Iron Man #4
Unconquered is the Unicorn!
Happy Hogan has been transformed into the Freak while building a new suit of Iron Man for Tony Stark. With the Freak sedated, Tony now operates the enervator to try and restore his friend to normal. As Pepper Potts watches from behind a shielded screen, Tony wonders why those closest to him always suffer because of his double life. Thankfully, the enervator begins working its magic and Happy is restored to human form.
Meanwhile, in Russia, scientists are bombarding the Unicorn in an effort to increase his power. While the Unicorn’s powers have increased the process will drastically shorten his lifespan. They then hand the Unicorn an upgraded costume, unicorn blaster helmet, and rocket belt. However, the brainwashing that the Unicorn underwent before this experiment was reversed by the process that enhanced his powers. No longer wishing to be a government agent, the Unicorn forces his way out of the lab so he can seek a scientific mind that can cure him of his terminal affliction.[1]
Back in the United States, Tony sees Happy and Pepper off. Still down on himself after what happened, Tony wonders why he continues being Iron Man. That’s when his secretary interrupts his thoughts to inquire if he will be attending the upcoming Congress of Scientific Achievement. Figuring this will get his mind off of things, Tony decides to go.
Meanwhile, the Unicorn has arrived at his secret hideout where he catches a news report about the congress and decides to go there to find a scientist to cure him. The Unicorn then comes crashing through the ceiling of the convention center and uses his powers to take control of the television cameras. He intends to hold all of the scientists at the convention hostage until he gets what he wants. Present is Tony Stark, who has been separated from the briefcase containing his Iron Man armor when his foe came crashing in through the roof. Tony makes three attempts to recover the attaché case and is blasted away by the Unicorn each time. Thankfully, he manages to grab his case the third time.
Undercover, Tony quickly changes to Iron Man and rushes the Unicorn. The force of the blow sends them both smashing through a wall to the outside. There, the pair battle it out the Unicorn’s frenzied state of mind leads Iron Man to correctly conclude that whatever boosted his powers is also killing him. Unfortunately, the villain refuses to accept Iron Man’s offers to help. Unable to withstand the Unicorn’s helmet blasts for long, Iron Man yanks off his enemy’s control belt and tosses it over the edge of a cliff. Unable to use his weapons or escape, the Unicorn leaps off the cliff after the device. Iron Man flies after him but loses his foe when he splashes down in the lake below.[2]
As he flies away, Tony realizes that threats such as the Unicorn are exactly the reason why he cannot give up being Iron Man.
Recurring Characters
Iron Man, Unicorn, Happy Hogan, Pepper Potts
Continuity Notes
The Unicorn was a Russian operative, as seen in Tales of Suspense #56. He remarks that his new armor is less bulky than his previous equipment. A footnote states that the last time the Unicorn was seen in his old armor was in X-Men #23.
Although presumed dead here, the Unicorn will turn up again in Iron Man #15.
Topical References
Dated cold war references: Iron Curtain, Reds
The television crew is depicted using old video cameras from the 60s.