OK, we all know about the popular classic comics, the issues that are must-haves that everyone knows about. Issues like X-Men #137, or Giant-Size X-Men #1, or Incredible Hulk #181, or Avengers #4. (You don't really need me to tell what's "classic" about these comics, do 'ya?) But every now and then, an issue will come out that remains "under the radar," yet is truly a piece of comics mastery.
Tony Stark is pondering the life-changing event -- his company's transition from arms manufacturing to more "peaceful" means -- and a pivotal instance (perhaps the instance) is when Shellhead jets to a site in 'Nam where one of Stark's new weapons, a satellite-guided "super" gun, is about to be tested. Mantlo and Tuska perfectly capture the ambience of the situation -- G.I.s appearing war-weary yet resigned to their jobs and asking Iron Man about news from home, and them being tickled pink to actually meet in person an Avenger -- and then up the ante when the commander Shellhead is talking to is suddenly picked off by an enemy sniper.
Iron Man quickly assumes charge of the situation, ordering the G.I.s to fire Stark's gun pronto! He then jets into the air to confront some North Vietnamese jets ... and is severely wounded by an exploding missile! He crashed to the ground and remains unconscious for hours. When he awakens, he notices his chestplate is damaged, and he needs a quick charge. In that regard, a jeep's battery sends an electric shock through Stark's body, knocking him out for still more hours. When he awakens again, he makes his way back to the American troops ... only to realize they're all dead. A Viet Cong armed with a machine gun suddenly opens fire on Iron Man, whereupon Shellhead whacks him across the field with an open-faced thrust. When he approaches the enemy to show him what his side has done, the guerrilla utters "Please?" and Iron Man then realizes that the young man is ... blind.
Attempting to get the young man home, Iron Man witnesses the results of his new satellite gun's effectiveness: Total and utter destruction. The lad's Vietnamese village has been completely demolished.
As an ... epitaph, Iron Man jets skyward and activates his repulsors -- aimed at the ground. His objective? To carve out the word "WHY" in the dirt:
A few panels later, Shellhead hoists the young man onto his back and escorts him to safety. Mantlo & Tuska's panel is pure artistry:
If you manage to complete the issue with completely dry eyes, you're a ... well, I was going to say "better," but let's just say you're a more stoic person than I am.Iron Man #78 -- a truly hidden gem.
3 comments:
This is off topic, but did you catch any of Nicktoons new Iron Man series that premiered this weekend? Visually adequate, but boy are they taking liberties with canon.
I did, Jeff, and wasn't impressed. I hate retcons that make adult heroes teenagers.
The only things that bothered me was stupid jock Happy and "weapon makers are eeeeeevil war mongers" Obidaiah Stane. The others have me curious, and it was sad they killed off a likeable version of Howard Stark, but I'm looking forward to all the armor (re)designs for the Iron Foes.
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