Discussing the Modern Age’s Most Modern Hero, , and the Comic Industry

THE WORLD’S MOST INVINCIBLE FANZINE

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forward to assimilate the best armor systems information anywhere both online or off for
the Modern Age’s most Modern Hero: IRON MAN.

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[/loading data...] [/shell...] ..........‘75th Issue Extravaganza’

[ 2.0 ] ..................... Table of Contents
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[ 3.0 ] ............................. Editorial
[ 4.0 ] ............... The Stark Market Report
[ 6.0 ] .......... Len Kaminski’s Legendary Run
[ 10.0 ] ‘The Real Tony Stark’/David Michelinie
[ 11.0 ] ........FerroFiles: Robert Greenberger
Cover Art By Bob Layton
[ 17.0 ] ............. FerroFiles: George Tuska
[ 21.0 ] ................... Iron Man in Action
[ 23.0 ] .... Fan-Fiction Comic ‘Model Citizen’
[ 30.0 ] ........................... Metal Head
[ 35.0 ] .................... The Ironing Board
[ 38.0 ] . Iron Man #87 ‘Outtake’/Mark Ricketts

[/gallery...] Professional Artwork

[ 42.0 ] .......................... Matt Rogers
[ 44.0 ] ......................... Mitch Martin
[ 45.0 ] ........................ Mike Campbell
[ 46.0 ] ......................... Dale Lerette
[ 47.0 ] ....................... Luke McDonnell
[ 49.0 ] ........................... JD Dishmon
[ 50.0 ] ....................... Curzio Ferrara
[ 51.0 ] ........................... Robin Laws
[ 51.0 ] .......................... Bill Meiggs
[ 52.0 ] ........................ Chris Gronlie
[ 53.0 ] ...................... Gabriel Hardman

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Welcome Iron Fans to Advanced Iron #75, our gala, and Man’s comic book debut in 1963. Elevating the character to this
long awaited 75th Anniversary issue! The road to 75 issues of level of visibility tells me that there is a new generation of Iron
Advanced Iron has been a fun romp through the world of Iron Man fans being exposed to Iron Man’s world the way that many
Man for many creators, contributors, writers and artists over the of us were brought into our own pop culture experiences in the
years. Advanced Iron sprang from the efforts of Bill Egan who 80’s and 90’s. And boy, is that a great thing to know.
began publishing “Iron Fan”, which he dubbed an “every-now-
and-then” zine for the fans. Those early publications evolved The fact that Iron Man has found relevance through a new
into Advanced Iron, with the first issue published in 1993, on generation of tech-savvy fans may mean that somewhere down
paper, and in good, old fashioned, War Machine-style black and the road a future EIC of Advanced Iron could be celebrating
white. Now, nearly 20 years later, the zine still represents the our 125th issue the way that we are celebrating our 75th now. 
original passion that Bill put onto paper with his first fanzine Believing that lucky individual will be looking back on our work
works. with the zine, this era of the hobby, and the state of the industry
as a pop culture giant as we are experiencing it is a comforting
Bill’s original idea of an “every-now-and-then” publication was thought.  I look forward to that day, and reading about their
something that I have found, in my role as Editor-In-Chief, to efforts and enthusiasm for the hobby which I’ll have a kindred
be a benchmark approach to developing a magazine. In many understanding of based on my own experiences with the zine
ways, coming back to A.I. as we can is necessary to the continuity over the last ten years or so (and I’m looking forward to many
of a fan based publication of our complexity and scope. It has more too!).
been through that method of development that I have become
proud to experience the growth of our team’s professional Welcome again to Advanced Iron #75, an anniversary issue that
and personal relationships while working on the zine. The I am very proud of. I hope that our featured articles, columns
contributors, writers, artists and designers on the Advanced Iron and interviews bring you the sense of escapism and enjoyment
team all reach out to other fans, expanding their enjoyment of that our team of professional and amateur creators intended
the hobby through their works of art – both written and drawn. with their works.
The people who work on Advanced Iron are so committed to Thanks for reading, and long live the collecting
the character, hobby, and a desire to contribute, that our efforts madness!
persist even amidst significant life changes. Events such as
undergraduate and graduate commencements, home buying, John B. Comerford
marriages, children, careers and other life milestones are Editor-In-Chief, Advanced Iron
received with congratulations and pride in the A.I. community
of creators and readers. And still, amidst those life events, our Advanced Iron (75) / AUGUST, 2012
team finds time to turn attention back to advancing the zine
another step into the future. In many ways, the patterns of our Publishers:
Vic Holtreman (vic@screenrant.com)
creators emulate the character they are so passionate about –
John B. Comerford (toastyj77@aol.com)
when his routine is interrupted by life changing events, Iron Man
takes care of business as needed, but when the dust settles, the Editor-In-Chief/Editorial:
character returns to advancing his craft into the future through John B. Comerford (toastyj77@aol.com)
an iron will. And also like Advanced Iron, Iron Man is more Layouts:
prolific and recognizable than ever before. Brent O’Hara (brohara@mac.com)

This is a great era to be involved in the hobby, with Iron Man being Contributors:
David Michelinie, Bob Layton, Gabriel Hardman, Robin Laws,
featured in four movies, portrayed by actor Robert Downey Jr. in
Mark Ricketts, Luke McDonnell, Roger Ott, Chris Frye, Heath
Iron Man, The Hulk, Iron Man 2 and this Summer’s The Avengers McKnight, Brent O’Hara, Bill Meiggs, Matt Rogers, Mitch Martin,
(not to mention Iron Man 3 which is currently filming). Iron Man Mike Campbell, Dale Lerette, Curzio Ferrara, JD Dishmon, Chris
has been featured on T.V. as well, in four recent animated series, Gronlie & John B. Comerford.
including a CGi cartoon, an anime cartoon, a show for kids
Webmaster:
dubbed “Superhero Squad” and an Avengers show where the
Vic Holtreman (vic@screenrant.com)
character is prominent on the team. Iron Man and Marvel toy
lines are found in stores the way that G.I. Joe littered aisle 7-C of General Mailbox: vic@screenrant.com
Toys R Us when I was a kid. Iron Man can be found on erasers, Advanced Iron is published periodically by the collective efforts of Vic Holtreman,
cups, blankets and other products the way that Star Wars was John B. Comerford, Brent O’Hara and Chris Frye, as well as many other collabora-
as well. Actually, there’s so much Iron Man stuff out there that I tors and contributors aggregated from both professional and amateur sources.
All opinions expressed in the magazine and on the web site are expressly those of
couldn’t possibly cover it all in this issue’s Stark Market Report! the individual contributor and do not necessarily refl ect those of the Advanced Iron
And, of course the Iron Man comic is still at the root of it all, entity or the other contributors.
with new armors, more cover variants than ever before, and Iron Man, and all related characters are trademark Marvel Entertainment Group.
Neither the Advanced Iron web site nor magazine is endorsed by Marvel Comics,
updated interpretations on the pantheon of colorful characters although each has been featured in that publishers Iron Man magazine on several
that have been showing up in some form or another since Iron occasions. All articles are copyright of their respective author or artist.

3
 the
STARK MARKET report

By: Iron Man John B. Comerford

It’s been a while since our last look at the

market for all things iron. At the moment, Iron
Man is a hot commodity with a slew of interesting Iron
Man merchandise available, and the Iron Man comic
has been a hot seller, borrowing heavily in theme from
Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and with regular variant
covers to compliment sales. The recent Iron Man back
issue market has been driven mostly by trade sales as
far as I can tell. However, I do see sales being captured
on key Iron Man issues, noting mostly Silver Age books
followed by Bronze era keys. For example, Iron Man
Volume 1, #55 has been traded heavily on eBay for big
bucks after the Thanos appearance in The Avengers
movie, and Iron Man Volume 1, #282 is a consistent seller
with unslabbed copies selling for several dollars above
cover price. High grade CGC copies are significantly
more, although I’m not sure if many of the higher BINS
have buyers pulling the trigger. On that note, try an eBay
search for War Machine’s cameo issue, “Iron Man 281 CGC
9.8” to see what sellers are asking for that issue, although
I’d argue that there are many unslabbed 9.8’s of that
one waiting in the bins for your own CGC submission.
9.0+ copies of Iron Man Volume 1 #1 sees nice activity
whenever there’s a public Iron Man push as well, but I’ll
save that data for a future report focusing on aggregate
sales of silver age Iron Man #1. At the moment, I wanted
to share some very special and unique collectibles with
our fans for our 75th issue, so please enjoy these one of
a kind Advanced Iron exclusive pieces!

The Iron Man collectors that I’ve met and known over
the years are some of the more discerning and involved
collectors in the hobby. The Iron Man collections I’ve seen
over the years to be highly organized display centers –
statues in softly lit displays, rows of helmets, high grade
CGC’s displayed on easels, and of course the uniquely
desirable commission drawing, original art pages and
color guides (younger fans may never have heard of
these, but I encourage you to find out about them!). I have
a soft spot for original art in my own collection as well,
so needless to say when our Ferro Files columnist, Chris
Frye started reaching out to professional creators for art
submissions for this issue, I got on board immediately.
With additional help from Brent O’Hara (our resident
artist and master layout contributor), Chris and I began
aggregating submissions from as many professional
sources as we could. And imagine my surprise when we
began receiving more than digital submissions, but stuff
in the mail as well. See The Gallery For An Outtake From Iron Man #87 Sent By Writer Mark Ricketts

4
 Signed Iron Man Scripts from Charles & Daniel Knauff Signed Iron Man Scripts from Kurt Busiek
( For Iron Man volume 4, #28 ) ( For Iron Man vol. 3 #s 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 )

Signed Iron Man Scripts From 1989 Iron Man Series Development Signed Iron Man Script From
Fred Van Lente Proposal From Len Kaminski Charles & Daniel Knauff
( For Marvel Adventures Iron Man ( For Iron Man vol 1: Development ( For Iron Man volume 4, #28)
Adventures #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ) Proposal and 2 Year Overview )

Many professional creators went above and beyond to contribute

to our gala anniversary issue, ranging from sending signed
scripts, original art, both of the sketched, inked and colored
variety, to comic strips (Robin Laws bird-strip submission is a
riot). Renowned Iron Man creator Bob Layton even contributed
an amazing full color Iron Man vs. Doctor Doom piece that you’ll
find appropriately placed as the cover to this anniversary issue,
while his long-time colleague David Michelinie wrote a great
retrospective about his time with the character for our readers
as well! Kurt Busiek, one of my absolute all time favorite comic Iron Man volume 3, #’s 1-4 signed personally by Mr. Busiek
scribes sent our team signed scripts, as did cult favorite Extremis-era writers Charles and Daniel Knauf. And wait until you see War
Machine artist, Gabriel “GECKO” Hardman’s full color piece, or classic Iron Man artist Luke McDonnell’s amazing talent with shadows
and light.
Although we are spotlighting many of those submissions
here, you’ll find these gems placed across the issue, which is
guaranteed to keep you scrolling over and over again. It only
made sense to dedicate a Market Report to what are sure to
be unique and sought after Advanced Iron exclusives which
will be disseminated across our group of regular, long time
contributors.
I’d like to give a special thank you to the industry creators who
not only recognized our 75th issue achievement, but stepped
up to significantly enhance the zine with their talents, time
and artistic charm and personality. I hope that our readers also
enjoy the first ever wave of Advanced Iron collectible artwork
submissions throughout this issue, and long live the collecting
madness!
Ironman John Artwork Sent From Artists (Left) Luke McDonnell and (right) Gabriel ‘GECKO’ Hardman
06/13/2012

5
 By: Iron Man John B. Comerford

For as long as I can remember now members of the A.I. forums have widely held Len Kaminski’s volume 1 run on Iron Man in high
esteem. I’m a big fan of Len’s work too, as he has had a hand in the creative process involving many of my favorite characters – Iron
Man, Quasar, and even Acclaim’s rebooted Bloodshot book from that era. I can’t begin to describe my excitement when I was finally
able to catch up with Len and talk to him about our zine’s 75th anniversary issue – he wasn’t an easy man to find!

Len graciously went through his stored

files and submitted a ton of amazing
material for our 75th issue celebration,
including scripts, a gazillion signed books,
and also a very neat surprise – his 1989
proposal to Marvel for his amazing run on
Iron Man volume 1. This is a real treat for
both the hardcore fan who appreciates an
inside look at formulating a creative pitch,
as well as the casual reader who may want
to know more about Len’s stellar run on
Iron Man.

Len’s 1989 Proposal and 2-Year Overview,

in my opinion, really highlights the
concept that a successful writer will
embrace a character through a long term
plan and outlined plot direction when
crafting his story. I was really able to see
the organization that Len took with this
work here, first identifying Tony Stark’s
character and his role as an industrialist
and futurist “on the brink of the last decade
of the 20th century”. Len’s proposal clearly A Very Generous Collection Of Signed Books Provided By Len Kaminski
demonstrates the thought he put into crafting his version of Iron Man, and continues with a definitive 2-year overview which
he pitched successfully to the Marvel editors. If somewhere on a dusty shelf there resides an old industry-standard textbook for
pitching stories to a publisher, then I’d say that Len’s proposal belongs there as an example of the most well thought out and
thorough kind.

The foresight that Len put into his run both acknowledges and builds off previous continuity at the heart of his 2-year plan. He
uses Justin Hammer as a catalyst for change in Stark, while playing up the youth-and-skill versus age-and-treachery dynamic that I
believe is an inextricable component to their rivalry, and something we’d miss out on if Hammer were a younger man. He reaches
deep into Iron Man’s rogues gallery and beyond, at one point proposing Quasar’s cosmic nemesis Maelstrom as an architect for
his Earthmover arc. The following pages yield a great behind the scenes look at what became Len Kaminski’s now classic Iron Man
volume 1 run from the 90’s.

I’m pleased as can be to present this document to my fellow Iron fans. By the time you get to the last page it should be clear as to
why Len was able to convince Marvel to let him write this book. So let’s have at it….

6
7
8
 Be sure to follow us
next issue as well for
more insights from Len’s work
on Iron Man, including his amazing
proposal for War Machine volume 1!
9
 “THE REAL TONY STARK”
By
David Michelinie
I am Iron Man. human being, and he’d found an escape from his pain.
No, I’m not quoting that heavy metal song. I am Iron Man. And so are you. And That storyline culminated in issue #128, “Demon In A Bottle”, in which Tony
your little brother. And the guy who bags your groceries at the supermarket and finally admitted his alcohol dependency and stood up to it. Some readers com-
his cousin and so on and so on. We’re all Iron Man. Or at least, we could be. Be- plained that being an alcoholic made Tony less of a hero, but we felt the opposite
cause we all have one trait in common with Tony Stark, a trait that most costumed was true. Tony chose to abuse alcohol, a weakness that showed how human he
super heroes can’t lay claim to: we’re just people. truly was. But he also chose to stop that abuse, to battle his human flaws and to
When I wrote my first Iron Man story back in 1978, I’d had very little experience rise above them--and that made him even more of a hero because it was a fight
with super heroes. I’d mostly been writing horror stories, war stories and even a we all face in varying degrees every day of our lives.
western or two. My only super hero background was a handful of Superboy and We continued this approach when we returned to the regular IRON MAN comic in
Aquaman stories. And while they were interesting and challenging to write, it’s 1987, perhaps best illustrated by the “Armor Wars” storyline in issues #225-232.
really kind of hard to identify with an alien from another planet or a king who lives Working from an idea suggested by Jim Shooter, we revealed that Tony Stark’s
under water. Of course, that’s what imagination is for, and we are talking about unique technology had been stolen and then used in the weapons of dozens of
fiction, after all. super villains. The inventions he’d created to make the world a better and safer
Nonetheless, getting the assignment to write IRON MAN--a comic I’d never even place were being used instead to create misery and injustice. Tony’s reaction was
read before--was something of a revelation. As I combed through back issues in one of horror and despair: “How many have drawn blood with my sword?” And
an effort to understand the character, I realized that this was a super hero with once again he was faced with a moral choice, a human choice: could he live with
no super powers. In his armor he could smash walls, lift trains, ray-blast bad-guys this situation? And if not, what should he do about it? Tony, with his sense of re-
and fly like a jet. But give him a change of clothes and he’s just a guy. A guy with sponsibility, opted for the direct route: he’d take on, and out, the villains himself.
a really big brain and a bank account to match, true, but essentially just a human Going through channels, following rules and laws, would take too long, give his
being. Sort of like, well...you and me. stolen tech time to cause even more damage. So he became an outlaw, turned
friends to enemies, created conflicts that would affect his life for years to come.
And that’s the core of the approach my co-plotter, Bob Layton, and I took when we He made decisions and then had to live with them. All of this was on a grander
began to chronicle Iron Man’s ongoing adventures. Although IRON MAN was the scale than the decisions you and I have to make, perhaps; but the principle is the
title of the series, the stories we constructed were actually Tony Stark stories, in same.
which Iron Man (usually) appeared. They dealt with Tony’s problems, both profes-
sional and personal, and how he used courage and intelligence to confront them, As a plotting team, Bob and I seem to return to this philosophy every time we
whether wearing red-and-gold armor or an impeccably custom-tailored suit. get a chance to revisit the Golden Avenger. In our 2000 mini-series, BAD BLOOD,
we had Tony’s personality being altered by nannites in his bloodstream, turning
For example: while initially researching Tony’s adventures back in ‘78, I realized him reluctantly and frighteningly into a darker, more dangerous man. This was
he’d been having a string of Really Bad Days. His “friends” at S.H.I.E.L.D. were an allegory about the fears we all feel at the compromises we’re forced to make
trying to take over his company, his girlfriend was conspiring to kill him, and super at school, at work, or to keep peace with our significant other. We’re always
villains seemed to be lurking around every corner just waiting to prove their man- scared that we’ll turn into someone we no longer recognize, someone who isn’t
hood by knocking him into the dirt. So I started thinking about how a real person “us” any more, and we’ll never get back to being that person again. Even in our
would react in this situation. latest Shellhead adventure, IRON MAN: THE END, we put a 70-year-old Tony Stark
Tony Stark had always been portrayed as a man with a strong sense of commit- into a situation where he has to face the possibility that he simply can’t be Iron
ment to both his friends and his responsibilities. So naturally he wouldn’t turn his Man any more. He has to confront the fact that he’s not what he used to be, that
back on people who were counting on him. But with pressure building every day, he’s susceptible to the universal trait of growing old, and the inevitable physical
he needed some sort of release valve, something to bleed off that pressure before decline that follows. He has to come to terms with the difference between what
he exploded- -or at least burst a blood vessel. And the logical answer, in those things are and what we want them to be. And then he was to decide, as we all
days before the executive coke spoon became fashionable, was alcohol. Business- will, what to do about it.
men often had a martini or two at lunch, maybe a cocktail after work, wine with Okay, I lied. Maybe we’re not all Iron Man, or Iron Woman. We’re just people. But
dinner. So Tony followed that path, and it led him to a sense of well-being and the one thing I’ve learned from writing these stories--and I hope you’ve learned
peace, a feeling he refused to accept was artificial even while it was screwing up from reading them--is that we all have the potential to be Iron Man. Or at least
his life bigtime. Why? Because he was simply (and here’s that term again) a Tony Stark. It all depends on our choices.

10
 A D VA N C E D I R O N P R E S E N T S
25¢ 75
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2012

DOUBLE FEATURE
FEATURING
COMICS LEGEND IRON MAN NOVELIST

GEORGE TUSKA AND

ROBERT GREENBERGER
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By Chris Frye

Robert Greenberger started one of the first full-color, newstand distributed, comic-related
magazines with Starlog Press’ Comics Scene, has served in editorial capacities at both
Marvel and DC Comics, as well as Malibu Comics’ successor Platinum Studios and the now
defunct political publication Weekly World News. He’s probably better known in Star Trek
circles, having written or edited over 18 novels and reference resources for the long-
lived sci-fi franchise. He’s also contributed to the mythos of Zorro, Hellboy, Batman,

AI: Let’s start with the vital stats for Robert Greenberger:
age, interests outside comic books, first comic read, currently reading, etc.

Robert: I’ve been reading comics since I was six years old and have been a major
reader and collector ever since. I was drawn to publishing – writing and
editing – and studied it at SUNY-Binghamton.

I currently live in Fairfield, CT with my wife, Deb, and

where I serve as Moderator of the Representative
Town Meeting, our legislative body. Beyond that, my
sole other hobby seems to be my fantasy baseball
team.

AI: If you would, share some of the highlights and

memorable accomplishments of your career with us.

Robert: Upon graduation, I went to work at Starlog Press

where I created Comics Scene, the first national magazine
dedicated to comics, comic strips, and animation. Soon after
its cancellation, I was hired by DC Comics. I worked there as
an editor or administration from 1984 through 2000. I spent
2000 at an Internet startup until I joined Marvel as its Director-
Publishing Operations for 2001. In 2002, I returned to DC as a
Senior Editor in the collected editions department before being
fired in 2006. I then worked at Weekly World News as its managing
editor until the paper folded. I’ve been a fulltime freelance writer/
editor since.

AI: What was your first professional comic work?

Robert: As an editor, I first worked on Who’s Who and Crisis on Infinite

Earths. My first writing credit was shared with Barbara Kesel on a story for
Action Comics.

AI: Why comics?

12
Robert: I’ve loved the four-color medium since childhood, Robert: Superheroes are today’s myths and I like how
letting the stories transport me to worlds and situations I can’t they reflect our times and our needs. Superman was a
find here. The modern mythology that is superheroes has a savior during the Depression, for example. A decade or so
strong appeal as does the possibilities inherent in the comics after the Baby Boomers began, a generation needed new
format. heroes and Stan provided them.

AI: Do you try to reflect current events There was something poignant about Tony Stark’s story, the
and significant topics in your writing? need for the chest plate to keep his heart beating but not
letting that stop him. Overcoming adversity to use his genius
Robert: That always depends on the for the betterment of man was very appealing.
project, In Femmes Fatales, it was set a
decade ago, so I tried to reflect whatever AI: How did you go about scoring the Iron Man writing gig?
the issues were then. I go more for character
and theme than social commentary.

AI: So, I’m going to go out on a limb and

guess you are a true fanboy. I mean “Ferris”
(Aircraft), “Who watches the watchmen,”
“Republic Oil nee Roxxon,” etc. You’re a
veritable font of comic minutiae. What did
you grow up reading? What are you currently
reading? Wanting to read?

Robert: I read just about all of DC and Marvel’s

super-hero output starting in the 1960s and
have read a ton of the earlier material. Given
my non-fiction work on comics, I have strong
reference library and a garbage memory. When
setting this novel in the early Marvel days, it
was important to set the timeframe so it was
Republican, not yet Roxxon.

Today, I continue to read most of the DC and

Marvel output along with a handful of other titles
such as Irredeemable, Love & Capes, Echo, Buffy,
Fallen Angel, and others. I also read a ton of books,
magazines, and newspapers.

AI: Favorite character?

Robert: As I was
Robert: At DC it’d have to be Green Lantern and probably Iron completing the Essential Batman Encyclopedia for Random
Man or Cap at Marvel. House, the editor mentioned they had a four book deal for Iron
Man including two original novels. I pretty much said I wanted
AI: Villain? a chance or I was going to haunt his office. A few months later, I
was invited to pitch stories.
Robert: Good question. Not sure I’m drawn to any one villain
although I find Doctor Doom particularly interesting. AI: How do you go about coming up with the story idea for
Femmes Fatales? Was it editorially influenced or were you pretty
AI: Team? much given free reign?

Robert: As a kid, I desperately wanted to join the Legion Robert: At first, I was under the impression that the novels
of Super-Heroes. All those teen aliens, all those powers… were based in the movie reality so in an e-mail suggested a few
irresistible. directions. My editor, Keith Clayton, said no, these were to be set
in the comics continuity. I could live with that. So, I considered
AI: Story? a good point to set the stories and realized the movie audience
was likely to buy the novel as well as comics fans so they needed
Robert: Again, no one story, interestingly enough. an Iron Man they could recognize. That meant going back to
the beginning and since that’s when I first met Shellhead, I was
AI: As a writer, what is the attraction to the superhero excited.
genre in general and Iron Man in particular?

13
 After thumbing through my Iron Man Masterworks, I came up the secret identity” thing that seems to be in vogue at Marvel?
with three ideas, wrote a few paragraphs about each and sent Robert: As we’ve seen time and again, maintaining two lives
them in. By then, Keith was overwhelmed with work so assigned is almost impossible. How on earth can you attend classes or
the actual line editing to Steve Saffel, who used to work in perform a job when you have to drop everything and stop a
Marvel’s marketing department and Random House as a Senior super-powered threat? Peter Parker was always scraping by with
Editor. We’re old friends so this was a real treat. sales of photos but money was a constant worry whereas Tony
Stark was so busy being Iron Man, he constantly missed people
He liked Femmes Fatales best, as did I, and Marvel approved it scheming to take SI from him.
with no changes so I was all set to get started. Steve was also
cognizant of the potential reading audience so suggested we How writers juggle the demands of two lives is a challenge and
make one major tweak to reflect the film: that everyone knew many rise or fall on how well they handle this aspect of a hero.
Stark’s secret identity. Marvel had no issue with that, Fortunately, not every hero has come out, even after the Civil
either. War.

AI: Tony, Fury, Viper, Madame Masque AI: Let’s turn our attention to Iron Man
(aka Whitney Frost)- all scarred and Tony Stark. As a
characters. Do I detect a theme or writer/creator,
subtle undercurrent? what draws you
to the character
Robert: Yep. Damaged people was of Tony Stark?
a theme although I didn’t do much Give us a your
of that with Fury outright. Still, he’s observations on
to be counted. I wanted to deal the core of who
with masks and getting beyond Tony Stark is;
the physical appearance or
disfigurement to the soul within. Robert: Tony is
a genius who has
AI: You seem to have a great grown up with a family
respect for Iron Man/Marvel’s legacy that came with
(past) continuity. Observant it expectations that
readers can spot many nods he dutifully followed
to Tony/Shellhead’s past. In without question until,
your novel, you seem to be literally, something blew
synthesizing the comic and up that opened his eyes
movie continuity- something to the responsibilities that
you tip your hat to in the come with great power –
historical notes. Was there a in his case both economic
reason for this? Why? and intellectual. He’s been
atoning for that ever since,
Robert: Once I knew I using his genius and armor
could set the story in the to make the world a better
comics continuity, I knew place.
that diehard Iron Man
and Marvel fans would He’s a man of excesses, working
appreciate grounding till he drops from exhaustion
the story within the or drinking until it becomes
Marvel Universe an addiction. Those excesses
that existed in the manifest themselves repeatedly
late 1960s. There was throughout his career from the
more but Marvel had me remove Tony’s many women he’s dated to the
references to many of his super-powered colleagues at the Fifty-State Initiative.
time.
AI: How about Iron Man? Many writers see the two as
I tried to be faithful to the chronology which allowed me to somewhat dichotomous characters. Do you see Shellhead as
figure out who were the major industrialists/rivals of the day, a shadow-self (re. Myers-Briggs typology) to Tony or just an
who was likely to be in Tony’s social set (such as Kyle Richmond) amplified expression of what’s already there?
and who was on staff at SI. Fans appreciate the nods and casual
readers get the feeling this is a richer world. Robert: Iron Man is the persona Stark has created to
personally effect change, things that SI or his great wealth
AI: What’s your take and/or comment(s) on the whole “losing could not accomplish. To me, Iron Man and Stark are almost

14
 AI: Harold “Happy” Hogan?
interchangeable.
He doesn’t change his speech patterns when in the Robert: Your best friend.
armor, for example. The armor protects the body and soul, but
it’s still Tony Stark. AI: Jim “Rhodey” Rhodes?
AI: Why do you think the character and mythos surrounding Robert: Capable sidekick.
Iron Man has endured for over 40 years? Your thoughts on why
Shellhead’s movie resonated so well with the general public, AI: Stark Industries?
because outside of certain circles, he was/is seen as a B-list
character in Marvel’s stable. Robert: Cutting edge.
Robert: Unlike many of Stan’s earlier creations, women found AI: Nick Fury?
Tony Stark incredibly appealing. It might have been the Errol
Flynn mustache or the fabulous wealth, but I recall Stan saying Robert: One of the all-time great spies.
repeatedly if women read heroes, they read Iron Man. That
certainly has helped his endurance. AI: SHIELD?
Iron Man is unique in several ways – from the wealth to the Robert: Don’t yield, back SHIELD.
damaged body (still not sure why Archie Goodwin had the heart
transplant storyline). The entire corporate life and international AI: Whitney Frost/Madame Masque?
intrigue also set him apart from the other Marvel heroes. His rise
and fall has been a repeated storyline and we all like to cheer for Robert: Damaged goods in need of
the underdog, which, despite his wealth, is Tony Stark. redemption.
The movie version worked because it was strong on AI: Maggia?
characterization for everyone in addition to heavy themes
about responsibility and overcoming adversity. Well written, Robert: Second class.
well cast, and well directed, everything came together so well,
we were delighted. AI: Viper?
AI: Ultimate Tony / Iron Man, “Classic Marvel Universe” Tony / Robert: Deadly and all-too-frequently mishandled.
Iron Man, or RDjr. version?
AI: Hydra?
Robert: As a kid, I was weaned on the “Classic Marvel Universe”
Tony so he comes first, followed by RDjr. since he played that Robert: Endless threat to humanity.
character. I find the Ultimate Tony so inconsistently portrayed I
have no real feel for him. AI: Who is/are your favorite supporting character(s)?
AI: Favorite Iron Man villain? Robert: I have a soft spot for Pepper as seen in the book
but I loved what David Michelinie did with Mrs. Arbogast. I
Robert: I find these tough questions. In some ways, it’s Madame also saw a lot of untapped potential in Jasper Sitwell.
Masque (who was also damaged but allowed it to make her
bitter and remain committed to the Maggia) and in others AI: It seems that the entertainment industry, as a whole, is
it’s Justin Hammer (who used super-villains to undermine his becoming more networked, some would even say incestuous,
corporate rival). (i.e. comic and video game related television series, movies,
mass market paperback tie-ins, etc.) what are your feelings on
AI: Let’s play “word association.” Using three words or short this, both short- and long-term?
phrases describe: Tony Stark?
Robert: The new buzzword is transmedia fiction, that is, a
Robert: Cool exec with a heart of steel. franchise created to have a unified continuity/backstory carried
across all the platforms. It’s great for newer franchises just
AI: Iron Man? getting off the ground, such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Halo.
For consumers, it’s great because they don’t have to adjust their
Robert: The Golden Avenger. thinking about how a character thinks and acts in comics versus
a video game. Handled right, it can be a great way to build
AI: Virginia “Pepper” Potts? audiences.
Robert: Incredibly capable and hot.

15
 One of the debates I used to have with Bill Jemas was regarding
the many differing incarnations of X-Men (animated, live-
action, comics) which, in my mind, diluted, our ability to build
a consistent image in the consumers’ mind who these people
were. He thought the more the merrier.

AI: Do you think this is a healthy trend?

Robert: Again, done right, I think this can be a terrific way

of introducing new elements to an existing world. A simple
example would be Admiral Akbar first appeared in the Star
Wars comic strip before the movies. It could just as easily
be a new locale or threat that can be developed off to the
side before being brought to the forefront of the prime
medium for the property.

AI: Dream project? Weirdest or most out there project?

Future plans?

Robert: I don’t have a dream project today although I

am trying to get some original works off the desk and
into print.

Weirdest was the Weekly World News stuff and

nothing I’m doing today comes close.

As for the future, in 2010 I have a young

readers Batman book, The Essential Superman
Encyclopedia (cowritten with Martin Pasko) and
Wonder Woman: Amazon. Hero. Icon. Ideally, I’d
love to write more super-hero fiction, be it an Iron Man tale
or someone else.

AI: Any plans to re-visit Shellhead and co.?

Robert: If invited by DelRey Books or Tom Brevoort, I’d be

keen to do more. Tom kindly made himself available when I
had questions and has seen the book, so if he liked it, maybe
he’ll call. If not, I’ll kick back, wait for the sequel film
and keep reading the comics. Once a fan,
always a fan.

AI: Thank you for your

time and insight!

Robert: My pleasure.

16
 e Stark
u but long-tim
ss th is ne w s along to yo t., re tir ed , passed
St ar k, I’m sorry to pa . of th e Gr aphics Dep ow he
M r. gr kn
orge Tuska,
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Mrs. Arbogas

George
Tuska
By Chris Frye

He’s been a part of the history of comics since the beginning of the Silver-Age. He’s one of that
Age’s quintessential artists, held in high regard by many of his contemporaries and their protégés
for his story-telling ability and reliability. He’s well into his sixth decade as an illustrator and
painter. He defined the look of Marvel’s Iron Man for almost a decade.

At 92 years of age, he still plays golf, lift weights and paints. As well as wielding a mean quill and
brush, he also has a keen wit (When asked about his interests outside of illustration he replied,
“…I enjoy playing golf. I do some weight-lifting–trying to look like Thor…). Advanced Iron and
Ferro-Files is proud to present this exclusive interview with comics legend George Tuska:

Advanced Iron (AI): In terms of your professional credentials, what

kind of training / schooling did you have and where did this take
place?

George Tuska: I attended the National Academy of Design for

training. When I attended it was located on 104th Street and
Amsterdam Ave in New York City. Now it is located on 5th Ave.
in New York City. Prior to that, a small art school on the east-
side (of New York)–Jack Kirby was a classmate.

AI: Your first professional job?

George: Designing costume jewelry, preparing 3 view

dimensions (for production) in New York City.

AI: And you’re still active.

George: I’m going on my 68th year as an artist. I will

turn 92 this April. [As of this printing, George is now 93!-
-Ed]

AI: How did you get your start as an illustrator? If not in

comics, when and where did you start your professional
illustration career?

George: I did illustration for Fiction House (Shark

Brody) and (advertising) illustrations for Johnston &
Cushing.

AI: How did you get your start in the comics industry? How did you get your start with
Marvel? Did you always want to pursue a career as a “funny book” artist?

George: Through applying at a referral agency in New York City. (I) received a call from the firm Eisner & Iger and
showed up (to the interview) with the wrong samples. I didn’t know it was comic book (work). I asked them, for another

17
 chance. They liked what I did and (I) was hired. Iger hired me;
(Will) Eisner was in charge of the artists.

AI: First published / professional comics work?

George: My first (work) with comic books was (on newspaper

strips) with Eisner & Iger’s studio. It may have been Shark
Brody.

AI: Longest tenure in the filed of comics?

George: I’ve been in the comics field for over 60 years and
I’m still (going) at it. Don’t know where I stayed the longest;
I liked to jump around a lot. Probably was with Marvel for
about 10 years.

AI: Did you enjoy your time in the comics industry?

George: At first, I wasn’t sure about comic books. As

time went by I got to enjoy doing it. Working for Stan
(Lee) at Marvel was always easy and fun.

AI: You’ve worked on numerous other Silver-Age

characters.

George: Uncle Sam, The Spirit, Captain Marvel...

almost all (of the) Marvel & D.C. characters. The Tower
G e o rg e :
Superheroes.
Captain America #5. Russ Jones
(was the) inker. It was probably the action and the
AI: Any that held the same level of fascination /
(use and spotting of the) blacks.
interest as Iron Man for you?
AI: Any particular story or strip do you wish would have never
George: Captain America is one.
seen the ink of a printing press? Why?
AI: What character or story was your favorite to
George: There have been some, (but) I do the best to make
draw?
(whatever) it (is I’m drawing) look good.
George: Hard to say. I’ve done most (characters)
AI: Prior to Iron Man, you worked on quite a variety of books
for years. It’s like one big family. (I) enjoyed Buck
including: Captain Marvel, Crime Does Not Pay, and Doc Savage.
Rogers and the Crime Does Not Pay stories (I did)
Today though, you are most closely associated with the body
for Lev Gleason in the Fifties.
of work you did on Iron Man, both in Tales of Suspense and Iron
Man. How many years were you the penciller for Shellhead?
Hated romance stories, very dull.
How many issues did this include?
AI: You worked on the Scorchy Smith, Superman and
George: Worked on Iron Man for probably 10 years on & off; I’ve
Buck Rogers newspaper strips. What other work have
never kept track of the issues. Some fans would know. [They sure
you done that comic readers might not be familiar
would: George provided the artwork for 71 issues of Iron Man. Thanks to
with? How was working on a newspaper strip different
A.I.’s own R. Ott II--Ed.]
from doing a full book?
AI: Your look for Iron Man was very distinct, differing from
George: Working for a newspaper (strip)–it’s severe on
previous artists’ interpretations. What motivated you to give Iron
time. Comics–it’s like a rest period between stories. (I’m)
Man a sleeker look?
most proud of working in syndicatied newspaper stripes.
In my day, when you got those kinds of jobs, you had made
George: The previous Iron Man costume appeared too
a name for yourself. Comic book art was more fun, less
mechanical to me. (I) tried to make him look less stiff; like he
pressure–but not recognized as respectable.
wasn’t in armor but rather a flexible costume. There was (n)o
character (to it). I thought of adding a little human touch.
AI: Is there any particular issue you illustrated that stands out
as a personal favorite? Why?

18
It (my interpretation) went over well. George: I’ve re-created the cover to Iron Man #8 so many
times I feel most associated with that issue.
AI: We’re just wondering, was the “nose” on Iron Man’s faceplate
your idea? AI: Not too long ago, one of your Iron Man-penciled
stories was reprinted in a giant-sized issue of Iron Man.
George: I’ve heard a lot of it from the fans. It was never my idea. The particular story, Iron Man #78, was reprinted because
(It was) whoever did the inking might have added the nose. I it received the majority of votes from fans in an on-line
know it wasn’t me. poll. How is your work generally received by fans when
you go to conventions and other such gatherings? What
AI: Who was your favorite Iron Man writer to work with and characters/stories do most fans ask you about?
why?
George: Fans are great. Depending on their age, they
George: There are several. Bill Mantlo–he made his figures talk to me about many things during my career that I’ve
moving. I liked the early stories with Archie Goodwin. He was forgotten (about). At my first convention in San Diego,
also good (to work with). fans were asking for Iron Man mostly, along with Captain
America, Wonder Woman, Luke Cage and others.
AI: Did you contribute to storylines or points within stories?
AI: Since much of your work at Marvel is from the 60s and
George: Sometimes I did contribute. I (could) get carried away. 70s, do you find many younger fans that are familiar with
Sometimes it was accepted… (D)uring the drawing (I) included your work, especially on Iron Man?
small dramatic changes to fit the story but usually (I) just stuck
to the pre-discussed plot. George: Some of the younger fans (know my work from)
Iron Man and still ask for (me to draw) Iron Man (for them).
AI: What was your favorite storyline to draw while doing Iron Other characters too. Most of my fans are the parents, 35
Man? and older.

George: (I) liked the Mandarin stories when I had a chance to AI: If you could work on any project, what would George
draw Asian settings. Tuska’s dream project be? Who would be involved (i.e.
writer, inker, colorist, characters, etc.)?
AI: What work, Iron Man or otherwise, are you most proud of?
Why? George: Iron Man fighting many characters–a real battle-
royale! Stan Lee or Gary Freidrich as writer, Mike Esposito as
inker.

Currently, I am enjoying painting comic book heroes. [You can

find George’s penciled, inked and water- colored pictures on ebay --Ed]

AI: In your personal opinion, stylistically, how do any of the

armors Iron Man has donned in the past 40 years compare
to the armor you drew? Any renditions that have been a
personal favorite?

George: I think that the armor went from bulky early on

to bulky later on. When I drew him the armor was just right
because it didn’t look heavy. Today he looks too much like a
robot.

AI: What artist, who is or was a contemporary of yours, do

you count as a favorite?

George: I’ve had a lot of favorites in my time. (Jack) Kirby

was the best, most complete artist I ever worked with!
John Buscema was another- good with anatomy and
figures.

AI: What about modern artists? Do you have a favorite?

George: Today, I like artists like Mike Mignola and Brian

Bolland. An artist whose style you can immediately

19
 identify is always interesting.

AI: What do you think of current popular styles

in comics such as Japanese
influenced illustration
(manga), photo-realism,
computer-aided drawing,
layouts and colors?

George: It’s a style all its own, but

to me the colors seem mechanical
rather than artistic. Styles will
always change in comics. I’m not to
judge; it’s the fans and their opinions
(that count).

AI: You, as well as Bob Layton and

David Michelinie, are cited as several of
the most influential Iron Man creators by
fans. Are you familiar with Bob & Dave’s
work? Any comments?

George: I thought they did a great job.

They were the next generation. Bob’s inking
always was distinct; he’s the Joe Sinnott of
his generation.

AI: Would you characterize yourself as a lifelong

comic book reader? Fan? Do you currently read
comics? Iron Man? Any other titles?

George: (I) get some (comics) free in the mail and

use them for reference. I haven’t really kept up with the George: Thanks to you and the many fans out there who
stories, but I enjoy looking at the art teams. Sorry to say have supported my work all these years.
I don’t know who’s working on Iron Man these days.
AI: No, Mr. Tuska, Thank You!
AI: Any thoughts or comments on the Iron Man movie
starring Robert Downey Jr.? Did you see the movie? [A.I.-F.F.: George Tuska remained active and involved with the comics
community by attending conventions, industry awards ceremonies and
George: Yes. Was great. continued to do commissions for fans up until his death. The Advanced
Iron staff are incredibly honored that Mr. Tuska took the time to speak
AI: As the artist who has made such a significant with us, and wish his family the best.]
and definitive contribution to the character and mythos
of Iron Man; we, the contributors to Advanced Iron and
the fans of Iron Man worldwide, thank you for your
generosity. Thank you for being willing to take the
time to share your thoughts and feelings with us,
again. We sincerely thank you.

20
 by Brent O’Hara (and the message board members of Advanced Iron)
As a long time fan and A.I. contributor, I can think of no better way to celebrate 75 issues of Iron Man’s greatest fan magazine
than to review the hero’s greatest moments in comics. And how do we determine which moments REALLY are the best?
We poll the world’s biggest Iron Man fans, of course. Well, the Advanced Iron board members have spoken, so I present to you:

Iron Man’s Greatest Comic Book Moments

Greatest comic-book moment for Votes Then Go To:
Feats Of Strength Iron Man #259 - Iron Man
presses a massive nuclear
Best Moment - Iron Man #132 reactor out of the earth.
Coming in as the most popular vote is that
Iron Man #204 - Iron Man lifts
famous moment where Iron Man knocks out
an AIM sub from the ocean.
the Hulk. Iron Man channeled all the power
his classic mark 4 suit could muster into one Iron Man #145 - Iron Man
monster-felling punch. Of course, it fried the holds up a tipping freighter.
suit and required a rescue mission to get him Avengers West Coast #54 - IM
Iron Man #132 out. But this proved his powerhouse status. transports a giant monster.

Greatest comic-book moment for Votes Then Go To:

Displays Of Raw Power Secret Wars #4 - Iron Man
blows the entire side out
Best Moment - Iron Man #275 of a mountain.
Iron Man has to team up with the Mandarin
to stop the Makkluan dragons, and in doing Iron Man #282 - War machine!
so, super-charges the Mandarin’s rings. This Iron Man #228 - A battle of
creates an explosive force so devastating repulsors with the guardsmen.
that it tears a temporary rift in space/time.
This moment wins the Advanced Iron vote Iron Man #197/Illuminati #5 -
Iron Man #275 for overt display of raw Iron Man power. IM plugs in to a power plant!

Greatest comic-book moment for Votes Then Go To:

High Flying Adventure Iron Man #119 - In the follow-
Best Moment - Iron Man #118 up to #118, Iron Man battles
Capturing our imaginations so vividly, this Soviet MIGs in aerial battle.
bit of aerial drama even got a nod in the IM vol.3 #11+12- The battle
second Iron Man movie trailers. Advanced with Parnell’s War machine.
Iron Fans voted this as the most memorable
Iron Man #145 & #226 -
in-air scene in the comics: Stark gets thrown
Rounds one and two with
unconscious from the Helicarrier and has to
the aerial armored Raiders.
Iron Man #118 get into the suit before hitting the ground.

Greatest comic-book moment for Votes Then Go To:

(Tales Of) Suspense Iron Man #124 - Hammer’s
control causes IM to kill!
Best Moment - Iron Man #215
Not quite so unanimous on this one, with a Iron Man #199 - Circuits
wide variety of story moments cast as best Maximus is destroyed, so
in Iron Man suspense. But the clear winner who is that on the stretcher?
is Rhodey’s suit igniting upon re-entry from
With other notable moments
space. Bob and Dave deliver this classic cliff
in Iron Man #138,169, 220,
hanger during their second run on the title.
298 and 310.
Iron Man #215 Will Rhodes survive the journey back to earth?

21
 Greatest comic-book moment for Votes Then Go To:
Funny Moments Various - “I hate magic”
Best Moment - Iron Man #120 Iron Man #138 - Rhodes and
Top spot goes to a running gag that started Stark’s Maggia adventure.
in #120 and is fully realized in #123 & #137. Iron Man #150/250 - Iron
Stark (quite literally) keeps running into the Man quips with Dr. Doom.
same old lady every time he needs to suit up. With other noted moments
Most of the votes in this category are aimed in Iron Man #130,134, 221
at the Michelinie/Layton runs, and primarily & 145.
Iron Man #120 from their first (so what does that tell you).

Greatest comic-book moment for Votes Then Go To:

Moments Of Horror Iron Man #237 - A bio-weapon
awakens in the space station!
Best Moment - Iron Man #242
This surprising cliff hanger gets the most Iron Man #232- Iron Man faces
votes: after defeating the mandarin, Tony his demons in a nightmare.
Stark’s obsessive ex Kathy Dare is waiting Iron Man #130- All-Devourer!
for him when he arrives at home in LA. After
some earlier set up showing her creepy With other noted moments
manoeverings, we see that she’s armed and in Iron Man #169,199, 172 &
249.
Iron Man #242 shoots him in the chest, stunning readers.

Greatest comic-book moment for Votes Then Go To:

Epic Moments Iron Man #150 - Iron Man and
Best Moment - Iron Man #200 the knights of Camelot face Dr.
The death of his friend has made clear the Doom and an army of the dead
need for what must be done. Tony Stark must on the batlefield.
stop Obadiah Stane and that means once Iron Man #231- “I lied.”
again donning the Iron Man armor after a
Iron Man #300- The Iron Legion
long, arduous hiatus. A number of points in
vs Ultimo
this issue got recognition, so I’m going to list
Iron Man #200 the whole issue as getting the most epic vote. & Iron Man #162, 182, 191, 107

Greatest comic-book moment for Votes Then Go To:

Saving The Day Iron Man #274 - Iron Man saves
Best Moment - Iron Man #300 the Mandarin and Rhodey.
A landslide win for this centennial issue. As Avengers #197 - The team is
Iron Man wakes from his coma to don a new stuck in the elevator!
Modular armor and join the battle, Ultimo
Iron Man #155 - Pithins’ son.
has already bested the Iron Legion. While they
hang on as best they can, Iron Man arrives Iron Man #135 - Titanium Man.
to defeat the giant robot with his new armor Iron Man #222 - To the party.
Iron Man #300 ...and a bolt of lightning.

A big thanks to everyone that participated in the poll. I’ll be returning to an

article format in the next issue, but this was a great way to pay tribute to #75.

There have been so many great stories over the last (almost) 50 years. It’s
been a pleasure to watch how much the presentation and writing styles
have changed. I’m sure today’s books will have their own share of greatest
moments for generations to come. But still, for me, I do miss a lot of what
made the heyday of comics so great. I’ll be paying homage to that era with a
fan-fiction comic story as part of the column, starting right here. Part 1...

22
 By Heath McKnight

Welcome to another edition of Metal Head! It’s a special time here at Advanced Iron,
as we celebrate the 75th issue in our nearly 20 year history! I’ll have more thoughts on
that after I discuss the latest news, covering The Avengers, Iron Man 3, Thor 2, Captain
America 2, Guardians of the Galaxy, Ant-Man and Man of Steel.

THE AVENGERS

The Avengers opened in late April (internationally) and early May (North America) and
kicked all sorts of butt, both critically and box office-wise, sitting at the number three
spot of all-time domestic box office (behind Avatar and Titanic). Disney and Marvel
want a sequel, but there aren’t any details yet, except that Thanos could be the villain,
as seen at the end of the first film, and hopefully Joss Whedon will return. He has said
of a potential sequel, he wants it “smaller... more personal, painful.” I think it’ll be bigger
than the first one, but the emotions will be sharper. Re-hire Whedon!! Also, Kevin Feige
has stated that Iron Man 3 kicks off the next round of Marvel Universe films that will
lead up to Avengers 2, likely in 2015.

IRON MAN 3

30
Iron Man 3 started shooting in Wilmington,
North Carolina, soon after The Avengers
premiered, and will head to China later this
summer. Already spy photos from the set have
emerged on set, including a patriotic War
Machine (not Iron Patriot, as we once thought),
a sign for a certain rival company known as
AIM, shots of Favs returning as Happy Hogan,
and more.

Shane Black (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, the script

for Lethal Weapon) is directing, and Robert
Downey Jr. is onboard as Stark/Iron Man,
plus Don Cheadle returns as Rhodey, Samuel
L. Jackson as Fury, and Gwyneth Paltrow as
Pepper Potts. Joining them are James Dale
Badge as Coldblood and Ashley Hamilton as
Firepower. Black said the plot and villain will
be a sort of Tom Clancy-style thriller, with Iron
Man fighting real-world villains.

Comic-Con 2012 debuted new footage, and

Ben Kingsley was indeed confirmed as The
Mandarin, dressed exactly like the comics
version. Excellent! The new armor was shown
off, and there’s a lot more gold and yellow than
red, and the armor can fly onto Stark, piece by
piece, hinting at Extremis.

31
 Drew Pearce, who wrote the un-
produced Runaways for Marvel, is
handling scripting duties, but you
know Black has re-written it. It looks
like they’ll use elements from the
Extremis comic (not my favorite),
New cast members confirm the
Extremis storyline including Guy
Pearce as Aldrich Killian, Rebecca
Hall as a scientist (Maya Hansen?),
Andy Lau, and Sir Ben Kingsley. Could
The Mandarin unleash the Extremis
virus?

The movie opens May 3, 2013, with

Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios
producing and Disney releasing the
film. After Disney bought out Marvel,
they took over releasing all the
Marvel Studios films from Paramount,
starting with The Avengers.

32
THOR 2 AND CAPTAIN AMERICA 2
Not much is known about either films’ sequels,
but Thor 2, titled The Dark World, will open on
November 15, 2013, with Don Payne (one of
the credited writers on the first Thor) writing
the first draft, and Oscar winner Robert Rodat
(Saving Private Ryan) penning the latest
draft. Kenneth Branagh won’t be returning to
direct, for whatever reason, so a new director
was hired, Patty Jenkins (Monster), the first
female director for a Marvel Studios movie.
For whatever reason, she left the project, or
was fired, depending on the day, so a new
director was found in The Game of Thrones’
Alan Taylor. Due to scheduling, Zachary Levi
(Chuck) is taking over the role of Fandral from
Josh Dallas. Ironically, Levi was supposed to
have the role in the first film, but lost it due to
his own scheduling conflicts. The film opens
November 8, 2013.

As for Captain America: The Winter Soldier, it’ll

open as one of three movies in 2014, on April
4, and it looks like Sebastian Shaw (Bucky) is
back. At any rate, Cap 2 will take place in the
present day, mostly, though new directors
Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, are hinting it
may have some World War 2 flashbacks, I’m
assuming to show what happened to Bucky. The
directors are comic book fans and producers on
Community and directors of several TV shows.
Interesting.

Marvel also revealed that Guardians of the

Galaxy will debut in 2014, and Edgar Wright
(Shaun of the Dead) showed off a quick test
reel he directed of Ant-Man, which could also
debut in 2014, bringing three Marvel Cinematic
Universe films that year, all part of Phase Two
film plans.

33
 MAN OF STEEL
Warner Bros. debuted the teaser trailer of Man
of Steel in front of Christopher Nolan’s final
Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises (which I really
enjoyed). Henry Cavill is playing Superman/
Clark Kent, with Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Russell
Crowe as Jor-El, Diane Lane as Ma Kent, Kevin
Costner as Pa Kent and Michael Shannon as Zod.
There are other actors, also impressive, that are
rumored, but nothing has been solid yet.

The film shot in Illinois during the summer 2011

for an original release date in December 2012, but
bumped to summer 2013. No word on the plot,
except it’s a new telling of why Clark becomes
Superman, essentially Superman Begins. Something Goyer told Nolan while they were
throwing ideas around for The Dark Knight Rises. Goyer wrote the script, Nolan is one of the
producers (and helped hatch the story idea)

ADVANCED IRON’S 75th ISSUE

This is a big deal for us, as Advanced Iron puts out its 75th issue! The website and e-zine started
modestly enough as a small print publication from Bill Egan, and the earliest contributors
were Iron Mike Kalibabky, Jason Stephens, Dave Huber, Roger Ott and others. I wrote my first
Metal Head (not titled then) for the April 1995 edition, and it was about the failed Iron Man
movie at Universal, but Fox picked it up, before New Line got it, lost it, and Marvel Studios
finally produced the movie in 2008.

The official launch of Metal Head was later that summer, and Mike
K. was a key part of my style. Back then, I’d even draw little Iron
Man artwork and I had an AI cover (based on a Mike Wieringo Flash
picture) in 1996. I left in 1997 or so, but returned in 2000, and haven’t
left since. I especially love writing and linking to movie news on the
AI boards, where you can stay up-to-date on all sorts of Iron Man
movie and comic news, along with videogames, other comics and
general discussions.

Metal Head was my first gig at writing, aside from my little

screenplays and movies I wrote for film school, and it helped
me grow as a writer. I have since co-written two books on HD
production, done reviews and articles on professional video
production gear and software and I am currently a full-time
writer for TopTenREVIEWS (I’m taking a break from film and video
production, my biggest passion). But it all goes back to Bill giving
me a chance at writing Metal Head in 1995, and Mike K., Huber,
Jason and everyone’s encouragement and advice. To which, I’m
eternally grateful. Here’s to another 75 issues of Advanced Iron,
the greatest Iron Man fanzine out there! And I’d also like to thank
Iron Man John, Vic, Brent and everyone on AI!

ps-Check out my killer Iron Man tattoos at http://facebook.com/heathmcknight

(friend me and you’ll see them all)! Sources: I used the great ScreenRant.com and
CoronaComingAttractions.com for all the stories.

Thanks, guys!!

34
 • Roger’s Ironing Board

by Roger A. Ott II

Dreams really can come true, though sometimes it just takes awhile. In my case, it took a couple
decades.
In late 1982, Marvel released the first publication to carry the title of Official Handbook of the Marvel
Universe. Spearheaded by the late Mark Gruenwald, the OHotMU served as a statistics and specifications
guidebook to the various people, places and things that were part of Marvel’s comic book universe. I
didn’t initially buy the series, as the price point was almost double the cost of a regular comic, and for
a twelve-year-old boy I was already buying a lot of books with
my allowance. The first issue I bought was #10, which featured
Spider-Man, at that time my favorite character (it would be a
couple more years before Iron Man knocked him from that spot).
This book told me the basic origins of the character, quantified
his powers, and gave biographical and physical data like where
he was born and how tall he was. I spent the extra dollar to
get the book and I was hooked immediately. That series ran
15 issues, ending with a tech guide to weapons and hardware.
In late 1985, the first issue of the OHotMU Deluxe Edition hit
stands, expanding the concept to cover more of Marvel’s world,
and updating information from the previous version. It was
then, at the age of fourteen, that I first realized my desire to be
a handbook writer.
Flash forward about 16 years. In 2001, there hadn’t been a
handbook for a long time, and I was jonesing for more character
statistics. I had also begun teaching myself Microsoft’s Visual
Basic programming language, and decided to create a database

35
 program that compiled all the data from the various iterations of the
handbook into one central source that could be easily updated as necessary.
Over the next three years I entered all the existing OHotMU entries into my
database. Then in 2004, Marvel produced the first handbook since 1993,
spearheaded this time by a young man named Jeff Christiansen, who had
created a website devoted to all the obscure and oddball characters that
existed in the Marvel Universe. I redesigned my database app to be more
in line with this latest version of the Handbooks, and tried to keep up on
entering all the new characters. In 2007, I joined a message board where
Handbook writers and fans could interact, where fans could provide wish
lists of characters we wanted to see profiled, talk about the latest releases,
and bring up the occasional errata.

In 2010, I asked if I could present my database application on the board

for feedback, and was given the OK. I posted some screenshots and
got some very positive attention from peers and pros alike. Around this
same time, an amateur submission thread was opened on the OHotMU
message board, and I submitted two profiles: Dr. Theron Atlanta from the
Denny O’Neil Iron Man era, and “Lefty” Donovan, a Hobgoblin stooge from
the 80s Roger Stern run. One of the OHotMU head writers critiqued my
submissions and said they were of fairly good quality for a first attempt.
Shortly after, I was contacted and offered the opportunity to do an
audition piece for possible inclusion in an upcoming Handbook. To say
I was excited was an absolute understatement. Here was my chance to
write for Marvel, and more specifically, for the Handbooks! Apparently my
first effort was considered acceptable, and I’ve done several other profiles
since, as well as taking on other research and writing projects as they’re
offered.

My first published work appeared in the late spring 2011 debut issue
of volume two of Jonathan Hickman’s excellent SHIELD series. As
supplemental material, I wrote character profiles for Nostradamus, Nikola
Tesla, and Nathaniel Richards/Howard Stark. In September, 2011, the
Fantastic Four: 50 Fantastic Years handbook came out, featuring three
profiles (Andro, FF 2099, and the extraterrestrial Gh’runjians). October saw
the release of Vampires: The Marvel Undead, which I wrote three profiles
for (Adri Nital, Nocturne and Verdelet). At this point, my profile work had
consisted of taking on a couple smaller profiles to help lessen the

load on the other writers. However, In November of 2011, History of the Marvel Universe hit store shelves,
chronicling the vast background of arguably the greatest fictional universe ever. I wrote 10 pages with
the 1980s, featuring a few defining moments with our favorite Shellhead. December’s handbook offering,
Defenders: Strange Heroes, was the point where I became fully part of the overall handbook process, and it
was a challenge. Admittedly, the Defenders had never been one of my favorite comics growing up, so I was
unfamiliar with the material and had a lot of research to do, which turned out to be some of the most fun I’d

36
 had at that point. I learned a lot about concise writing doing those seven
profiles (Dafydd ap Iowerth, Chorus, Gamma Spores, Sunshine Gross, Here
& There, Ludberdites and the Star of Capistan). Around this same time, I
also wrote the Green Goblin (Bart Hamilton) profile for the Spider-Man:
Through the Decades trade paperback. I also got tapped for a couple non-
handbook projects, pulling out two recap pages for the Fantastic Four by
John Byrne Omnibus, three recap pages for the Origin of the Hobgoblin
trade paperback (a true thrill since Hobgoblin is my all-time favorite villain),
and writing a four-page saga of Ben Reilly, the clone Spider-Man for January
2012’s debut issue of the new Scarlet Spider series.

At some point, I had inquired about helping with art refurbishment for the
handbooks, and was given a chance to assist with some images for the
release of the trade paperback versions of the OHotMU Hardcover series.
Art refurbishment consists of taking old comic panels, removing extraneous
details such as word balloons, reconstructing details that might have been
obscured by the word balloons or other elements of the image, and finally
recoloring the image. This is a HUGE process, but very gratifying.

The current pinnacle of my Marvel work has been getting to write eight
profiles for the Avengers Roll Call handbook, which was published to
coincide with the big-screen release of the Avengers movie. I asked for, and
was graciously allowed to write profiles for top Avengers Captain America
and Iron Man, chronicle the defeat of the Avengers in Under Siege, profile
the more obscure characters Jason Beere and Death Tiger, and bookend it
all with three extraterrestrial races – the Ba-Bani, Kallusians, and Vorms). I
also got to do some art refurbishment for the Hawkeye, Karnak, Tyrak, Ba-
Bani and Cat People profiles, and recolor the main Vorms image.

From assignment to publication, a handbook takes about six months to

finish, and there is so much going on during that time. It’s been a wonderful
ride so far, and the OHotMU team is just a great bunch of people to work
with. However, just because it’s fun, and just because I get paid to read
comic books, don’t think it’s not work!

Stop by the Comixfan OHotMU Message Board “Who Watches the Watchers?”
at: http://www.comixfan.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=375

Check out my OHotMU-inspired database application, Marvel Legacy,

at: http://www.ro2solutions.com/marvel-legacy.html

37
38
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT

4:1

Est. shot of the White House.

CAPTION
Washington, D.C.

VOICE (from West Wing)

So what? He chewed-out a Latverian
ambassador. Ain't no thing.

It's Tony-freakin'-Stark we're talkin' about!

EXT. WHITE HOUSE - WEST WING CONFERENCE ROOM

4: 2

A folder sits under a cup of coffee and a half-eaten danish. The folder is marked:
BELTWAY STRATEGY GROUP, POLITICAL CONSULTANCY AND FUNDRAISING.
SERVICING WASHINGTON, D.C. SINCE 1993.

VOICE (off panel)

Listen, if he's a good boy...

...begs for forgiveness on the evening news...

...promises to send money to

some Latverian charity...

4:3

Down the length of the table we see three frazzled SPIN DOCTORS (two men, one
woman). The woman, a salty, older babe, points a cherry sucker at the others as
she continues to serve up sage advice.

SPIN DOC #1
... and does his rehab thing at Betty Ford...

...he just might get survivor credit.

4:4

39
 Spin Doctor #2 cups the top of his head in his hands and stares at the tabletop.

Spin Doctor #3 is convinced he's got the answer.

SPIN DOC #2
Sure, sure. Everybody loves a comeback!

But if we're gonna blow smoke up America's skirt,

we'll need somethin' bigger than that!

SPIN DOC #3
I got it...a celebrity marriage!

Totally scripted reality t.v. from

engagement to nuptials.

PAGE 5

5:1

Big wide shot. Everyone in the room is riffin'.

SPIN DOC #3
He's still with that model, right?

SPIN DOC #2
She's not a model--just famous.
Famous for bein' famous. Wealthy too.

SPIN DOC #3
And hot as wasabe.

SPIN DOC #1
Oh yeah, she is Japanese.
That a problem?

SPIN DOC #2
The super hero and the geisha girl!
Me likee.

SPIN DOC #1
Before you know it, Stark's on late night

40
 t.v. crackin' honeymoon jokes.

SPIN DOC #3
One week later, nobody'll care
who's Secretary of Defense. Again.

SPIN DOC #1
They just wanna watch blurry images of the
wedding night over the internet.

SPIN DOC #2
And, the beauty part,
the newlyweds can
split up right after election.

5:2

The President's Press Secretary, ARTIE PITHIMS, and Chief of Staff STU CONRAD
have entered the room.

ARTIE
Sorry to interrupt, but the Chief of Staff
would like to...

STU
(interrupting)
That's all right, Artie.

5:3

We see the back of Stu Conrad as he addresses the Spin Doctors. Most of them
listen like attentive pre-schoolers. Except for #3, who looks annoyed. He's got his
arms crossed and he's leaning back in his chair.

STU
Look, folks, I'm sorry for any inconvenience,
and I'd like to thank you all for your hard work,
but I'm afraid plans have changed.

SPIN DOC #3
(under breath)
I knew it. The wedding's off.

41
 • by Matt Rogers, Animator, Canada

42
43
 • by Mitch Martin, Animator, Canada

44
• by Mike Campbell, Comic Artist and Host of Comics Podcast “Where Monsters Dwell“, Canada

45
 • by Dale Lerette, Graphic Artist, Canada

46
• by Luke McDonnell, penciler, Iron Man; vol. I, issues 151, 161, 163-195 and Annuals 6 & 7.

47
 • by Luke McDonnell, penciler, Iron Man; vol. I, issues 151, 161, 163-195 and Annuals 6 & 7.

48
• by JD Dishmon, USA

49
 • by Curzio Ferrara, Italy

50
• by Robin Laws, writer Iron Man; vol. III, issues 65-72: Manhunt & Vegas Bleeds Neon.

• by Bill Meiggs, Illustrator, USA

51
 • by Chris Gronlie, Canada

52
• by Gabriel Hardman, penciler, War Machine; vol. I, issues 1-8.

53