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- "I've been given a second chance and look, I'm using it to kick some ass!"
- ―Iron Man to J.A.R.V.I.S.[src]
Anthony Edward "Tony" Stark is a billionaire industrialist and CEO of Stark Industries. Stark was kidnapped by the Ten Rings in Afghanistan and created a rudimentary armor to escape his captors. He uncovered a conspiracy were the weapons manufactured by his company were smuggled by the Maggia into terrorist groups and sought to put an end to it with upgraded armors. While doing so, he found that his business partner, Obadiah Stane, was actually behind these criminal affairs, wanting to seize control of the company and merge it with A.I.M. while developing together a suit of armor rivalling Stark's. Stark and Stane ultimately fought and Stark managed to defeat his friend turned foe, emerging as the super hero Iron Man.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Backgammon Champion[]
- "Actually, between all the wine and women, I hardly had time to play in college. Didn't stop me from being undefeated."
- ―Tony Stark[src]
Stark attended university, during which he played backgammon. However, he spent a lot of time drinking and with women that he did not have time to play. However, he still won every game he played.[2]
Stark Industries CEO[]
- "I create technology. Weapons are a byproduct."
- ―Tony Stark[src]
Stark became the CEO of Stark Industries and produced weapons. He worked with Pepper Potts as his assistant and recognized that Potts consistently believed in him. Stark profited off the work of Marc Scarlotti, but later fired him, causing Scarlotti to become bitter. Stark sold a significant amount of weapons to the Maggia, especially Luchino Nefaria and Whitney Frost, Stark having a personal relationship with the latter.[2]
Ending Weapons Manufacturing[]
Kidnapped[]
- "Alone in a cave, surrounded by weapons. That is a very pointed way to die."
"Oh, there he goes again. Give it a rest, Shakespeare." - ―Ho Yinsen and Tony Stark[src]
Stark was kidnapped by the Ten Rings and put in a cave with Ho Yinsen. With Yinsen's help, Stark developed an Arc Reactor and placed it in his chest to keep him alive. Stark attempted to bribe Hajid to let him out, but Hajid instead slammed the surveillance window on Stark's hand. Yinsen saw this and commented that they did not want money, but Stark suggested they should due to the state of the cave. Yinsen explained that the Ten Rings wanted power, so Stark explained that money was required for weapons. Yinsen laid down and said that while there was a lot of money in the world, but that Stark only had one mind which he used to build weapons. Stark defended himself by explaining he developed technology, but Yinsen explained that the Ten Rings wanted the technology, suggesting that they could not be blamed for wanting what Stark clearly had.
Stark and Yinsen played backgammon together, and Stark commented on his abilities in the game. Yinsen asked whether Stark considered life to be a game, so Stark replied that life was fun and surviving was a game.
Stark developed a suit of armor with which to escape, and Yinsen noted that being in a cave surrounded by weapons would be a poetic way to die. Stark responded sarcastically and continued working on the armor, successfully developing one. Once it was finished, Stark and Yinsen admired the armor, and Yinsen noted that the Ten Rings would love it. However, Stark explained that it was for them to escape. Yinsen asked what would happen to the armor, so Stark explained that he needed to build more. He told Yinsen to look at the armor, referring to it as the future. Stark and Yinsen made a bet about whether the armor would work, and Yinsen expressed doubt.
He put the armor on and used it to escape their cell. Ten Rings insurgents attacked Stark, but he used the flamethrower in his suit to kill them. He came across several Stark Industries weapons and destroyed them. Stark saw that Yinsen getting attacked and wanted to run after him, but ultimately saw Yinsen die. Stark called for him, but kept moving through the base. He destroyed the remainder of the Ten Rings' weapons and flew away.[2]
Stopping Weapons Development[]
- "Tony, this company makes weapons. It's your family legacy."
"Was. Legacies change. People change. Maybe it's time for a new kind of company." - ―Obadiah Stane and Tony Stark[src]
Stark returned to his company and decided to end weapons manufacturing in the company. He met with Pepper Potts and Obadiah Stane about the decision while working on J.A.R.V.I.S. Stane accused Stark of attempted to ruin the company, but Stark simply stated plainly that he would not sell weapons. Stark finished his work on J.A.R.V.I.S. and Stane insisted that Stark's legacy was as a weapons developer, but Stark stated his intention to change that legacy and walked away.[2]
Field Test[]
- "All systems ready."
"All right. Let's see what this suit can do." - ―J.A.R.V.I.S. and Tony Stark[src]
Stark built a new armor and told Pepper Potts that he was running a field test. Potts asked if Stark was serious about ending weapons development, and Stark insisted that he was. Potts noted that Obadiah Stane was upset, but Stark said it was good since it was his job to worry. Stark hung up, and J.A.R.V.I.S. told him that the suit was ready.
Stark began the test and used the suit's hover capabilities to go to markers indicated by J.A.R.V.I.S. Stark hovered and returned to the ground, so J.A.R.V.I.S. indicated several more places for Stark to fly through. As Stark landed, Potts again called and suggested that Stark was making a mistake since people depended on his company for jobs, but Stark insisted that they could take care of themselves. He said that he was doing something important and hung up. Stark then flew into the air and decided to drop the suit straight down, clearing the area. Stark then moved on to testing flight and flew through each marker placed by J.A.R.V.I.S. He then rerouted energy to gain more speed. Stark entered a warehouse on the property and had J.A.R.V.I.S. activate targets which he used to test the repulsor rays in the suit, both from his hands and his chest.[2]
Attack on Stark Industries Headquarters[]
Suddenly, Pepper Potts called as armed men appeared at Stark Industries Headquarters. Potts prepared to call the police, but Stark told her not to and that he would handle it. Potts was confused, but Stark calmly told her to go to the conference room and wait to hear from him. He had J.A.R.V.I.S. end the training program and recognized the attackers as Maggia and told Potts, which confused her since the Maggia were Stark's clients. Stark realized that their intention was to take the weapons since he could not buy them.
As Stark fought the Maggia, he realized that they were attacking because the weapons were at Stark Industries Headquarters, suggesting an extreme response. The Maggia placed explosives on a freight train, threatening to cause significant damage to the surrounding area. Stark made it to the bomb and defused it, throwing it into the air and destroying it. The Maggia then stole a helicopter, so Stark flew up and attacked it. The Maggia attacked back, but Stark destroyed the helicopter. Stark checked on Potts, who asked what was happening. Stark told her that he would go to where she was.
Stark found Potts in the conference room with Obadiah Stane helping her to her feet. Stark claimed to have been taking a shower, and Stane scolded him for not being there when the company was attacked. Stark told Stane he was making him nervous, but Stane went on, suggesting they bring in extra security. However, Stark refused and decided to destroy the company's inventory of weapons, elaborating that the attack was provoked by the Maggia wanting the weapons from their inventory, so destroying them would prevent further attacks. Stane refused, but Stark ordered him to and left with Potts.
Outside the conference room, Potts asked what happened to Stark. Stark simply said that he should not have been able to escape captivity and that he knew what he needed to do. Potts did not understand, so Stark explained that he needed to destroy everything he had built. Potts claimed it was too much for Stark to handle on his own, but Stark explained he did not have a choice and told her to make sure Stane did what was asked of him. Stark then claimed to be going on a business trip and left.[2]
Taking Down the Maggia[]
Attack on the Maggia Weapons Caches[]
- "What's your blood alcohol level, Tony? What in the hell are you doing?"
- ―James Rhodes to Iron Man[src]
Stark donned a new armor and had J.A.R.V.I.S. track down Maggia weapons caches. Stark was met with Maggia resistance as he arrived at the first cache, so he fought back. J.A.R.V.I.S. warned Stark of civilians in the area, and Stark freed a civilian prisoner while also destroying the Stark Industries weapons. Stark entered a tunnel system which J.A.R.V.I.S. believed would lead to the next cache and killed the soldiers inside. He found several crates of ammunition and used them to refill his armor.
Stark fought through the soldiers which attacked him and found more civilians, who he freed. He destroyed the weapons there and continued moving through the tunnels, where he found and freed more civilians. Stark destroyed the remaining weapons and asked J.A.R.V.I.S. for confirmation that he was finished. However, J.A.R.V.I.S. said that there was a computer with which he could not interface, so Stark went to look for it, dismissing J.A.R.V.I.S.' warning of the United States Armed Forces being in the area.
Stark found the computer in a warehouse with weapons, which J.A.R.V.I.S. realized were Maggia weapons. J.A.R.V.I.S. noted that the weapons transport was nearby, so Stark searched for it. He found a large tank which attacked him, and Stark realized that the Maggia were working with the attackers. J.A.R.V.I.S. warned that the tank could fire an electromagnetic pulse to disable the armor, so Stark worked to keep his distance while destroying the tank.
Stark flew away from the battle, but was notified by J.A.R.V.I.S. that the American Air Force was scrambling jets to attack him. Stark refused to fight American soldiers and asked to be put through the command. One of the soldiers engaged a missile lock, so Stark began evading their attacks. Stark contacted the pilots and tried to explain that he was not an enemy, but the soldier did not hear him. Stark repeated himself as he slowed his armor to a halt and allowed the pilots to pass him. As one of the planes avoided Stark, it spun out of control and the pilot had to eject. Stark realized that the pilot's parachute was not working and went to rescue him while James Rhodes recognized and scolded him. Stark rescued the pilot and promised to explain to Rhodes before flying home.[2]
Pepper Potts' Pleas[]
- "You're gonna get yourself killed. Please, stop it."
"Okay, I promise. I'll stop. I'll put my head in the sand, stick out my ass, and not think about what's going on around us." - ―Pepper Potts and Tony Stark[src]
Stark returned to his mansion and found Pepper Potts in his garage. Potts pleaded with Stark not to risk his life, so Stark sarcastically promised to remain ignorant of the world around them. He noted that Potts used to believe in him and that he finally found something worthwhile. James Rhodes then arrived and asked what Stark was doing, but Stark tried to get Rhodes not to mention it in front of Potts. Potts got frustrated and simply expressed her worry about Stark, but Stark insisted that the Maggia were the problem, not him. Rhodes told Stark that the problem was him fighting a war while not being a soldier, but Stark referred to himself as an army and swore to bury the Maggia.[2]
Chase of the Maggia Weapons Transport[]
James Rhodes agreed to help Stark and directed him to an armory, though he was not able to give more precise instructions beyond it being underground in the area, noting that it would be difficult to find due to the sandstorm. J.A.R.V.I.S. notified Stark of a weapons transport nearby, which Stark followed. Stark was confronted by several Maggia soldiers, who he defeated before resuming to follow the truck. The truck arrived at another camp where Stark was attacked, but he defeated his enemies there and continued. Stark then continued to follow the truck until they reached a third camp, where he was again attacked.
Stark defeated the soldiers at the third camp, and J.A.R.V.I.S. was able to hack the Maggia's communication frequency. Stark recognized the voice of his former employee Marc Scarlotti and asked J.A.R.V.I.S. to make communication two-way. Scarlotti recognized Stark and cursed at him for firing him. Stark continued to fight the Maggia, and Rhodes informed him that they were approaching the main weapons cache. Stark confirmed that he saw it and entered the armory.
Scarlotti suddenly appeared and attacked Stark, who wondered what had happened. J.A.R.V.I.S. informed Stark on the armor Scarlotti was wearing while Stark tried to attack, but found it impossible due to Scarlotti's force field. Scarlotti used his whips to escape the fight, and Stark searched for him, only for Scarlotti to reappear and appear again. Stark used hand-to-hand combat to defeat Scarlotti and left the cache, destroying it. Rhodes complimented Stark's flying and offered him a chance to join the military, but Stark refused and insisted he was only starting.[2]
Attack on the Nefaria Compound[]
- "Enemy units detected, sir."
"The weapons I sold them. Something sort of poetic about that." - ―J.A.R.V.I.S. and Tony Stark[src]
Stark flew to the Nefaria Compound and explained to James Rhodes that the Maggia likely had more weapons than several countries and they were likely being held at the Compound. Rhodes tried to contact the person in charge of the compound, Whitney Frost, but was unable to. Rhodes reported on several bunkers within the compound, speculating that one had Frost.
J.A.R.V.I.S. indicated where the bunkers were and alerted Stark to enemy units, prompting Stark to note the poetic nature of them using Stark Industries weapons. Stark began fighting as J.A.R.V.I.S. got him the ability to contact Frost. Frost scolded him for destroying their weapons, prompting sarcasm from Stark. Stark continued to fight, but Frost fired Prometheus Missiles at civilian areas. Stark told Rhodes to evacuate the targeted areas and destroyed the missile. Frost fired several more, which Stark destroyed while searching bunkers. Stark destroyed all the bunkers and missiles, and J.A.R.V.I.S. suggested that Frost was inside the mansion.
Stark broke into the mansion and asked J.A.R.V.I.S. to find the main control room. Stark followed J.A.R.V.I.S.' instructions and fought soldiers along the way, reaching the control room. J.A.R.V.I.S. reported that the Maggia were scheduled to buy a Flying Fortress. Stark continued to fight through the room and went on to the next room. J.A.R.V.I.S. was uncertain of where to search, so he suggested that Stark search the whole area. Stark fought through advanced weapons and soldiers as Frost taunted her, and explained to Rhodes that they used to know each other. Rhodes commented on the amount of Stark Industries weapons which were destroyed, so Stark claimed that destruction was all the weapons were good for.[2]
Destruction of the Flying Fortress[]
- "Are you sure you're up for this, Tony? This isn't a game in some penny arcade."
"You kidding? This is child's play." - ―James Rhodes and Tony Stark[src]
Stark went after the Flying Fortress as James Rhodes reported that the Maggia were at risk of going bankrupt without being able to sell weapons. Stark commented on the size of the fortress, and Rhodes asked if Stark was sure he was ready for the fight. Stark insisted it would be easy as he reached the Fortress. J.A.R.V.I.S. alerted Stark to a radar jamming device which Stark destroyed. J.A.R.V.I.S. also told Stark that the shields on the fortress were designed by Stark Industries, and Stark remembered a flaw in their design that caused the shields to overload. Stark overloaded the shields and destroyed the weapons they were protecting. Stark was attached by a helicopter, which he punched a hole in, destroying it.
Stark landed on the fortress as he destroyed the remaining external weapons and was attacked by soldiers. While Stark fought the soldier, J.A.R.V.I.S. told him about a data storage area which contained blueprints for the fortress. Stark found the blueprints and had J.A.R.V.I.S. analyze them for weaknesses, and J.A.R.V.I.S. surge protectors which protected all of the reactors. Stark went to the exterior to find the surge protectors, using J.A.R.V.I.S.' guidance, and was attacked by more soldiers which he fought. Stark destroyed the surge protectors and prepared to reenter the fortress, but the Maggia released a mine on a civilian area. Stark destroyed the mine and returned to the fortress, causing a power surge which exploded the base. Pepper Potts contacted Stark and congratulated him on destroying the Maggia. However, Stark stated his intention to target the rest of the Stark weapons owned by other buyers.[2]
Fighting A.I.M.[]
Searching His Records[]
- "Is this the first time you've looked at your books, Tony?"
"It's the first time I've wanted to know what particular phylum of lowlife deviants is using my weapons." - ―James Rhodes and Tony Stark[src]
Stark looked through his company's records and asked how many buyers they had, prompting Pepper Potts to remark that there were over five hundred due to the popularity of the weapons despite Stark's efforts. He sarcastically commented about his skill as a businessman, when James Rhodes arrived. Stark asked Potts to find his top buyer, and Rhodes asked if it was Stark's first time looking through the records. Stark countered that it was his first time wanting to know who was using his weapons. Rhodes noted that not all of Stark's buyers were criminals, specifically the Pentagon, causing Stark to become suspicious that Rhodes wanted to buy his armor.
Rhodes confessed that he was there because a problem involving a nuclear power plant in Russia, where they could not send troops. Stark asked who Rhodes though was involved, so Rhodes explained that it was A.I.M., which Stark did not believe. However, Potts then called back and explained that A.I.M. were his top buyer, so Stark agreed to help.[2]
Robbery of the Russian Nuclear Facility[]
- "Advanced Idea Mechanics. If they're so advanced, why can't they build their own weapons without using my technology?"
- ―Iron Man[src]
Stark flew to Russia and commented on A.I.M.'s use of his technology, which Rhodes realized was asking for compliments. Stark bragged about his Arc Reactor making him unstoppable, causing Rhodes to ask if Stark's technology was always limited by the power source. Stark said it was, and Rhodes revealed that A.I.M. were searching for power sources. Stark approached the facility and started attacking A.I.M.'s soldiers, defeating them all. He entered the facility and continued to get attacked, but continued to fight back. J.A.R.V.I.S. reported on the dangerously high radiation levels, realizing that A.I.M. opened the facility's dry casks, exposing the spent fuel. Stark told J.A.R.V.I.S. to activate his radiation field and set out to close the casks. As he did, he noted to Rhodes that the leaders of A.I.M. had lost their sanity for launching a military attack, and Rhodes assured him that he was doing the right thing.
Stark closed the casks in one building and closed the door granting access to them. He then left the building through another room, sealing the doors shut. He closed the casks in another building adn sealed the doors there as well. A.I.M. loaded their power sources onto a train and left with it, so Stark began to puruse it. Stark was attacked by helicopters, which he defeated and continued his pursuit of the train. Stark was attacked by the train's defenses, but destroyed them as well as the train itself.
Stark found Block 3 of the facility and attacked the soldiers inside. J.A.R.V.I.S. told Stark about another area of high radiation, so Stark asked what Rhodes thought it was. Rhodes did not know, but warned Stark about an unknown heat signature in the area. He continued moving through the facility and found the source of the radiation and the heat signature: Boris Bullski in a suit of armor similar to Stark's armor. Bullski demanded that Stark leave, but Stark continued fighting as his armor weakened due to the radiation. Stark defeated Bullski before the armor could explode.[2]
Hijacking and Retaking of the Air Force Ship[]
Stark returned home and argued with James Rhodes, declaring that A.I.M. was insane for robbing a nuclear facility. He explained that nuclear energy could result in destruction and declared A.I.M. to be a menace. He reviewed footage of A.I.M.'s attempt to trigger a meltdown, and explained that since he knew about A.I.M.'s actions, he felt a sense of obligation to do something about it. Rhodes cut in and told Stark that the United States Air Force had lost contact with one of their ships, and that they believed A.I.M. to be responsible. Rhodes told Stark that they could not move fast enough, so Stark left and told Rhodes to brief him while he flew there.
Stark confronts Basil Sandhurst
As Stark flew, Rhodes explained that the ship was state of the art, and Stark explained that he knew that since he had designed the ship. Rhodes asked why they would need to take the ship, but Stark speculated that it was for the power source. Stark was confronted by A.I.M.'s first line of defense, including armed soldiers, tanks, and the weapons on the ship. Basil Sandhurst communicated to Stark that he was attempting to control Stark's mind. However, Stark managed to break the mind control. Pepper Potts contacted him, worried about what had happened, but Stark said that nothing would stop him and continued fighting A.I.M.'s forces. Helicopters attacked and Sandhurst again attempted to control Stark, but Stark broke the control and defeated the helicopters and remaining A.I.M. forces.
As more soldiers came and attacked Stark as J.A.R.V.I.S. located the door to the secondary cargo bay, which contained the kidnapped Air Force soldiers, and showed Stark where it was. Stark opened the bay, and Rhodes warned that if any of the soldiers died, Rhodes would not be able to protect Stark. As Stark entered the cargo bay, J.A.R.V.I.S. reported that the drones were holding the soldiers captive. Stark destroyed the drones, freeing the soldiers as Rhodes ordered them to lay low while Stark finished fighting A.I.M. Stark noted how far north the ship was, realizing that the captain allowed the nuclear reactors to freeze.
J.A.R.V.I.S. directed Stark to the first nuclear reactor, and Sandhurst tried to get Stark not to touch them. Stark ignored Sandhurst and entered the area with the reactor, where Sandhurst declared it to be a trap. Stark shook free of Sanhurst's control again and fought the soldiers defending the reactor, destroying the crates containing all the reactor's parts. Meanwhile, an A.I.M. convoy had already left with the secondary reactor. Stark followed them and destroyed the reactor, preventing them from retrieving the power source. Rhodes wondered what A.I.M. was trying to power, so Stark explained that whatever it was likely required a lot of power. Rhodes noted how powerful A.I.M. was and asked what Stark sold them, but Stark defended himself by saying they got the same things as everyone else. Stark said he did not know where A.I.M.'s resources came from and left the area.[2]
Attacked[]
- "They're probably not very happy that you're destroying their investments."
"Cry me a river." - ―Pepper Potts and Tony Stark[src]
Stark returned to his workshop and worked on his armor, commenting on A.I.M.'s impressive technology. Pepper Potts suggested that A.I.M. was upset with Stark destroying their investments, but Stark was apathetic. Stark noted that they did not have a power source like Stark's and asked Potts to determine who A.I.M.'s system designer was. Potts commented on how hard it would be, but Stark insisted that A.I.M. was likely talking to someone.
A.I.M. suddenly attacked Stark Industries Headquarters, prompting Stark to ask whether it was a training exercise. Potts explained they were being attacked and expressed confusion since they had gotten rid of their weapons. Stark then realized that they wanted to steal the armor. Obadiah Stane attempted to contact Stark, but he ordered an evacuation of the company's headquarters. James Rhodes contacted Stark, who told Rhodes what had happened. Stane then contacted Stark through the armor, and Stark believed Stane intended to blame him for the attack. However, Stane told Stark that he should have given the suit to Stane, claiming responsibility for the attack before hanging up. Potts attempted to contact Stane, but he sent her to voicemail.
Stark defeated the soldiers and found Boris Bullski, who insisted that Stark should have listened to A.I.M.'s warnings and started to attack. Stark fought Bullski, who called for reinforcements which Stark defeated. Bullski explained that Stane was unable to provide what A.I.M. needed, so they intended to take it. Further reinforcements arrived, and Stark defeated them. As helicopters reached the scene, Stark asked Rhodes if they were from the Air Force, but Rhodes apologized as they were not. Stark defeated Bullski and the reinforcements and asked Potts about where Stane is. Potts reported back that she did not know. Stark told Potts that he would be returning to his workshop and to find Stane.[2]
Confronting Obadiah Stane[]
- "Imagine what the Pentagon could do with an army of Iron Men."
"And imagine what the bad guys could do." - ―Obadiah Stane and Tony Stark[src]
As Stark returned to his workshop, he found Obadiah Stane inside. Stane asked to talk, but Stark simply scolded him for working with A.I.M. Stane told Stark that he should not be surprised since he refused to work with Stane and called Stark selfish for not sharing the Iron Man armor. Stane insisted that Stark Industries was not better than A.I.M. and complimented the Iron Man armor, asking Stark to imagine what the Pentagon could do with it. Stark countered, asking Stane to imagine what the United States of America's enemies could do. Stane simply said he could not control that, and Stark threatened to have him arrested.
Stane revealed that he had the original Iron Man armor but could not find a power source and used a taser on Stark, rendering him unconscious. Stark remembered Ho Yinsen giving him the Arc Reactor as James Rhodes woke him up, revealing that Pepper Potts had been kidnapped.[2]
Rescue of Pepper Potts[]
- "You have to leave! They're using me as bait."
"I'm not going anywhere. Are you all right?" - ―Pepper Potts and Tony Stark[src]
Stark flew towards the location James Rhodes gave for Pepper Potts' location, asking if Rhodes was sure about the place. Rhodes said that he had no doubts and that the Air Force's intelligence indicated that it was an A.I.M. research facility. Stark said he would handle rescuing Potts and told Rhodes to find Obadiah Stane.
Stark flew towards a dam with a gate at the bottom, so J.A.R.V.I.S. told Stark that the control panel for the gate was inside the dam's facility. Stark entered the gate to the research facility and fought the A.I.M. forces inside and asked Rhodes for an update on Stane. Rhodes explained that he had escaped using the Stark Industries Private Jet and did not leave a flight plan. Stark swore and found the main part of the facility, asking where Potts was. However, Rhodes said that he could not help since A.I.M. was cloaking the facility, which J.A.R.V.I.S. explained was due to EMP Generators. J.A.R.V.I.S.' systems started breaking down as well, so Stark destroyed all the generators, restoring J.A.R.V.I.S.
Potts called and warned Stark that she was being used as bait, but Stark refused to leave and asked if she was alright. Potts said that she was fine and told Stark to be careful as A.I.M. sent reinforcements to fight Stark. Stark insisted he would help her and continued fighting A.I.M. soldiers who were attempting to destroy the facility's main lab. J.A.R.V.I.S. detected missiles targeting the main reactor, which made Stark realize that Potts was in there. Stark worked to destroy the missiles as Potts called to him, and Rhodes suggested that A.I.M. was desperate to use such a tactic. Stark simply said that he would kill all of them if anything happened to Potts. J.A.R.V.I.S. eventually found the missile launch system, which Stark destroyed. Stark then told Potts that it was over. Rhodes said he would talk to the United States government, but Stark refused, claiming responsibility for what was happening.
Stark brought Potts to his workshop and asked if she was hurt. Potts simply insisted that Stark should not have went after her since they were using her to get to him. However, Stark stood up and dismissed the notion, declaring that A.I.M. had failed and he would take them down. Potts asked him not to due to the danger, but Stark told her to trust him, having designed the weapons. Potts tried to shift his focus to Stane, but Stark said that A.I.M. was desperate and would not stop. Potts insisted that they were too powerful, which Stark explained was why he needed to target them. Potts asked how she could help, so Stark asked her to go to Stark Industries Headquarters and figure out Stane's plans. Potts agreed to help, and Stark asked her to be careful.[2]
Attack on A.I.M.'s Island[]
Stark found an island which was being used as an A.I.M. base and flew there to attack it. James Rhodes complimented Stark's efforts in finding the base as Stark analyzed the Proton Cannon which was developed there. Stark explained that it was deadly and that Stark would not have designed it. A.I.M. defenses kicked in and Stark fought against them as he asked J.A.R.V.I.S. for an report. J.A.R.V.I.S. said that the proton cannon was underground and had a force field. Stark said that he needed to get past the shield, so J.A.R.V.I.S. advised he target the stations powering it.
Stark targeted and destroyed the three power stations as J.A.R.V.I.S. updated him on the progress of the proton cannon's exposure. Stark's armor took heavy damage, and J.A.R.V.I.S. suggested avoiding direct hits. With the cannon exposed, Stark attacked and destroyed the cannon. Rhodes then told Stark that someone had been detected, and Stark said he recognized the design as being by Bruno Horgan. Horgan attempted to blow up the island's power source, and Potts urged Stark to stop him. Horgan arrived in his own armor, and Stark had J.A.R.V.I.S. establish a connection.
Stark called Horgan insane, but Horgan simply said he was dedicated and that Stark had lost his dedication. Horgan fired at Stark with his armor, and Stark fought back. Stark told Horgan that it was not a game, but Horgan said that the rules were the same as they had always been. Once Horgan was defeated, Stark contacted Rhodes and told him that Horgan's technology would provide energy for A.I.M., but Rhodes told him that A.I.M. had launched a tethered satellite with a solar collection grid, prompting Stark to realize what he needed to do.[2]
Attack on A.I.M. Headquarters[]
- "Yeah, those look mighty familiar."
"No. No, those are not mine." - ―James Rhodes and Tony Stark[src]
As Stark flew toward the satellite, James Rhodes told him that A.I.M.'s assets were frozen, causing A.I.M. to hide. Stark arrived at A.I.M.'s headquarters and asked about Obadiah Stane, but Potts told him that they could not find him. Stark attacked the facility's defenses and entered the base. He fought through the A.I.M. forces inside the base and reached a lower level, where he saw security fields get activated. Stark fought the soldiers present and disabled the security field, but was told by J.A.R.V.I.S. about an erratically moving signal the artificial intelligence could not pinpoint.
Stark went to the next floor and was confronted by soldiers who he defeated. As Stark fought, Potts told him that she had found Stane at Stark Industries Headquarters and that he had sealed the building, which Stark said was a good thing since he would know where Stane was. Stark fought his way through to the source of the signal: a room where A.I.M. was studying his initial Iron Man armor. Rhodes asked Stark to find a computer terminal and find what Stane was hiding, so Stark fought through the soldiers and found the computer and downloaded blueprints.
Stark continued further into the facility, fighting soldiers along the way. Rhodes reported back that the evacuation of Los Angeles was successful, but Potts noted that they could not reach Stane. Stark told his friends that it did not matter since he would be returning soon. He ended up near the main computer and destroyed its mainframe. He came across a series of replicas of his armors and became concerned, so he activated and destroyed them. Rhodes told Stark that the battle suits were being controlled from a central location, which Stark said would make his job easier. He destroyed the main emitter and declared A.I.M. to be finished, and Potts congratulated him. Stark declared it to be Stane's turn, concerning Rhodes, but Stark simply said he was going home.[2]
Defeating Obadiah Stane[]
Duel of Los Angeles[]
- "Congratulations, Tony. You've destroyed your father's company."
"Maybe so. But at least I didn't betray his legacy." - ―Obadiah Stane and Tony Stark[src]
From his workshop, Stark contacted Obadiah Stane, who refused to give up the Iron Monger Armor, claiming that he was working in Stark Industries' best interests. However, Stark explained that his father would not have wanted Stane to do what he did. Stane insisted that their conflict was beyond Stark. Stark called Stane insane, but Stane insisted that Stark was insane for thinking he could look away while people used his weapons. Stark said that they were wasting time and refused to let Stane continue, but Stane revealed that he had taken Pepper Potts hostage. Stark threatened Stane, but Stane told Stark not to force him to hurt her. Stark insisted that he would come for Potts, and Stane told him that he would do what he needed to.
Stark finished working on his armor and put it on, then rushed to confront Stane on a Los Angeles highway. Stane taunted him for creating the Iron Man armor as a weapon, but Stark simply demanded to know where Potts was. Stane told Stark not to worry about Potts and to instead focus on himself, claiming it was what he was best at. Stark tried to reason with Stane about Potts, but Stane just insisted that they would not have fought had Stark given over the Iron Man armor. Stark then began to fight Stane, who threw a car at him. Stark fought back, but Stane gripped Stark. Stark broke the grip as Stane congratulated Stark on destroying his father's company. Stark countered that he did not betray his father's legacy.
The two continued fighting until Stane flew away, intending to go to the Arc Reactor at Stark Industries Headquarters, declaring that Potts was waiting. Stark followed Stane to the Arc Reactor, and Potts contacted him, revealing that she was in the control center. Stane then warned that the reactor was unstable and could explode, which J.A.R.V.I.S. confirmed. Stark said they needed to short circuit Stane's armor, so J.A.R.V.I.S. suggested using an electrical current or electromagnetic pulse. As Stark resumed fighting, he instructed Potts to make the Arc Reactor fire a charge as Stane stood above it several times, allowing Stark to easily defeat Stane.[2]
Aftermath[]
- "A man who embraces his heroic nature pays a terrible price. He sees the darkness in the world and in his own heart. And he's forever changed. The child gives way to the lamb. And the day comes where he must ask himself... 'what kind of man will I be? Am I willing to die on my feet? Or will I live my life and my needs? Do I have what it takes to become truly great? To become more than a man. To become Iron Man.'"
- ―Ho Yinsen[src]
Stark returned his workshop and looked at his armor and reflected on Ho Yinsen's words about being forever changed by confronting one's darkness. He decided to embrace his role as Iron Man and continue fighting.[2]
Personality[]
- "Tony, take it easy. You shouldn't even be alive after that."
"I have to find Pepper." - ―James Rhodes and Tony Stark[src]
Tony Stark used to be about bravado and focused on earning as much money as possible. However, he discovered that his weapons had fallen into the wrong hands, prompting him to realize that he was personally responsible for a lot of deaths. Stark began to bear the responsibility of destroying the weapons himself to a stubborn degree. He refused to accept criticism of his mission from anyone close to him, despite caring about them deeply. Although he often did not trust people, as demonstrated when he asked Pepper Potts to ensure that Obadiah Stane did what was asked of him, he was familiar with them. His close friends, such as Stane and James Rhodes, had nicknames which he gave them, "Obie" and "Rhodey," respectively. Even when addressing his enemies, he would joke with them and even referred to Whitney Frost by her first name.
He had a simplistic view of the world, believing life to simply be fun and survival as a game. Even having escaped captivity, he always saw the simplest solution as the best one. For example, he realized that the Maggia wanted his weapons, so his solution was to destroy them. This also affected his treatment of people. Stark's simplistic viewpoint led to him understanding the world as simple, and that his actions should not negatively impact his employees to much. He viewed Potts' claim that he should worry about his employees' jobs should weapons manufacturing be shut down as Potts asking him to be paternal, insisting that they could handle themselves.
This view also led Stark to feel a strong sense of responsibility for the actions of those around him. He realized the cause of his actions and made it his personal responsibility to destroy all Stark Industries weapons. However, when he discovered A.I.M.'s reckless activities, his sense of responsibility expanded to destroying all weapons. He refused to allow James Rhodes to contact the United States government about A.I.M., feeling as though he were responsible for everything that was happening and brought Potts home.
Powers and Abilities[]
Powers[]
- "I should be dead. But not only am I alive, I'm stronger than I've ever been in my life."
- ―Iron Man[src]
- Iron Man Armor Capabilities: Stark did not have any innate powers, but was able to build several suits of armor which allowed Stark several abilities.
- Superhuman Strength: The extra weight of the armor grants Stark extra force behind his movements. By dropping down from a large height, Stark was able to clear areas of people and items. He was able to rip off part of a tank with his hands and use it to destroy the rest of the tank. The suit allowed him the ability to punch a hole into a Maggia-owned helicopter and rip the gun off of a tank, using the gun to destroy the tank.
- Superhuman Durability: The armor granted Stark a significant amount of protection, being bulletproof. He was able to walk through the Ten Rings' encampment despite the several armed attackers he faced. He could even use the armor in a sandstorm without the suit taking damage. His later armors were also bulletproof and kept Stark safe during his missions. His third armor was durable enough to withstand the force of a similar armor trying to crush him.
- Superhuman Speed: Stark's armor granted him the ability to fly at high speeds. He was able to fly at speeds similar to F-22 Raptors, and was even able to fly fast enough to catch up with a falling pilot to activate his parachute.
- Superhuman Agility: Stark was able to manipulate his body while in the armor to allow him to move the direction he intended. The armor allowed Stark to do flips in the air and latch onto moving aircraft such as planes and helicopters.
- Superhuman Stamina: Stark was able to move from fight to fight without taking breaks due to help from his armor. He defeated Marc Scarlotti and then left and went straight to attack the Nefaria Compound. In that fight, he learned of a Flying Fortress which he then went and destroyed, all without a break. James Rhodes was worried about Stark being up for that final battle, but Stark remained calm.
- Superhuman Reflexes: Stark's armor enhanced his reflexes and allowed him to fight better.
- Flight: Stark's suits of armor allow him the ability to fly. He used this capability of his initial armor to fly away from the Ten Rings' base where he was held captive. His second armor allowed for controlled hovering and powered flight, which he tested at Stark Industries Headquarters. By the time he developed his third armor, he was able to control his flight well enough that it impressed James Rhodes, who was in the United States Air Force.
- Power Suit: With J.A.R.V.I.S. uploaded into the suit and the technology afforded him by Stark Industries, Stark was granted several abilities from the suit. J.A.R.V.I.S. was able to use the suit's heads-up display to guide Stark and give him directions of where to go. The suit was also able to fire repulsor rays out of the hands and chest, although this required significant power. His Mark III armor also had a radiation shield which Stark used to protect him against open dry casks at a nuclear facility.
Abilities[]
- Genius-Level Intellect: Stark is an incredibly intelligent individual with excellent recall about his designs. He was able to recreate the armor which he had built in captivity and improve upon it by memory. Similarly, when he was informed that the shields on the Flying Fortress were his design, he perfectly recalled the design of the shield and knew precisely how to exploit their weakness. Although he had assistance from his artificial intelligence assistant J.A.R.V.I.S., he was able to predict what J.A.R.V.I.S. would say based on what he knew.
- "Advanced Idea Mechanics. If they're so advanced, why can't they build their own weapons without using my technology?"
"You fishing for compliments? You know no one can compete with you." - ―Iron Man and James Rhodes[src]
- Master Engineer: Stark is a skilled engineer who was able to design several weapons which encouraged the growth in Stark Industries' wealth. He also designed several armors which gave him enhanced abilities. The first armor he was able to design out of scrap metal in a cave and make fully functioning.
- Master Scientist: Stark is an expert in science and familiar with several fields. He recognized the dangers of A.I.M.'s experiments with nuclear energy, which made him determined to stop them.
- "It's pretty annoying that I'm so damn good at my job."
- ―Tony Stark[src]
- Master Businessman: Stark was the CEO of Stark Industries, a largely successful weapons company. The company amassed over five hundred buyers, and Stark maintained good relationships with them until his decision to end weapons production.
- Master Hacker: Stark was able to program J.A.R.V.I.S. with the ability to hack computers around him. J.A.R.V.I.S., using Stark's programming, was able to hack the United States Armed Forces.
- Expert Tactician: Stark is a strategist who was able to come up with logical plans. Stark recognized the motivation behind the Maggia's Attack on Stark Industries Headquarters and recognized that addressing the motivation for the attack would prevent future attacks, rather than simply increasing security. In his quest to take down the Maggia, Stark knew which bases to attack to hurt them most.
- Expert Combatant: Although he largely used his armor, Stark was able to fight Marc Scarlotti in hand-to-hand combat when Scarlotti's armor proved to be able to deflect attacks from Stark's armor. Using his armor, Stark was able to defeat Basil Sandhurst's A.I.M. forces when even the United States Air Force was not able to.
- Marksman: With help from his armors' targeting system, Stark was able to attack enemies from a long distance using his marksmanship abilities.
- "Man, you're a hell of a pilot, Tony. You ever think about joining the military?"
- ―James Rhodes[src]
- Expert Pilot: Stark was able to pilot his armors very well, expertly navigating Stark Industries Headquarters during his flight test. He was able to stay balanced in the air while fighting a helicopter which the Maggia stole. His piloting skills were even complimented by James Rhodes, who offered him to join the military.
Equipment[]
Iron Man Armors[]
- Iron Man Armor: Mark I: Stark built and donned this armor while captive in the Ten Rings Base. He used the armor to escape the base.
- Iron Man Armor: Mark II: Stark built a second armor and tested its capabilities at Stark Industries Headquarters. He then used the armor to defend the headquarters from an attack by the Maggia.
- Iron Man Armor: Mark III: Stark used the third version of his armor to track the Maggia and destroy their weapons caches. As Stark shifted his focus to A.I.M., he continued to use the Mark III to take down their forces.
Facilities[]
- Tony Stark's Mansion: Stark lived in a mansion in Malibu where he met with Obadiah Stane and Pepper Potts about Stark's decision to end weapons development at Stark Industries. Stark used the mansion as a base of operations for his missions as Iron Man, despite Potts and James Rhodes' pleas not to.
- Stark Industries Headquarters: Stark ran his company out of its Los Angeles headquarters. He used the headquarters as a testing ground for his Mark II armor and defended the headquarters from an attack by the Maggia.
Relationships[]
Family[]
Allies[] |
Enemies[]
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