Iron Man #32
Beware — The Mechanoid!
As fate would have it, a series of seemingly unrelated events are converging together into an event of cosmic proportions.
At Stark Industries, Tony Stark is running tests to confirm the integrity of his Iron Man armor so that it is in peak operating condition.
While in the inner city, a teacher named Belinda Tompkins breaks up with her boyfriend Luke, due to the fact that he refuses to work at bettering his life.
At that moment, an alien craft arrives in Earth orbit. To contains a mechanoid life form called MK-5, who has come to Earth for his masters to determine if the planet has developed enough to begin interplanetary relations.
Elsewhere, two crooks named Baldy Kolak and Rasco have broken out of prison. Climbing over the walls they quickly hotwire a car and make a clean getaway.
Later that evening, Iron Man is out testing his weapon’s systems when he spots MK-5’s ship and approaches the craft to investigate its origins. MK-5 uses a tractor beam to incapacitate Iron Man and bring him aboard his ship.
Meanwhile, Baldy and Rasco are spotted by the police who give them chase. The pair try fleeing onto a nearby highway where, a few miles ahead, Belinda Tompkins struggles with her decision to remain broken up with Luke. Aboard the alien ship, MK-5 reveals to Iron Man how his masters sent him to observe the Earth and determine if it is ideal for a potential trading colony. MK-5 explains such determinations are made in secret and should he deem Earth unworthy, Iron Man will be destroyed to keep his visit a secret. MK-5 then decides to take a more direct approach and leaves his ship.
Unable to break free from the force field he is trapped in, Iron Man uses an audio jack built into his armor to connect him to the ship, hoping the connection will short out the force field. The ploy works and the Avenger then blasts free of the alien ship.
On the ground, MK-5 tries to thumb a ride along the highway, but his strange appearance prevents anyone from taking him seriously. The mechanoid realizes he has to disguise himself in order to continue his mission and takes on the form of a black man. He is picked up by Belinda, and introduces himself as Mike.
By this time, the highway patrol has caught up with the two escaped cons and cause their car to crash. Luckily for Baldy and Rasco, they are thrown clear of the exploding vehicle and manage to escape. Iron Man happens by the accident and learns about the two convicts on the loose and promises to keep an eye out for them. The two crooks continue to have luck working for them as they manage to catch a ride with Belinda and Mike. Once they are in the vehicle, Baldy pulls a gun and orders them to keep driving. With Belinda’s life in danger, MK-5 suddenly finds himself developing feelings for the woman and comforts her by putting his hand over hers as she drives on.
Meanwhile, Iron Man flies above the highway using his sensors to try and detect MK-5’s mechanical body in the area. He is able to single out Belinda’s car and when he makes his approach he is spotted by Baldy who tries to shoot Iron Man out of the sky. Ordinary bullets are no threat to the iron-clad hero who uses his repulsors to force Belinda’s car off the road. As Iron Man races to rescue the two hostages, “Mike” uses his body to shield Belinda when Baldy tries to shoot them. Iron Man quickly subdues the two criminals, but MK-5 has already sustained critical damage. Telling Belinda that it was a pleasure meeting her, “Mike” gets far enough away from her just as his body self-destructs, destroying him instantly. Seeing MK-5’s destruction devastates Belinda who then mourns by his remains. Iron Man joins her because this isn’t just a tragic end to a budding romance, but also a chance for the planet Earth to find a larger role in the universe around them.
Recurring Characters
Iron Man
Topical References
Iron Man states that he is using a radio jack to plug into the alien ship. This type of jack is still used in technology today for wired headphones and other audio equipment and are not solely used for radio these days.
