Archie Goodwin and George Tuska
