10 Essential Ironman Trivia
Iron Man is one of those comic book characters created in the Stan Lee tradition. Minus the alliterative names that Mr. Lee is known for, Tony Stark encompasses everything Stan Lee is known for; an ordinary human being with extraordinary powers.
Mr. Lee’s characters have to come to grips with all the same character flaws and challenges all us face. Only these guys get to fly. Here are 10 Iron Man facts for the movie goer. This one’s for you Stan.
10. Premier
The first appearance of Iron Man was in 1963. He debuted in Tales of Suspense #39. It wasn’t until 1968 that Iron Man #1 hit the shelves. Tales of Suspense is valued at nearly $7,000 while Iron Man #1 in mint condition is worth close to $600.
9. Assistants
In addition to the lovely and unshakable Pepper Pots, Tony Stark also employed an ex-boxer turned chauffeur named Harold “Happy” Hogan.
While this character didn’t play much of a role in the first Iron man movie, he was a major character in the comic story line.
8. Nick Fury
Nick Fury is a semi-super hero (he’s like 100 years old but NOT a mutant like Wolverine), head of S.H.I.E.L.D and probably one of the coolest cigar chompin’, one-eyed, spandex wearing, gunslingest characters in the Marvel Universe.
He’s important to the entire story line for the lead-in to the Avengers movie slated for release in 2012 so get used to him.
When casting it was obvious that a larger than life actor would be needed to play Fury and make it stick throughout several movies.
David Hasselhoff didn’t do the trick in the Nick Fury movie, comic fans everywhere are hoping that Samuel L. Jackson can. I’m betting so, but I miss the cigar.
7. Iron WHO?!?
A Marvel/DC amalgamation known as Amalgam Comics was introduced in 1996. Both Marvel and DC published these 12 books (6 apiece). This was done again in 1997.
The amalgamation of Iron Man and Green Lantern was known as Iron Lantern and the trademark gold and orange armor was traded in for a green and black combo. Ryan Reynolds (who played Deadpool in the Wolverine movie) will star as Green lantern in the upcoming 2011 release.
6. Human Flaw #1
The character of Tony Stark has battled alcoholism several times in the last 47 years of existence.
While using repulsers while under the influence is not strictly illegal, flying while intoxicated might land you a job with a major airline.
5. On TV
In 1966 there was a limited run of Iron Man cartoons. There were 12 episodes but the show was not picked up for a second season. You can tell by the quality why.
4. Human Flaw #2
Women. Though the tension between Pepper Pots and Tony Stark was always present, the two never acted upon it. However there was a long list of women that Stark was involved with.
Though he defeated villain after villain, it was in the war of the heart that Iron Man was proven to be a softy.
One of Stark’s love interests was the Black Widow (played by Scarlet Johansen) who will be appearing in this summer’s Iron Man 2.
3. Super Temp Service
During a bout with alcoholism that progressed to the point where Tony Stark could not be effective as Iron Man, James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Played by Terrence Howard in Iron Man and by Don Cheadle in Iron Man 2) took on the role.
Again, Tony drunk, and you think you have problems?
2. Loses At Awards Too?
In 2009 Batman, Hancock and Iron Man were nominated for the People’s Choice Awards. The category? Best Superhero of 2009.
Batman took the honor and had I known about it before hand I would have picketed the awards myself. I demand a recount. Batman? Seriously? NO! I have to wonder if it was enough to drive Stark back to drinking though.
1. Downey Jr. in 4 More Movies
The last fact is Robert Downey Jr is slated to play Iron Man in at least four more movies; Captain America, Thor, Iron Man 3 and the Avengers. It looks like the two will forever be linked, which suits me just fine.
