Writers: Stan Lee and Robert Bernstein
Artist: Don Heck
"Trapped by the Red Barbarian"
Don Heck returns to Tales of Suspense for this story of Iron Man versus communism. Heck will be the main series artist from the foreseeable future (excepting a Kirby tale next issue and a Ditko issue coming up). This also continues the stories scripted by Robert Bernstein. I don't think that I've given enough credit to the scripters that Stan utilized in this era. In addition to Bernstein on this series, Stan's brother Larry Lieber scripted a lot of Stan's plots at this time.
Our Iron Man story in this issue of Tales of Suspense begins on an East coast dock, where three communist spies are preparing to ship a stolen bomb to the Red Barbarian (a communist general known for brutality). Iron Man smashes into the warehouse and foils their plans. Afterwards, Tony packs up his gear and heads back to his lab, which gives me a good opportunity to mention that the Iron Man armor has been designed by Tony to be collapsible. It breaks down enough that it can fit comfortably into a reasonably sized attache case.
Later, while Stark shows off his newest weapon to the US military (a disintegrator ray), the Red Barbarian displays his anger to his underlings (by throwing a ham hock, no joke). The Red Barbarian is then approached by a man known as The Actor, a man who can seemingly take on the appearance of anyone. He displays these abilities by appearing as Stalin, the Red Barbarian himself, and Anthony Stark. Together, the devise a plan for the Actor to sneak into Stark's laboratory, steal weapon plans and destroy both Stark and Iron Man.
A few days later, the plan is put into place. The Actor steals the plans for the disintegrator. While he makes his way back behind the iron curtain, his henchmen accost Tony Stark, not knowing that he is wearing armor under his suit. Stark makes quick work of the henchmen and learns of the Actor's plans. Iron Man decides he must beat the Actor to the Red Barbarian's headquarters. He does so by riding a rocket and jettisoning at just the right time. He ambushes the Actor and sets his own plan into motion by appearing before the Red Barbarian, pretending to be the Actor disguised as Iron Man. His subterfuge tricks the Red Barbarian, Stark makes his leave with the plans, and releases the Actor. The Actor, confused, goes to speak with the communist general, and is promptly shot to death.
The communists lose again.
Next: Iron Man versus Kala, Queen of the Netherworld!
No comments:
Post a Comment