Kidnapping of Tony Stark | Stark Weapons Smuggling Conspiracy

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"Come on. I never totally fit in with the gang, anyway." The subject of this article is part of an MCU franchise story that has been officially deemed to be non-canonical to the primary continuity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Its events instead occur in another reality within the Multiverse. This universe is designated by the Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki as the "Stark Weapons Smuggling Conspiracy Universe".

Kidnapping of Tony Stark
Next	Attack on Stark Industries Headquarters
War	Stark Industries Weapons Mongering
Date	February 2008
Location	Ten Rings Base, Afghanistan
Result (Outcome)	Tony Stark escapes custody and becomes Iron Man.
Combatants
Tony Stark Ho Yinsen
Ten Rings
Commanders
Tony Stark
Raza Hamidmi al-Wazar
Casualties
Ho Yinsen
Raza Hamidmi al-Wazar

"Alone in a cave surrounded by weapons. That is a very poetic way to die."

―Ho Yinsen to Tony Stark^[src]

The Kidnapping of Tony Stark is an event where the Ten Rings kidnapped Tony Stark to force him to build weapons for them. Stark soon created a suit of armor instead and used it to escape.

Background

"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."

―Ho Yinsen^[src]

Tony Stark was a billionaire weapons manufacturer and CEO of Stark Industries, a company founded by his father. His partner was Obadiah Stane, who was much more into the money side of the company.

Kidnapping

Ho Yinsen places the Arc Reactor

"They are coming. You have to leave now."
"No, that's ridiculous. I'm coming back."
"There are many Stark weapons in this cave."

―Ho Yinsen and Iron Man^[src]

While in Afghanistan, Tony Stark was attacked and subsequently kidnapped by the Ten Rings. The attack left Stark crippled, forcing Ho Yinsen to create an Arc Reactor to stop the shrapnel from reaching his heart.

Tony Stark creating his armor

Stark got close with his fellow mate, Yinsen, who talked to Stark a lot about his personality. One day, they were playing backgammon when Yinsen asked about if Stark perceived life as a game. Stark responded that life was fun, but the ultimate game was survival. Growing tireless, Stark looked through the peephole and tried to bribe the guard, Hajid with money. Hajid did not go for it and slammed the door. Finally, Stark decided enough was enough and developed an armor that would help him escape.

Iron Man at the Ten Rings Base

While putting the finishing touches on his armor, Yinsen talked about how Stark's fate until now seemed very poetic. Stark did not want to hear this, telling Yinsen to give it a rest, referring to him as William Shakespaere. Stark then lifted the mask to his face, admiring his work. As the Ten Rings found what was going on, Stark ran out in his armor, confirming to Yinsen that it worked. He then attacked back with his flamethrowers, pummeling through Ten Rings forces.

Iron Man kills Raza Hamidmi al-Wazar

Stark then met Raza Hamidmi al-Wazar, who was in a tank. This did not matter to Stark, however, as he easily killed al-Wazar. As Stark fought outside, events got tense for Yinsen inside the cave. As Ten Rings forces closed in, Yinsen realized what he had to do. Knowing there were Stark weapons in the cave, Yinsen blew himself up, destroying their supply. Sad but victorious, Stark left.

Aftermath

Obadiah Stane angry with Tony Stark

"This company makes weapons. It is your family legacy."
"'Was'. Legacies change. People change. Maybe it's time for a new company."

―Obadiah Stane and Tony Stark^[src]

Back at Stark Industries Headquarters, Tony Stark gained clarity for his actions now that he saw the enemy with his weapons. Therefore, he decided to shut down the weapons manufacturing at the company. This angered Obadiah Stane, who decided to go behind Stark's back and deal with A.I.M. Additionally, the Maggia, a top buyer, got angry and started a war.