Tony Stark is living proof that even good looks, lots of money and world-class technical genius can’t guarantee that life’s a breeze! With new writer Dennis O’Neil at the helm, Iron Man faces a gauntlet of villains including Diablo, the Serpent Squad — and a battle against AIM that requires the help of Moon Knight to defeat! Then, Obadiah Stane lures Iron Man into a real-life game of chess that could destroy Stark International! With the pressure mounting, and still struggling with the demons of alcoholism, Tony Stark transfers the mantle of Iron Man — to Jim Rhodes! Prepare for one of the most influential stories in Iron Man history! Also featuring an Annual adventure co-starring the Black Panther that takes Iron Man to Wakanda!
COLLECTING: Iron Man (1968) 158-170, Iron Man Annual (1970) 5, material from Marvel Fanfare (1982) 4
Dennis "Denny" O'Neil was a comic book writer and editor best known for his work for Marvel Comics and DC Comics from the 1960s through the 1990s, and Group Editor for the Batman family of titles until his retirement.
His best-known works include Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Batman with Neal Adams, The Shadow with Michael Kaluta and The Question with Denys Cowan. As an editor, he is principally known for editing the various Batman titles. From 2013 unti his death, he sat on the board of directors of the charity The Hero Initiative and served on its Disbursement Committee.
The quality of early ‘80s Iron Man oscillates like a maniac on one of those wooden animals on springs you get in kids’ playgrounds.
Some of this is great, like Tony’s battles with alcoholism and Rhodey taking over as Iron Man (a truly historical moment in Marvel history), and some of it is obvious filler that was clearly slapped together in a hurry.
A slow starter, I suppose, but Tony's descent into debauchery is done well, and those last two issues are excellent!
Admittedly, there is probably a bit of nostalgia affecting my enjoyment as this volume contains the first Iron Man book I ever bought.
In 1983, my brother had Spider-Man, my cousin had Daredevil, and my friend Dennis down the street had The Avengers. I read and enjoyed all those, but I didn't have a superhero that was mine. I wanted one, so the next time we went to Family Pharmacy, I decided to pick one. I chose Iron Man #169. An interesting choice as this was the issue where Tony Stark gave up being Iron Man, and Jim Rhodes took over. For some time to come, Rhodey was Iron Man for me. Stark was just the poor drunk guy in the background story.
Since then, my Dad and I have managed to collect that entire first run of Iron Man. From #1 to #332.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This series has now reached one of the most pivotal points in time - the fall and fall of Tony Stark. Pressures build up on him (courtesy writer Denny O'Neill) to the point where he hits the bottle again - not a good idea when you're fighting for survival (or, really, at any other time). Maybe it's time for a new Iron Man? Interesting and absorbing.