Originally published in April 2008
On May 2nd, IRON MAN, the big screen adaptation of the popular Marvel Comics character, will hit theatres. While it looks promising, the question is, will it fly?
THE STORY
When terrorists kidnap billionaire Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), they intend on using his knowledge to create a powerful weapon to use against the U.S. Instead, by using his resources and mechanical expertise, Stark makes a powerful super suit and escapes his captors. Once back in America, Stark decides to fight evil by enhancing his armour and becoming Iron Man. He isn’t alone though: Helping him are jet pilot James Rhodes (Terrence Howard) and his secretary/love interest Virginia “Pepper” Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Little does he know that a nasty villain will pop up in the form of his former mentor, Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges).
DOWN(EY) TO PERFECTION
Talks of a movie adaptation of this Marcel Comics character began as early as 1990. Before Robert Downey Jr. took the role, both Nicolas Cage and Tom Cruise were reportedly circling the project. As well, Quentin Tarantino and Joss Whedon were both up to direct before actor-turned-director Jon Favreau (ELF) stepped in.
NOT ANOTHER SUPERHERO MOVIE
It may have taken 18 years, but based on the trailer and advanced buzz, it looks to have been worth the wait. IRON MAN has the distinction of being the first film fully made by Marvel Studios, which means it was made without interference from an outside studio looking to make a few extra bucks. With a reported budget of $150 million USD, Marvel took the time needed to adapt the comic properly. While filming, Favreau was intent on making the film as real as possible, making sure every aspect of the storyline and technology was grounded in reality. With the talent behind this movie, it promises to be a smart, well put together action/adventure.
IT ALL COMES TOGETHER
Now that Marvel finances and produces its own movies, the studio is set on creating an established Marvel film universe. To that end, secret cameos were filmed with Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Hilary Swank as another, as-yet-unnamed character in IRON MAN. As well, Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his role in the upcoming HULK movie starring Edward Norton. The idea is that somewhere down the line, Marvel will group them all for THE AVENGERS movie. Until then, Favreau has stated that he has planned IRON MAN as a trilogy and that the entire cast has already signed on. As well, a Nick Fury film is rumoured to be in development.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF IRON MAN
Mar. 1963: Iron Man makes his debut in grey armour!
Apr. 1963: By his second issue, Iron Man’s armour is golden.
Dec.1963: Iron Man’s armour is redesigned yet again to a more polished red and gold.
May 1968: The character finally gets his own title in THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1
Avengers #69: Tony Stark gets a new heart.
Iron Man #128: Tony Stark wins his struggle with alcoholism.
Iron Man #162: Obadiah Stane makes his first appearance.
Iron Man #170: Tony Stark gives up being Iron Man for awhile.
Iron Man #218: Tony Stark debuts his Undersea Armour.
Iron Man #281: The War Machine armour is invented.
Iron Man #284: Tony Stark bites the dust and his good friend Jim Rhodes takes on the War Machine persona.
Iron Man #288: Tony Stark comes back to life.
Avengers West Coast #2: Tony Stark quits The Avengers.
Avengers Timeslide: A younger Tony Stark is brought to the present day.
Avengers #395: The older Tony Stark gets killed again.
Heroes Reborn: Tony Stark comes back from an alternate universe created by Franklin Richards (Mr. Fantastic).
Avengers Finale: Iron Man disbands The Avengers.
Mighty Avengers #1: Iron Man assembles a new Avengers team.
THE IRON AGE
On May 2nd, IRON MAN, the big screen adaptation of the popular Marvel Comics character, will hit theatres. While it looks promising, the question is, will it fly?
THE STORY
When terrorists kidnap billionaire Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), they intend on using his knowledge to create a powerful weapon to use against the U.S. Instead, by using his resources and mechanical expertise, Stark makes a powerful super suit and escapes his captors. Once back in America, Stark decides to fight evil by enhancing his armour and becoming Iron Man. He isn’t alone though: Helping him are jet pilot James Rhodes (Terrence Howard) and his secretary/love interest Virginia “Pepper” Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Little does he know that a nasty villain will pop up in the form of his former mentor, Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges).
DOWN(EY) TO PERFECTION
Talks of a movie adaptation of this Marcel Comics character began as early as 1990. Before Robert Downey Jr. took the role, both Nicolas Cage and Tom Cruise were reportedly circling the project. As well, Quentin Tarantino and Joss Whedon were both up to direct before actor-turned-director Jon Favreau (ELF) stepped in.
NOT ANOTHER SUPERHERO MOVIE
It may have taken 18 years, but based on the trailer and advanced buzz, it looks to have been worth the wait. IRON MAN has the distinction of being the first film fully made by Marvel Studios, which means it was made without interference from an outside studio looking to make a few extra bucks. With a reported budget of $150 million USD, Marvel took the time needed to adapt the comic properly. While filming, Favreau was intent on making the film as real as possible, making sure every aspect of the storyline and technology was grounded in reality. With the talent behind this movie, it promises to be a smart, well put together action/adventure.
IT ALL COMES TOGETHER
Now that Marvel finances and produces its own movies, the studio is set on creating an established Marvel film universe. To that end, secret cameos were filmed with Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Hilary Swank as another, as-yet-unnamed character in IRON MAN. As well, Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his role in the upcoming HULK movie starring Edward Norton. The idea is that somewhere down the line, Marvel will group them all for THE AVENGERS movie. Until then, Favreau has stated that he has planned IRON MAN as a trilogy and that the entire cast has already signed on. As well, a Nick Fury film is rumoured to be in development.
[Timeline along the bottom? – K]
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF IRON MAN
Mar. 1963
Iron Man makes his debut in grey armour!
Apr. 1963
By his second issue, Iron Man’s armour is golden.
Dec.1963
Iron Man’s armour is redesigned yet again to a more polished red and gold.
May 1968
The character finally gets his own title in THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1
Avengers #69
Tony Stark gets a new heart.
Iron Man #128
Tony Stark wins his struggle with alcoholism.
Iron Man #162
Obadiah Stane makes his first appearance.
Iron Man #170
Tony Stark gives up being Iron Man for awhile.
Iron Man #218
Tony Stark debuts his Undersea Armour.
Iron Man #281
The War Machine armour is invented.
Iron Man #284
Tony Stark bites the dust and his good friend Jim Rhodes takes on the War Machine persona.
Iron Man #288
Tony Stark comes back to life.
Avengers West Coast #2
Tony Stark quits The Avengers.
Avengers Timeslide
A younger Tony Stark is brought to the present day.
Avengers #395
The older Tony Stark gets killed again.
Heroes Reborn
Tony Stark comes back from an alternate universe created by Franklin Richards (Mr. Fantastic).
Avengers Finale
Iron Man disbands The Avengers.
Mighty Avengers #1
Iron Man assembles a new Avengers team.
THE SUIT
[Each = a point on the suit. –K]
Only a super suit could help Iron Man fight against evil and keep him alive!
THE HELMET
With pressurized air inside, the helmet gives Stark the ability to fly. It also displays readouts for the wearer about the environment surrounding the suit.
BACK
Flaps along the back and shoulders help control the suit while flying.
CHEST
This white circle of light is right above Stark’s heart. Iron Man’s life threatening heart condition is kept in check by the suit.
HANDS
Repulsors contained in the palms are the suit’s main weapon. They shoot bursts of energy and help to stabilize the suit while flying.
FOREARMS
Hidden here is a variety of weapons, like missiles, which Iron Man continually upgrades.
HIPS
Huge batteries placed here power this giant suit.
BOOTS
More repulsors help propel the suit forward while flying.