THE IRON AGE
On May 2, the big screen adaptation of Marvel Comics popular hero Iron Man will arrive in theatres across the United States and Canada. Early chatter suggests big things are possible, and audiences will judge whether the armor and the tale lift off in a memorable way.
THE STORY
Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist, is seized by terrorists who want to force his intellect into making a weapon for threats against the United States. Using his own resources and hands on know how, Stark crafts a powerful suit, escapes captivity, and returns home with a resolve to use his genius for good. Back in America, he strengthens the armor and becomes Iron Man. He does not stand alone in this mission: helping him are jet pilot James Rhodes and Stark’s secretary and love interest Pepper Potts. A dangerous threat emerges in the form of his former mentor, Obadiah Stane, a ruthless adversary who has walked a dark path.
DOWN(EY) TO PERFECTION
Plans to bring Iron Man to the screen began in the early nineties. Before Downey Jr took the role, Nicolas Cage and Tom Cruise were linked to the project. Directors such as Tarantino and Joss Whedon were in consideration before Jon Favreau, already known for his work behind the camera and in front of it, stepped in to shape the film.
NOT ANOTHER SUPERHERO MOVIE
The wait, though lengthy, seems justified based on the trailer and early buzz. Iron Man is notable for Marvel Studios producing the project in house, a move that kept outside interference to a minimum and focused the adaptation on authentic storytelling. With a budget reported around 150 million dollars, Marvel invested the time needed to bring the comic to life with grounded realism. Favreau aimed to anchor the science and action in a world that feels convincing, promising a smart, well crafted action adventure.
IT ALL COMES TOGETHER
Marvel now finances and releases its own films, aiming to build a cohesive universe of stories. Secret cameos were filmed with Samuel L. Jackson portraying Nick Fury and Hilary Swank listed as another yet unnamed character in Iron Man. Downey Jr will reprise his role in the forthcoming Hulk movie starring Edward Norton. The long term plan envisions a collective assembly in The Avengers, with Favreau indicating Iron Man is planned as a trilogy and with the entire cast committed to future installments. Rumors also point to a Nick Fury standalone project in development.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF IRON MAN
Mar. 1963: Iron Man makes his debut in grey armour.
Apr. 1963: By the second issue, Iron Man’s armour shifts to golden tones.
Dec. 1963: The armour returns in a red and gold redesign that becomes iconic.
May 1968: The character receives his own title in THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1.
Avengers #69: Tony Stark receives a new heart.
Iron Man #128: Stark wins his struggle with alcoholism.
Iron Man #162: Obadiah Stane makes his debut as a formidable foe.
Iron Man #170: Stark briefly steps back from being Iron Man.
Iron Man #218: The Undersea Armour is introduced.
Iron Man #281: The War Machine armour is born.
Iron Man #284: Stark passes the Iron Man identity to James Rhodes, who becomes War Machine.
Iron Man #288: Stark returns to life and resumes the mantle in new form.
Avengers West Coast #2: Stark withdraws from the Avengers for a time.
Avengers Timeslide: A younger Stark is drawn into the present day.
Avengers #395: The older Stark meets his fate once more.
Heroes Reborn: Stark rises again from an alternate universe created by Franklin Richards.
Avengers Finale: Iron Man disbands the Avengers, paving the way for new team dynamics.
Mighty Avengers #1: Iron Man helps assemble a fresh Avengers roster.
THE SUIT
Each feature on the suit marks a critical capability in the fight against evil and in Stark’s ongoing survival mission.
THE HELMET
Inside the helmet, air pressure creates a sealed environment for flight, while readouts display the surrounding conditions to the wearer.
BACK
Flaps along the back and shoulders assist with aerodynamics and control while the suit soars.
CHEST
A white circular power source sits near Stark’s heart, with the suit monitoring his life and keeping him safe as he pursues his mission.
HANDS
Repulsor emitters in the palms serve as the primary weapons, delivering energy bursts and stabilizing the flight path.
FOREARMS
A variety of built in weaponry sits here, including missiles, which Stark continually upgrades as the story progresses.
HIPS
Heavy batteries power the suit from the hips, supplying essential energy for movement and endurance.
BOOTS
Additional repulsors in the boots push the suit forward, enabling swift, agile flight across the sky.