Writers: Stan Lee and Robert Bernstein
Artist: Jack Kirby
Inker: Don Heck
"Iron Man versus Gargantus!"
This issue brings us Jack Kirby inked by Don Heck. I'm fairly certain this is the first time that I've seen this artistic combination (at least, the first time that I've taken note of it). It looks absolutely great.
Out story begins with Anthony Stark delivering new transistor-powered roller skates to the US military (no kidding). Later that day, we see another side of Stark, the millionaire playboy. However, while on a date, Stark must cut the evening short as he has to plug his chestplate in to a wall outlet to charge - otherwise, he would die. The following day, his Iron Man persona gets in the way of a date with another woman when wild tigers break loose at a circus. Stark disappears and the Iron Man arrives to save the day. Such is now the life of Anthony Stark.
One day, one of Stark's dates mentions that Iron Man would be much less menacing if he looked more like a golden knight. Stark takes this under advisement and we have the first change in his armor. Enter the first gold armor (as seen on the cover).
The main plot of this story kicks off when the town of Granville is mysteriously encircled by a large wall. The town refuses to allow admittance of any outsiders. Iron Man decides to investigate. He enters the town by digging under the wall. Once spotted by the citizens of the town, they throw garbage at him and proclaim that their protector Gargantus will save them from the villainous Iron Man. The citizens wheel their champion before Iron Man - a champion made of stone and seemingly unto a statue.
Iron Man smashes the statue to bits; however, the citizens still pay fealty to the rubble. Sensing that something terribly strange is happening, Iron Man takes flight and calls out a challenge to Gargantus, convinced that the statue was not the real champion. Garagantus appears! A hulking brute with a massive club in hand. They battle and Iron Man eventually defeats him with transistorized magnets, which reveal that Gargantus is nothing more than a robot - a robot which was controlled by two aliens floating in the clouds in a classic UFO (think Kang and Kodos from the Simpsons). Following the defeat of their robot, the aliens quickly flee our galaxy. With them gone, the citizens of Granville regain their senses. Iron Man has saved the day.
Another fun, early tale of the invincible Iron Man. The art was the standout, in my opinion. And the progression of the armor is also an interesting journey.
Next issue: Iron Man vs. Dr. Strange???
No comments:
Post a Comment