Iron Man #125
The Monaco Prelude
Iron Man has apparently killed Sergei Kotznin, the Ambassador to Carnelia in front of live television at the United Nations building. This horrific event has come as a shock to everyone, including Iron Man, whose repulsor ray went off on its own.[1] When the police come to arrest Iron Man, the Avenger explains that his armor has been malfunctioning recently and the ambassador’s death was an accident. Surprisingly, the police agree to let Iron Man go due to his past crime-fighting, but want to impound his armor. Iron Man agrees to comply, saying that Tony Stark will drop off the armor later. This angers Bethany Cabe, who cannot believe that Iron Man is being let go after he just killed Kotznin right in front of everybody. One of the officers points out that Iron Man has enough firepower to resist arrest and that they don’t have much choice.
Later that day, Tony Stark goes to city hall to turn over his armor, but not before disarming and removing key pieces of technology to prevent any tampering. While the mayor is pleased with Stark’s co-operation, Bethany Cabe — also present — is furious that Iron Man is not being arrested and his innocence is being accepted at face value on Tony’s say so. Tony quickly snaps back at Bethany, pointing out that a Kotznin died on her watch when she was hired to as his bodyguard. This angry exchange leads to the pair realizing that they have pushed each other too far but both are too proud to apologize to one another.
The following morning, Tony Stark arrives at his office after spending the night out drinking.[2] His disheveled appearance comes as a shock to Ms. Arbogast, Tony’s secretary.[3] Hung over, Tony returns to his office and instantly thinks about drinking to take the edge off, admitting he has been under a great deal of stress recently.[4] Seeing a framed picture of his alter-ego, Tony blames Iron Man for his problems and continues to drown his sorrows with booze.
Later that day, the Avengers have called a meeting to figure out how to deal with the death of Kotznin since Iron Man is their acting chairman. That’s when Tony Stark arrives and supports their position to have Iron Man step down until the case works itself out. Tony then asks Captain America to teach him some self-defense moves, saying that he needs to be able to protect himself without Iron Man around to be his bodyguard. Captain America agrees and after a few hours of fundamentals, Tony quickly learns how to defend himself.
Tony then goes about trying to figure out who framed Iron Man for murder. The only clue he has to go on was an off-hand comment from Whiplash during their battle in Atlantic City about some guy named Hammer who is out to kill him.[5] Needing to question Whiplash, Tony pays a visit to Scott Lang to see what he can learn about getting in and out of Ryker’s Island undetected.[6] Since Scott owes Tony a great deal of gratitude for the job, he tells Tony that he can get a friend to get into Ryker’s and get the information he needs. What Tony doesn’t know is that Scott is talking about Ant-Man, his alter-ego. Later that evening, Lang — as Ant-Man — uses his size-changing abilities to infiltrate the prisoner and enter Whiplash’s cell. Catching the crook by surprise, Ant-Man orders him to tell everything he knows about this man named Hammer who is gunning for Iron Man.
When Scott returns to Tony the following day, he has a full dossier on Justin Hammer a rival businessman who lives on the Mediterranean. When Tony heads to the airport to take his private jet, he discovers that Jim Rhodes is waiting for him and insists on accompanying Tony on this mission.[7] When they arrive in Monaco, Jim sarcastically suggests they call the princess. Surprisingly, Tony knows the royal family personal and after a quick phone call they are on their way. The pair check in at a local resort hotel owned by Justin Hammer and, as expected, their arrival prompts one of the staff to call Hammer to alert him of Stark’s arrival. Soon, armed guards come to apprehend them. There is a serious gun battle that prompts Tony and Jim to make a daring escape on a stolen jeep. Unfortunately, when they get to the beach they find a hydrofoil has brought reinforcements to assist in their capture.
Recurring Characters
Iron Man, Justin Hammer, Ant-Man, Jim Rhodes, Bethany Cabe, Bambi Arbogast, Whiplash, Avengers (Captain America, the Wasp, Vision, the Beast, Falcon)
Continuity Notes
This was caused by Justin Hammer, as seen last issue. Hammer had been hacking into Iron Man’s armor and causing various malfunctions in Iron Man #118, 120, and 123.
This is yet another worsening sign of alcoholism that will come to a foot in Iron Man #128.
Bambi Arbogast’s full name is not given here. It is revealed in Iron Man #137.
Tony cites two incidents that are causing him stress:
Whitney Frost leaving him: After having feelings with each other dating back to Iron Man #19, the pair finally professed their love for one another in Iron Man #103. Thing ended on a tragic note when Iron Man accidentally killed her father — Count Nefaria — in battle in issue #116, prompting her to leave him to sort out her feelings.
SHIELD trying to take control of Stark International: The company got out of the weapons manufacturing business in Iron Man #46. Recently, in issue #119, Tony learned that Nick Fury has been trying to get controlling stock in the company in order to force it back into the weapons business.
Whiplash let this slip in Iron Man #124.
Tony is going to Lang for advice since Scott spent some time in the pokey. See Marvel Premiere #47.
It is mentioned here that Jim recently recovered from a gunshot wound. He was shot in the arm in Iron Man #121.
Topical References
The mayor of New York City is depicted as Ed Koch. Koch was mayor of New York from 1978 to 1989. He died in 2013. His appearance here is a topical reference.
Tony throws a framed picture of Iron Man that is depicted as being the front cover of an issue of Time Magazine. This should be considered a topical reference because Time is a real world publication.
Tony’s private jet is depicted as a Learjet 24. This model was manufactured between 1966 and 1977. Although many of the 259 planes built are still in operation, they will eventually be retired out eventually. Its appearance here should be considered topical.
In this story Tony calls the Princess of Monaco for information on Justin Hammer. The princess is referred to as Grace here. This is a reference to actress Grace Kelly who married into royal family in the 1950s. This should be considered a topical reference as Kelly died in 1982.