The Gentleman’s Name is Blizzard!

Even though it is the middle of February, the city of New York is experiencing some unseasonably warm weather. This is the least of Tony Stark’s concerns as he goes to visit Happy Hogan in the hospital, after his most recent transformation into the Freak.[1] Although Happy is feeling fine, his wife Pepper blames what happened on Tony Stark and can’t bring herself to talk to him about what happened.

Meanwhile, back at Stark International, a criminal called Blizzard attacks. Using his freezing powers to incapacitate the guards, he begins making his way deeper into the facility in the hopes of finally getting revenge against Stark and Iron Man.[2]

At this same time, Tony is making his way back to work. He also blames himself for what happened to Happy and wonders — once again — how many people have to be hurt for their association with him. Tony’s thoughts are interrupted when he is once again accosted by Michael O’Brien. A police detective, O’Brien is investigating the death of his brother Kevin, convinced that Tony Stark murdered him and covered it up.[3] When O’Brien mentions how Stark International is currently under attack, Tony runs off so he can change into Iron Man and confront the attacker. Also arriving on the scene is Pepper Potts who is told of the security situation. When hearing that the villain attacking the plant has the power to generate extreme cold it all sounds familiar to her.

By this time, Blizzard has reached Tony Stark’s office and uses his freeze powers to break open the vault so he can get access to a weather control device. Iron Man ambushes his foe, but the Blizzard feigns being blinded by the Avenger’s attack. This leaves Iron Man open to attack and he is ill prepared for the severe cold that the Blizzard can summon. As the ice begins to freeze up Iron Man’s system, Pepper wanders onto the scene to confirm her suspicions regarding the identity of the villain attacking the plant. She some comes upon Iron Man frozen in a block of ice. When the Blizzard pronounces Iron Man dead, Pepper can hardly believe that the hero has been killed.

Recurring Characters

Iron Man, Blizzard, Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan, Michael O’Brien

Continuity Notes

1. Happy was injured masquerading as Iron Man in issue #81, this required the use of the Enervator to heal him causing him to become the Freak again in Iron Man #84-85.

2. Getting this out of the way right now: The story builds up on the idea that the Blizzard is an old foe who reinvented himself. He’s George Shapanka, a disgruntled Stark employee who previously fought Iron Man as Jack Frost back in Tales of Suspense #45.

3. Kevin O’Brien was driven mad by his Guardsman armor and died in a battle with Iron Man back in issue #46. Michael has been trying to prove Tony murdered his brother since issue #82.