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Iron Man Vol 6 22

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Quote1 The Starks built an empire off the manufacture of weapons. Technology with no moral compass. This armor--the armor we wear, all three of us--works as a correction against that. Always has. Quote2
—Iron Man

Appearing in "Unknown Variables"

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Synopsis for "Unknown Variables"

Brief Synopsis[]

Iron Man and War Machine investigate the crime scene of Vic Martinelli's murder in a motel. Rhodey recalls that after falling out with Tony, Martinelli had relied on his military intelligence background to become an underground courier, and ended up wrapped up in the black market network known as Source Control. He assumes Martinelli must have gotten his hands on something big to try to reach out to him and Tony after so many years. Back at Tony's lab, the duo convenes with Carl Walker. Their plan is to use Carl as a frontman buyer to spend as much of Tony's money as it is necessary to buy out Source Control's entire catalog. The results of the crime scene scanning reveal traces of titanium, as well as a compound of Makluan origin. Rhodey and Tony deduce the involvement of the Titanium Man and the Mandarin's rings.

B.O.S.S. detects an inbound assailant, and Iron Man and War Machine leave to the street to confront the Titanium Man. The duo fights the villain and manage to overpower him. As a trump card before escaping, the Titanium Man sprays Tony with the deadly Compound 13, but his armor's filtration systems aren't enough, so he falls into a coma. Both Patsy Walker and Captain America visit Tony at the hospital, and Rhodey appears to hide something. Later on, Jim flies on a plane to Source Control's hub, Macau. It's revealed that Tony actually faked his coma, and he has donned a stealth version of his armor to infiltrate the city.

Detailed Synopsis[]

Iron Man and War Machine stand in the middle of a thrashed motel room. The door behind them is blocked with police tape, and an entire corner of a wall is missing. They comment to each other on the brutality of the scene. Rhodey thinks to himself that it feels strange that Vic Martinelli is dead, remarking he felt like a person who'd live forever. Jim recalls that Martinelli was already in witness protection when Tony hired him as the head of security for Stark International, but there were rumors he had a background in military intelligence. Tony presses his fingers on the surface of a dresser. B.O.S.S. detects traces of mineral elements, and states it will take it 39 hours to cross-index. A flashback shows Rhodey and Vic lounging at Tony's office with him. Jim explains that, back in the day, they were a kind of inner circle until Martinelli was out, explaining that he had stayed during Obadiah Stane's hostile takeover. Another flashback sees Martinelli walking away from Tony as he's being told off. Rhodey recalls that, while Tony claimed he held no hard feelings, he then found out that Martinelli had lost a Model 1 Armor in Mexico, and Vic destroyed it with Frank Castle. Rhodes claims that Tony had his excuse and that, contrary to what he says, he can hold a grudge. Back in the present, Iron Man turns to Rhodey, and comments that he wants to say he didn't call Martinelli back because he was busy and distracted. Rhodey points out that he didn't answer the phone either. Tony states that they didn't answer the phone, and now Vic is dead.

In his inner monologue, Rhodey proceeds to explain why didn't they answer the phone: Once Vic was out of a job, he had to rely on his unique specialties on covert intelligence and dark networks, and the last they had heard of him, he had become an underground courier whose clients were whoever paid the most. He transported some of the most top-secret intel across the globe, working for corrupt governments, tyrants, and even shuttled back and forth as a contractor for Hydra. Rhodey states that it's hard to forgive such association. This explanation is accompanied by a montage that sees Martinelli holstering a gun before waiting at an airport tarmac for a plane. He hands a briefcase to a person, and later takes a drink at a bar with a dejected expression, while the plane flies off in the distance. Rhodey continues, explaining that at some point, Martinelli got caught up in Source Control, and got his hands on something so troubling he had a crisis of conscience for the first time in years and called him and Tony. The montage continues, showing Martinelli next to the window of a building, waiting for somebody, then switching to the hotel room, where Vic is speaking on his cellphone in panic. On his bed sits a glowing open briefcase, inside which lay the Mandarin's rings. As he and Tony fly through the sky, Rhodey expresses to himself his guilt for not being there for Vic. He supposes that Tony feels the same way.

Inside Tony's laboratory, he and Rhodes take off their helmets. Rhodes thinks to himself that, after Stark's encounter with Switchback, it became clear that Source Control isn't a problem that can be punched out; it needs to be bought out. Tony informs Jim that he has migrated the chemical and mineral signatures to an electron microscope so they can have a look while B.O.S.S. tries to identify what they found. Rhodey replies that his suit is processing trace metals as well, and offers Tony to make some coffee. Tony accepts and asks for it to be strong. Jim prepares to walk away, thinking that it might take all of Tony's money to dismantle Source Control. A voice from the side interjects that he's already made some coffee. Carl Walker steps into the laboratory, holding mugs and a kettle. He jokes that it's so strong one could stand a spoon up in it. In his inner monologue, Rhodey explains that the plan he and Tony crafted involves only one other person, who is Carl. He mentions that the money they use can't be traced to Tony, so they will funnel it through a network of three dozen shell companies, and Carl will be the frontman buyer. Carl asks how bad the crime scene was. Tony tells him that Vic was beaten to dead, and asks Walker how bad does he think. Rhodey thinks to himself that Carl spent enough time on both sides of the line to play criminal for him and Tony.

A montage of several destructive devices, which includes a sample of the Technovore, an array of Antimatter Injection Systems and a Nega-Bomb, is accompanied by a narration from Rhodey explaining that Source Control somehow became the go-to shop for many kinds of dangerous technology and weaponry, and that all one needs is the right amount of cash. Back in the lab, Tony expresses that this is what Iron Man has been fighting against since the beginning, and Jim agrees. When Carl asks what he means, Tony explains that the Starks built an empire off the manufacture of weapons with no regard for morality, and the armor he, Rhodey and Carl wear works as a correction against that. Walker remarks that they are weapons, and points out that Rhodes is even called "War Machine." Rhodey explains that it's a dash of clever irony. Tony clarifies that he won't pretend to have a spotless record, but posits that they do have a moral compass. He acknowledges Carl's point and says that's why they're not going in suited up and blasting away. Carl agrees, and starts to say what would happen if the wrong fuse gets lit. Rhodey completes the idea, saying that it's game over, possibly for everyone and everything. Carl warns Tony that this will cost him every penny the Starks ever made. Tony replies that it's fine, since it always felt like blood money anyway.

B.O.S.S. states that it has identified the samples as deuterium-reinforced titanium. Rhodey's armor similarly identifies the metals in the analyzed alloy as iron, vanadium, molybdenum and titanium. Tony comments that this is not surprising, and Jim exclaims that he can't believe how sloppy he was. Tony tells him that maybe he wanted them to know it was him. Behind them, Carl surmises due to the titanium that it was the Titanium Man. In unison, Tony and Rhodey interrupt Carl to sternly affirm that it was him. Walker takes slight offense. Looking into a microscope, Tony asks B.O.S.S. for the second compound they found at the scene. The A.I. tells him it's still processing it, and estimates its origin to be extraterrestrial. However, Tony recognizes its crystal structure. He says "wait" and starts typing on a console. Tony states that it's Makluan, and War Machine mentions the Mandarin. Stark remarks that the Mandarin has been dead for years, but his rings are still out there. The three gather around as Tony recapitulates that Vic was wrapped up in Source Control, who sold high-grade tech and weapons. Rhodes mentions that Martinelli told him he had something he needed his help with, and Tony says that it had to be the rings. Carl theorizes that the Titanium Man killed him and took the rings for himself. Tony corrects him, saying that Vic betrayed his employers by reaching out to Rhodey and he, and Jim says that this confirms the Titanium Man is working for Source Control. Carl is surprised by this last revelation. B.O.S.S. informs Tony that there is an assailant inbound. Stark exclaims that Boris is early, and tells Rhodey to go. Both he and Rhodey put on their helmets. Carl asks why does he feel out of the loop, and Iron Man tells him that's because he is a little bit. Walker points out that his armor is upstairs, but Tony tells him that wouldn't help sell the idea that he's back to criminality. As he and War Machine walk away, Iron Man advices Carl to get out of the country soon, especially scine he reported Walker to the State Department as an arms dealer and fugitive yesterday morning, and Carl assents. Rhodey tells him they will see in Macau.

Tony lifts his garage door as he and Rhodey leave his garage. He says to encounter Boris on the street to avoid having to repair his house since he already plans on blowing all his money on Source Control. Rhodey tells Tony that his radar is scrambled, and Stark states that something is interfering. He assumes that the Titanium Man must have plenty of new tricks up his sleeve. Jim asks Stark if he's ready, but before Tony can answer, the Titanium Man crashes through the facade of Tony's building. In his inner monologue, Rhodey explains that he and Tony had everything thought out, and that Bullski's name had already popped up during their investigation, but they couldn't let Carl in on everything in case he got caught. Jim states that they knew Source Control would come for them if they dug into Vic's murder, but didn't count on the Mandarin's rings being a variable, and that was the first of many knockbacks. Titanium Man lands in front of Iron Man and War Machine, and apologizes about the damage. Tony asks where the rings are, but Bullski asks which rings as he shoots a blast of energy that Tony and Rhodey dodge. Flying up, Tony flies shoots the Titanium Man with a repulsor blast, and warns him against playing dumb. War Machine asks Boris how much Source Control is paying him. He grabs Tony by the head and slams him into a wall, saying that it was more than enough, and he will soon be a Stark-level oligarch. Pulling his head out of the wall, Tony expresses offense.

Turning around, Iron Man fires his unibeam, telling Bullski that he wishes to share some of his most recent armor modifications, and it hits his left hand. With his hand mangled, Bullski states that he likes modifications, and exemplifies with laser eyes he uses to tear off War Machine's shoulder pad. He comments that it's one of the perks of working for weapons dealers. Tony checks up on Rhodey, and Boris taunts Stark, asking him if he's worried he might kill another of his friends. Bracing himself, Tony tells the Titanium Man that it's a shame that Source Control is still missing a few items from its weapons list. He proceeds to pummel Bullski, yelling out the name of his punches, and revealing the finishing blow to have been taught by the late Martinelli. Pointing out that they are going old school, Jim fires his machine gun at the Titanium Man while he's knocked down, stating that bullets still work pretty well too. Tony asks Boris about the rings again. In his inner monologue, Rhodes states that variables can wreak havoc on even a solid plan, variables like Compound 13. Titanium Man suddenly shoots a stream of the substance directly on Tony's face. Rhodey cries out for Tony, and Bullski flies away. Tony begins to suffocate as B.O.S.S. announces the decreasing effectiveness of the armor's filtration systems. Stark gasps out that the filters are failing and asks Rhodey to take off his helmet. In his inner monologue, Rhodey recalls that Compound 13 killed Captain Marvel. Rhodey takes off Tony's helmet, but before he can finish asking Tony how much did Bullski hit him with, Tony falls on his back gasping for air. Jim thinks to himself that Compound 13 begins to paralyze one's entire respiratory system almost immediately before the bleeding. Rhodes tells Tony to stay with him, and Stark tells him to stick with the plan before falling into a catatonic state. Rhodey's inner monologue states that if the dose is low, if one catches it in time, and one has an armor filtration system operating at maximum, one can avoid death. He clarifies that the filtration system's toxicity settings have to be right, and the system needs to be running on full at those precise settings before one is even exposed.

Tony is now lying on a hospital bed, with Rhodey sitting next to him and looking over his friend. Rhodey thinks of the unknown variables, stating that they had learned Compound 13 was for sale through Source Control, and now so are the Mandarin's rings. In front of the bed, a news report breaks out the news that Tony is out of commission. Jim states that then the world found that out, and that maybe he was at death's door. Rhodey thinks to himself how only a few weeks ago, Tony was able to bring him back to life after breaking his neck. Patsy Walker steps through the door, distraught. Jim now stands outside the room, overhearing Patsy talk about baseball to Tony's unconscious body while holding his hand. Staring at Patsy, Rhodes thinks about how the plan only included himself, Tony and Carl, and that no one else was on the inside, not even Patsy. Later, Captain America is visiting Tony, and Rhodey thinks how he also isn't on the inside. Steve turns to Rhodey, and offers him Tony's spot in the Avengers, suggesting it would be mutually useful. Jim turns down the offer, stating that he might need to take some time to clear his head, and that he will get out of town for a while. Rogers tells him that he understands, and that Rhodes looks like he could use some rest. As he walks away, Steve assures Jim that they are here when he gets back, and Rhodey thanks him. When he reaches the door, Steve turns around and asks Rhodey if there is anything else he wants to tell him. Rhodes pauses for a moment before telling him that there is nothing.

Some time later, a plane approaches the nightly skyline of Macau. In his inner monologue, Rhodey comments that Tony Stark is in a coma in New York City, but Macau is the hub for Source Control, meaning whoever is in charge is likely there. Rhodes is piloting the plane, and he records a log for Captain America. He states that he is in touch with Carl on the ground, and that he has already spent over four billion dollars. He explains that he is making this recording due to the variables, so if the operation goes sideways, Steve will at least understand after the fact. Over the comms, somebody tells Rhodey that Steve and Patsy will be mad when they find out. It's Tony's voice. Jim asks him how he is feeling. Stark commends the filtration system, and apologizes to Jim for making him watch him almost die. Rhodey tells him that it wouldn't be the first time. He asks Tony if he is ready to launch. Wearing a stealth version of his armor, Iron Man dives out of the plane, telling Rhodey that he is as much ready as he ever is Over the comms, Rhodey tells Tony that's what worries him. Rhodey repeats the sentiment in his inner monologue.

Solicit Synopsis

Tony Stark has worked hard to pull himself up by his iron bootstraps, and after a few detours, he finally tracks down his old friend and employee Vic Martinelli…only to find he's arrived too late and Vic's been murdered. Before a guilt-ridden Tony can get a bead on why, he's attacked by Vic's assailant…THE TITANIUM MAN. In the battle, he learns the sinister plot goes deeper. The Titanium Man is working for those even more mysterious, and Vic was killed because he'd gotten possession of THE MANDARIN'S RINGS. Tony flies overseas to Asia and headlong into a cloak of conspiracy, hell-bent on tracking down the rings of his most fearsome adversary, desperate to stop them from falling into the wrong hands. But at what cost? What is Tony Stark willing to sacrifice in order to stop the Mandarin's power returning, wielded by the hands of a new – and possibly unsuspecting – acolyte? Iron Man is about to go hard. He's about to buddy up with criminals. And he's about to go…stealth.

Notes

  • As per its corner box legacy numbering, this issue corresponds to Iron Man #647.
  • This issue opens with tribute to George Pérez, a Marvel Comics artist who died on May 6 at age 67.
  • When War Machine recalls that Vic Martinelli was already in witness protection when Tony Stark hired him as the head of security for Stark International, an editor's note cites Iron Man #147. In this issue, after the mob sends Blacklash after Martinelli, Vic discloses to Tony Stark that he went through witness protection after testifying against the mob in Philadelphia, and his former name was Vince Martell.
  • Rhodes also recalls that Martinelli stayed with Stark International during Obadiah Stane's hositle takeover of the company. Stane's takeover happened in Iron Man #172, and Martinelli was shown to have stayed with the company in Iron Man #178, despite numerous employees having resigned out of loyalty for Stark.
  • When Rhodey mentions that Vic had lost a Model 1 Armor in Mexico and destroyed it with Frank Castle, an editor's note cites Punisher: The Prize #1, which had been Martinelli's last appearance before his return in Iron Man (Vol. 6) #20. In The Prize, Martinelli teams up with the Punisher to search for the armor, which had been one of many pieces of Stark technology that had been stolen by the arms dealer Franklin Schmidt during the transfer of ownership from Stark to Stane.
  • Rhodey's narration implies that Tony fired Martinelli after the events of The Prize. However, since Martinelli had remained at Stark International during its transition into Stane International, and he was shown to still be a Stane employee in Iron Man #234, Vic hadn't been working under Stark for a long time during the events of The Prize.
  • Technovore's cameo in this issue marks its first appearance since its debut in 1993's Iron Man #294–295.
  • When he is pummeling the Titanium Man, Iron Man yells out that two of his punches are "the John Wayne haymaker" (a reference to the actor who was known for his punches) and "the Steve Rogers roundhouse." However, when he exclaims that he is performing a haymaker, Stark is instead delivering an uppercut, and when he says he's performing a roundhouse, he's instead delivering an upward punch. Although not named, the punch Vic Martinelli taught him is a right cross.
  • After the Titanium Man poisons Iron Man with Compound 13, War Machine thinks to himself that it killed Captain Marvel. Captain Marvel was exposed to this substance in Captain Marvel #34. Although he recovered from its immediate effects in the following issue, the exposure caused a carcinogenic growth which eventually killed Marvel in Death of Captain Marvel #1.
  • When Rhodey recalls Tony bringing him back to life after killing him, an editor's note cites the issue in which it happened, Iron Man (Vol. 6) #18.

Trivia

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Links and References

References

  1. ↑ Cantwell, Christopher (6 August 2022) Christopher Cantwell on Twitter: "And here are the answers, with ... Twitter.
  2. ↑ Padres Acquire Matt Beaty From Dodgers FriarWire. Retrieved on 20 September 2022.
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