After a bombshell revelation that radically shocks Tony Stark – Kieron Gillen is starting a bold new story arc this week with artist Joe Bennett. The writer explains The Secret Origin of Tony Stark will lead into Iron Metropolitan:
“By the time we reach the end of Iron Man #17, Tony’s reeling,” Gillen told Marvel. “Hell, Tony’s reeling now. Basically, [‘Iron Metropolitan’] builds on everything he’s learned, everything he’s gained, everything. He went into space to get new ideas for new approaches. And you know what? It worked. Be careful what you wish for, etc, etc.”
Mandarin fans take note of this part of the interview. If you’re were disappointed by the cinematic Mandarin in Iron Man 3 then keep reading to see how Gillen will explore the classic enemy’s legacy. (It’s not a confirmation of the Mandarin’s comic book comeback but who knows.)
“This is both an arc in itself, and a launch for how my villains are going to work across my whole second ‘year.’ The first year was basically from Iron Man #1-17, and can be basically described as ‘The Origin of Tony Stark.’ And I’ll say this: [the story is] set in Mandarin City. It’ll be strange if I didn’t do something with that.”
“While we do a little bit of globe-trotting, the setting is primarily the remains of Mandarin City. That’s—as the name suggests—the Mandarin’s domain which was brought down at the end of Matt [Fraction’s] run. What better place to build a new model city than on the ruins of his greatest enemy? It helps that the place is pretty much feral, due to all manner of international problems. Surely Tony can’t make it worse?”
Howard Stark was a futurist featured in Captain America: The First Avenger, Tony will build his world of tomorrow.
“He’s a man with a new dream he wants to share with the world,” notes the writer of his protagonist. “He’s a man who’s just had his entire conception of himself overturned. He’s trying to deal with that in the best Tony Stark fashion: by ignoring it, and channeling that energy into something else. It’s either that or open a bottle.”
“Iron Metropolitan” begins Wednesday.
By Editor