| For other uses, see James Rhodes (disambiguation) |
| For alternate versions of War Machine, see War Machine's Character Hub |
Lieutenant Colonel James Rupert "Rhodey" Rhodes is a member of the United States Air Force who operates an armored suit of armor under the codename of War Machine. Rhodes assisted Tony Stark during a conflict orchestrated by Kearson DeWitt, being instrumental in the defeat of DeWitt's ally Valentin Shatalov and eventually disabling the exterior of the DeWitt's robot form, Ultimo, allowing Stark to defeat DeWitt inside it.
Biography[]
Roxxon's Theft[]
Theft of the Dataspine[]
- "Tony, did we... win? Hello?"
"Move it! Go!"
"Ok, so I'm guessing this wasn't a win, then." - ―James Rhodes and Tony Stark[src]
Rhodes learned that the Stark Archives were being attacked, so he contacted Stark and told him to put on his Iron Man armor. J.A.R.V.I.S. created a secure connection between Rhodes and Tony Stark, who explained that he was defending the Dataspine and that the rest of the attack was a ruse, prompting Rhodes to ask why they would want the Dataspine. Rhodes fought the drones and asked for an update from Stark, who explained that he needed Rhodes to hold off Roxxon's forces until he could overload the Dataspine. Rhodes objected to Stark blowing himself up, but Stark refused to accept another plan.
Rhodes watches Stark Archives get destroyed
Rhodes saw a beam of light and received confirmation that it was how they were stealing the data. Rhodes fought the attacking forces and destroyed their helicopters. Stark then updated Rhodes on his and Roxxon's progress, asking for more help. Rhodes saw several Wing Drones attacking the Archives, which he then destroyed. He watched as the Archives blew up and Stark fled. Rhodes asked if they won, but Stark simply told him to move, so Rhodes concluded that they did not. Rhodes asked how bad it was, but Stark promised to explain on the plane.
Rhodes explains Tony Stark's worry
Stark explained that Roxxon had managed to steal a significant portion of J.A.R.V.I.S.' code, and Rhodes told Pepper Potts that despite Stark's outward nonchalance, he was worried. Stark explained that J.A.R.V.I.S. was capable of learning, so Rhodes realized that in order to run such a program, Roxxon likely had funding from a government. Potts suggested that Russia was involved, so Rhodes noted that Roxxon was the only company selling combat drones. Potts claimed that Russia would not take such a risk, so Rhodes said that General Valentin Shatalov likely would. Stark recognized the name, and Rhodes explained that he had recently started an insurrection. Potts suggested that Roxxon hardware would allow him to win, so Stark had J.A.R.V.I.S. take the plane to Russia.[2]
Attack on the Tesla Facility[]
- "You got a plan, Tony? Other than, 'Hey Rhodey, fly us into Russian airspace during an insurrection?'"
- ―James Rhodes to Tony Stark[src]
On the flight to Russia, Rhodes asked if Tony Stark had a plan. Stark contacted Nick Fury and asked for permission to land, which Fury granted as he noted that S.H.I.E.L.D. had been dispatched to the same place. As Stark led a vanguard through a canyon, Fury reminded Stark that he was merely accompanying them and was not to use weapons. Rhodes reminded Stark that since they on a military operation, they needed to follow protocols. Stark noted that J.A.R.V.I.S. found radar-cloaked weapons and gave S.H.I.E.L.D. the ability to see them, so Rhodes updated S.H.I.E.L.D.'s analysis of the area to include them. Rhodes warned Stark of a Roxxon Armiger approaching, and Stark stopped it.
Rhodes donned the War Machine armor and fought in the battle. However, they realized that Valentin Shatalov was not at the base. Rhodes saw the insurrectionists' battle ship blow up and asked if Stark had made it out, and Stark reported that he had. Rhodes then told Stark that Shatalov was not there, but assured Stark that he would think of something.[2]
Attack on the Russian Power Plant[]
Rhodes watches Tony Stark discover Valentin Shatalov's location
- "Stupid Americans, this was never your war."
"Hey! Shut up. We just want to know about your relationship with A.I.M." - ―Valentin Shatalov and James Rhodes[src]
Realizing that the Roxxon Armigers were remotely powered, Rhodes gave Tony Stark permission to hack S.H.I.E.L.D.'s satellites to find the power source. Nick Fury appeared and tried to stop Stark, btu Rhodes intervened and said that he had the necessary clearance and explained why it was necessary. Stark traced the power source to a facility in Siberia, and found that A.I.M. was developing a Crimson Dynamo Armor at the facility. Rhodes read the information they found and saw that A.I.M. bought energy from Valentin Shatalov so they could recreate J.A.R.V.I.S. from the Dataspine. Fury then revealed that their spy, Natasha Romanoff, sent them a picture from inside the base a week prior. Rhodes noted that a week was a long time and that Romanoff could have been captured. Fury said that S.H.I.E.L.D. was waiting for more information. However, Stark said that he was targeting the base anyway and would rescue her if possible.
Rhodes questions Valentin Shatalov
Rhodes went to help Stark once Romanoff was saved, but got hit by Shatalov's armor. As Stark fought Shatalov, Rhodes recovered and was able to restrain Shatalov from behind. Stark defeated Shatalov, causing the armor to fall. Rhodes and Stark approached Shatalov, and Rhodes demanded to know about his relationship with A.I.M. Shatalov revealed that A.I.M. had gotten access to J.A.R.V.I.S.' code and renamed it Ultimo before dying. As Rhodes and Stark flew away, Rhodes asked what their threat level was now that A.I.M. could activate J.A.R.V.I.S., and Stark explained that A.I.M. could access all the weapons designs that Stark used to make. They decided to find out what they could from Romanoff.[2]
Project P.R.O.T.E.A.N.[]
Battle at the Project P.R.O.T.E.A.N. Facility[]
- "This is going easier than expected."
"Nah. I don't like it." - ―Tony Stark and James Rhodes[src]
Rhodes attended a meeting in which Natasha Romanoff explained what she learned from her time undercover, including that Kearson DeWitt was behind the construction of the Crimson Dynamo Armor. Pepper Potts then discovered that DeWitt was a former employee of Stark Industries who was fired due to his work on Project P.R.O.T.E.A.N., which the company deemed dangerous.
Rhodes begins fighting A.I.M. Drones
Rhodes met with Tony Stark privately as Stark researched P.R.O.T.E.A.N. and discovered that it was designed to regenerate and modify weapons. They were joined by Romanoff, who explained that she stole a gunship which would allow them onto the base. They flew to the base, where they found an armed conflict occurring between A.I.M.'s soldiers and drones. Rhodes expressed mistrust of the situation, but the two left the ship and started fighting the drones. Stark admired the designs, but Rhodes told Stark to focus, saying that he would fight while Stark found DeWitt.
Rhodes's armor gets infected
Stark destroyed the facility and its network, and Rhodes walked with Fury and Romanoff as they worked through the aftermath. Fury told Stark that DeWitt was not at the facility, and Rhodes explained that the military had information about six other A.I.M. facilities. However, Stark cut Rhodes off and told J.A.R.V.I.S. to look again. Stark and Romanoff started to bicker, so Rhodes intervened and tried to calm Stark down. Fury interrupted, however, and insisted they all return to the Helicarrier. J.A.R.V.I.S. detected an anomaly, which Rhodes believed he had found. However, it was not the anomaly to which J.A.R.V.I.S. was referring, and it exploded, sending Rhodes flying back. He was pinned to the ground as P.R.O.T.E.A.N. technology infected the armor and, in turn, J.A.R.V.I.S. Rhodes was taken to the Helicarrier to recover.[2]
Operation Daybreak[]
- "Request permission to take field command here. That thing is going to destroy the entire Helicarrier unless we work together."
- ―James Rhodes to Tony Stark[src]
Rhodes woke up to find the Helicarrier being attacked and was contacted by Tony Stark. Rhodes responded that he was already on his way, and Stark complimented him as they agreed to meet up. Rhodes made his way to the Stark Industries Private Jet and readied the plane for take off, but was attacked by A.I.M. forces. Rhodes asked for help fighting them, and Stark said that he would. Rhodes took off and clsoed the door as Stark flew onto the plane, assuring Fury that they would return to help.
Rhodes fights an A.I.M. Arc Armiger
While Stark worked, Nick Fury called, requesting help as an A.I.M. Arc Armiger attacked the Helicarrier. Rhodes told Fury that help would be coming and told Stark that he would be going alone since the attack was a trap for Stark. Rhodes put the armor on and left the plane, requesting permission to take field command. He fought the remaining A.I.M. forces and destroyed the Arc Armiger. Stark then joined and explained that the Armiger was not destroyed, but rather in the process of repairing itself due to the Project P.R.O.T.E.A.N. technology inside.[2]
Project Greengrid[]
Rhodes asks about Project Greengrid
- "Let's say they did it. What would it look like? A storm?"
"Not just a storm, Rhodey, but-"
"An evil storm?" - ―James Rhodes and Tony Stark[src]
Rhodes attended a meeting with Nick Fury, Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, and Natasha Romanoff as Stark explained that Ultimo would like be targeting Project Greengrid, which Stark explained would be able to weaponize the sky. Rhodes asked whether success would look like a storm, and Stark said that it would not just look like a storm, prompting Rhodes to ask if it was an evil storm. Stark explained that storms were a side effect of Greengrid's abilities. Potts claimed that one would not be able to hide Greengrid, so Rhodes realized that it would be near a large storm. Rhodes explained that P.R.O.T.E.A.N. Hybrids and A.I.M. Arc Armigers would be guarding the area, so Stark revealed that he had reprogrammed the Armiger used in Operation Daybreak. Rhodes suggested they prepare it to launch.
Rhodes donned his armor and flew with Stark to Greengrid, deployed the reprogrammed Armiger. Stark told Rhodes to run interference and that they would be going through the front door. Rhodes fought several soldiers, including Armigers. Several Armigers got passed him, so Rhodes warned Stark about them. Stark was able to destroy Project Greengrid, so Rhodes told Stark to leave. Stark wanted to admire the destruction, so Rhodes had J.A.R.V.I.S. override the armor and take Stark away.[2]
Battle at Stark Archives[]
Rhodes and Tony Stark discuss Ultimo
- "So Tony... What are the chances that ULTIMO isn't taking orders from A.I.M. anymore? That it's entirely independent and completely homicidal?"
"No way to know until after it killed me." - ―James Rhodes and Tony Stark[src]
Rhodes and Tony Stark returned home, where Stark noted that Kearson DeWitt was likely gone, having become part of Ultimo. Rhodes asked about the chances that Ultimo had become independent, prompting Stark to say that they would not know until Ultimo killed him, explaining that it was what he would do. Rhodes scolded Stark for greenlighting Greengrid, but Stark defended himself by reminding Rhodes that Rhodes' superiors told him to do it. Stark insisted that he would spend the rest of his life cleaning up his mess. J.A.R.V.I.S. reported on a battle chassis, so Rhodes made a plan to isolate Ultimo. Stark agreed, saying they would lead Ultimo to Stark Archives.
Rhodes tells Nick Fury to fire his missiles
Stark attempted to reason with Ultimo, but failed, so Rhodes passed Stark's order along to Nick Fury, who released an onslaught of missiles from the Helicarrier. Stark flew into Ultimo's body and confirmed it with Rhodes. Stark said that if Rhodes took out Ultimo's Arc Reactors, they could have a chance to defeat Ultimo. Stark then wished Rhodes luck and turned his communicator off while he worked to understand Ultimo's inner mechanisms. Rhodes then agreed to radio silence. Rhodes fought Ultimo and destroyed the first Arc Reactor, which J.A.R.V.I.S. congratulated him on. Rhodes asked if Ultimo would regrow them, but J.A.R.V.I.S. said that he could not be certain.
Rhodes destroyed a second Arc Reactor, prompting Stark to come in and say that what Rhodes was doing was working. Stark then told Rhodes that he should be able to prevent Ultimo's attacks as he powers them up by attacking the sub-Arc Reactors which appear when he attacks. Stark also asked Rhodes to blow up more main Arc Reactors, hoping to remove enough power from Ultimo that he cannot undergo regeneration from the Project P.R.O.T.E.A.N. technology. Fury contacted Rhodes and said he had a present for him, explaining that S.H.I.E.L.D. had recreated Project Greengrid and could create a storm above Ultimo. However, Stark warned too late that Ultimo had infected the weapon and would soon be able to control Rhodes' weapons systems. The pair resolved to shut Ultimo down.
As Rhodes continued to destroy Arc Reactors, J.A.R.V.I.S. reported that Ultimo lost three percent of his power. Rhodes asked how Stark was, and J.A.R.V.I.S. assured Rhodes that he had a plan. Rhodes removed the rest of the reactors, and Stark said that he needed Rhodes to keep Ultimo distracted since he was healing too fast. Rhodes and S.H.I.E.L.D. agreed, and Stark was able to defeat him. However, Stark needed to use his unibeam and risk draining power from his life support systems. Rhodes asked Stark not to, but Stark refused. Stark explained that he had a plan and asked Rhodes to destroy Ultimo's head. Rhodes obliged, and Stark managed to escape before Ultimo was destroyed by Fury and the Helicarrier.[2]
Personality[]
- "Crawling out of med bay now."
"You are one tough son of a gun." - ―James Rhodes[src]
Rhodes was a dedicated fighter who refused to give up a fight no matter what. His determination was often a strength, such as helping S.H.I.E.L.D. despite his injury sustained. It also led him to fight aggressively enough that he was able to remove Ultimo's main source of power during a fight with the artificial intelligence. However, it sometimes got people in trouble, such as when he believed nearby technology to know Kearson DeWitt's location and approached it despite J.A.R.V.I.S.' warning, allowing J.A.R.V.I.S. to become infected.
Powers and Abilities[]
Powers[]
- War Machine Armor Capabilities: Rhodes used a suit of armor while fighting alongside Tony Stark which enhanced his abilities and allowed him communication with Stark, J.A.R.V.I.S., and any other people with whom he needed to communicate long-distance.
- Superhuman Strength: Rhodes' armor allowed him to do things which required far greater strength than he would normally have. He was able to restrain Valentin Shatalov in his Crimson Dynamo armor for long enough for Tony Stark to defeat him.
- Superhuman Durability: Rhodes' armor is able to protect him from bullets and other weapons. He was able to fight larger enemies and more powerful weapons due to the durability of the suit, such as the A.I.M. Arc Armiger.
- Superhuman Speed: Rhodes' armor allows him to fly at high speeds. He was able to fly away from an explosion at Stark Archives. He was also able to outmaneuver Ultimo.
- Superhuman Stamina: Rhodes' armor allowed Rhodes to stay in fights longer than he would otherwise be able to. He was even able to join a fight despite being severely injured.
- Superhuman Reflexes: The armor enhanced Rhodes' reflexes, allowing him to react to attacks much faster. This was helpful when fighting Ultimo as he was able to respond to Ultimo preparing attacks by attacking the smaller Arc Reactors which formed during the preparation.
- Flight: Rhodes' suit allowed him to fly while fighting several drones and helicopters. He was able to fly alongside Tony Stark and board the Stark Industries Private Jet while it was in the air. He used this to his advantage during Operation Daybreak as he flew around the Helicarrier to defend it.
- Power Suit: Rhodes' suit was equipped with several guns that allowed him to attack and destroy targets from a long range. It was also equipped with a heads-up display powered by J.A.R.V.I.S. which allowed Rhodes to see progress reports and other information as he fought.
Abilities[]
- Expert Combatant: Rhodes was a skilled fighter who was able to hold his own against both human and non-human enemies.
- Expert Marksman: Rhodes aimed the weapons on his armor with enough precision to effectively take down his targets.
- Gifted Intellect: Rhodes was intelligent individual who was able to keep up with Tony Stark as he discussed the technology which his company developed.
- Expert Tactician: Rhodes' military training gave him sufficient skill to understand the importance of having information that is as up-to-date as possible. When Tony Stark found radar-cloaked weapons that S.H.I.E.L.D. was not able to see, Rhodes' first action was to update S.H.I.E.L.D.'s information so they could act accordingly.
- Expert Pilot: As a member of the United States Air Force, Rhodes was trained with excellent piloting skills. He was able to pilot even the Stark Industries Private Jet through an active battle zone during Operation Daybreak. He also applied this skill to piloting the War Machine armor effortlessly.
Equipment[]
- War Machine Armor: Mark I: Rhodes used the War Machine armor to fight alongside Tony Stark on his various missions to find the people who stole the Dataspine.
Vehicles[]
- Helicarrier: Rhodes used the Helicarrier as a base of operations in his and Tony Stark's search for Valentin Shatalov and Kearson DeWitt.
Relationships[]
Allies[] |
Enemies[] |
