Iron Man: War Machine

Despite not getting much hype the Len Kaminski years in the 90's were one of the best times for Iron Man. Kaminski brought a blend of action, character development and technological infusion that no other writer has managed. His grip on the mechanics and technology behind the armor, and his exploration of Tony Stark's use of it is second to none and has a distinct flavor from every other writer who was ever on the title. His body failing from a neurological disease Stark has some unfinished business to take care of and to accomplish he constructs the War Machine armor, one of the most well known and most distinguishable armors in the character's history. It lives up to its name and frankly this armor kicks ass literally and figuratively. After Stark succumbs to his illness the issues shift focus to Jim Rhodes, Stark's long time best friend who takes over not only as head of Stark Enterprises but also as Iron Man, birthing War Machine as his own character. Reluctant to carry on the tradition after his past history with the suit, Rhodes must now juggle running a major corporation, being a super hero and most of all dealing with the death of his best friend leading to a bevy internal struggles. The saga finishes with Stark's resurrection (no one actually stays dead in comics), which the way it went down creates a major rift between Stark and Rhodes. At the time fans hated it because the characters had always gone hand in hand, but in looking back love it realizing how well Kaminski portrayed the relationship to get such a powerful response from readers. Whether you like action or character exploration War Machine is a great pick up blending both perfectly. If you ever doubted Stark can fight when he wants to you won't anymore, and you get to see the birth of a new character and a major point in Iron man's history. Even if you're jsut an action junky looking for some fights, pick this book up. If you like the character I label this under "essential" as it is truly one of the best Iron Man arcs ever.

One of the few real comic gems to come out of the 1990's. Len Kaminiski's tech-heavy writing style mixed with the excellent characterization of Tony Stark and Jame's Rhode's relationship through Stark's "death" and return make this one of the definitive Iron Man story arcs. These issues introduce the powerful "War Machine" variant of Iron Man armor that has since become a fan favorite is originally worn by Stark to defeat the Master's of Silence assassins and ultimately Justin Hammer. The suit is left behind for Stark's closest friend Rhodey to take up the mantle of Iron Man and CEO of Stark Enterprises when Tony is forced to fake his death as he succumbs to a techno-organic virus. It follows Rhodey's adventures during his second stint as Iron Man which are much more exciting and better written than his first back in the 80s. The return of Tony Stark with the awesomely high tech Telepresence Iron Man leads to the resignation of James Rhodes and a strained relationship between the long time friends. Besides the important addition of War Machine to the marvel mythos, this collection is full of superbly written, high action stories. The art is so-so at times and the "extreme" train of thought that was the norm in 90's comics can be seen in places but this arc is so fantastic that it rises well above similar titles of the time. The War Machine arc should be seen along with other classics like Demon in a Bottle and The Armor Wars. This book belongs on any Iron Man fan's shelf. It deserves a hardcover edition and hopefully we'll get one if War Machine makes an appearance in the movies. And if you're listening Marvel, we want Kaminski back! Even if only for a mini-series.