Geek Syndicate Issue 6 | Page 43

Geek Syndicate
creative team introduced the idea that Stark was a major alcoholic (Issue 128 – Demon in a Bottle). This run also introduced noteworthy characters such as James Rhodes, who would later become War Machine, as well as Bethany Cabe and Justin Hammer. Layton and Michelinie’s stint lasted until Issue 154 and they reunited in 1987 from issue 215 for a further 35 issues. This particular run lasted until 1996, ending with issue 332. By now, Marvel had introduced the concept of multiple universes to their comic series’. Writers including Jim Lee and Jeph Loeb put Iron Man in one of these alternative universes for a year from 1996 (a 13 issue series). Artwork for the series (also referred to as volume 2) was by Whilce Portacio and Ryan Benjamin. It was during this short lived second volume that characters such as Pepper Potts were introduced to the world of Iron Man. Volume 3 was written by Kurt Busiek and ran for 89 issues starting in 1998. Roger Stern and Joe Quesada were among the later writers of this volume. 2005 saw the introduction of one of the most significant new elements to Stark’s character. Volume 4 of The Invincible Iron Man (written by Warren Ellis) featured the famous ‘Extremis’ storyline. Popular artist Adi Granov drew the comic for thirty-five issues. The arc dropped the “invincible” from the title and was eventually re-named Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. starting in issue 15. The final three issues of this volume were published under the title War Machine: Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D. As volume 4 drew to a close, a fifth volume began publication, returning to its original The Invincible Iron Man title. Matt Fraction took over writing duties, teamed with artist Salvador Larroca. As was Marvel’s publication plan at the time, volumes 4 and 5 overlapped publication for seven months. Alongside the main run of Iron Man stories, Tony Stark has featured in numerous annuals, miniseries, and one-shots from Age of Innocence: The Rebirth of Iron Man in 1996 to Iron Man: Legacy of Doom in 2008. screen over the years. In 1966, Canadian actor John Vernon voiced Iron Man in the cartoon: The Marvel Super Heroes. He was originally shown in the Wednesday slot (Monday was Captain America, Tuesday had Hulk, Thor obviously on Thursday and Prince Namor on Friday). The animated TV series Marvel Action Hour, Featuring Iron Man came out in 1994. The Avengers: United They Stand (1999) was another cartoon featuring Stark. He also appeared in Iron Man: Armored Adventures and The Super Hero Squad Show, both airing in 2009. He has also featured in various feature length animations, including 2013’s Iron Man: Rise of Technovore. This story features a new bio-weapon and also stars Punisher, Hawkeye and Black Widow. Robert Downey Jr. first brought Tony Start to live on the sil-

Iron Man on Screen
Stark’s character has made several appearances on

Tonny Stark gets hitched in this episode of the 1990s cartoon series

Image © Marvel, 1996

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