Marvel Masterworks: The Invincible Iron Man, Vol. 13

Marvel Masterworks: The Invincible Iron Man

by David Michelinie (Writer), John Romita Sr. (Cover Art), John Byrne (Penciller)

Many have lent their talents to THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN, but few - if any - have had a greater impact than the creative trio of David Michelinie, Bob Layton and John Romita Jr.! They remade IRON MAN with new co-stars - including Jim Rhodes, the future War Machine - and new armors, but more important than anything else, a new and character-defining take on the man inside the armor. Their Tony Stark is a hero not because of the extent of his technological wizardry, but because of his perseverance in the face of his own personal failings. This beautifully restored Marvel Masterworks edition presents the beginning of the reinvention of a Marvel icon, culminating in the classic "Demon in a Bottle"!

Iron Man (1968) 113-128; Marvel Premiere (1972) 44

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Superheroes

360 pages, Hardcover

Published March 23, 2021

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book collects issues #113-#128 which is arguably the greatest run of Shell-head’s history if for nothing else than the memorable “Demon in a Bottle” story from #128 which has Tony Stark literally fighting his toughest battle against alcohol and the choice to either give it up entirely or succumb to its embrace over him.
This book has many memorable first appearances in it as well from Tony’s red headed girlfriend Bethany Cabe in #117, his pilot James Rhodes in #118, and for Justin Hammer in #120.
Iron Man faces a bevy of foes in Unicorn, Arsenal, Spy Master, Sub-Mariner, Blizzard, Whiplash, Melter, and a whole host of his rogues gallery in #127 which is among my favorites in this collection just to see Iron Man unleash vengeance on these villains.
Many favorite stories in this book from #114 and the battle versus Arsenal to the two parter featuring Namor in #120-#121 to the long storyline with Hammer and his super villain army from #123-#127 and the aforementioned #128. Just a great read and we get a bonus Marvel Premier story featuring Jack-of-Hearts from #44.

[Troy-David Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1979 this story was what brought me back to Iron Man after a nearly two-year long gap.
The Romita JR. Bob Layton team was excellent for the art.
The alcoholism sub-plot was definitely powerful, and Justin Hammer made for a canny and credible opponent.
This was also my introduction to Jim Rhodes, Bethany Cabe, and Scott Lang/ Ant-Man. Very good characters all.
Great action scenes, and very good use of continuity,tying in to the (then) current events of the Avengers. For me, I tend to regard this story as culminating with Iron Man issues #134-135, where Iron Man seems to fully redeem himself in the eyes of the public.
Definitely worth the read!

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first part of this is really fun, and the last 9 issues are the rather renowned Demon In A Bottle storyline. A unique (at the time) look at a superhero and his struggles.

Fantastic artwork by John Romita Jr. and Bob Layton!

[José Ignacio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demon in a Bottle is a classic for a reason

This book marks the very tail end of Bill Mantlo's run on ol' Shell-Head and the beginning of David Michelinie's, and the man kicks it off with a bang.

Demon in a Bottle is the main attraction here, lasting from issue #120 all the way to #128, it’s a really fun arc that also deals with some major developments for Tony, this is classic Iron Man through and through.

I do suggest getting this version over any other volume collecting this particular story because you get a lot more than just DiaB.

[DOUGLAS J BERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Massive

Good color artwork. Tony stark is fighting inner demons. Meets Bethany cabe. The book ends with a jack of heart single, because Iron man gave him some training? Madam masque leaves. Shield is buying stuff.