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Marvel Pocket Books Novels
Iron Man: Virus
THE ONLY HOPE AGAINST THE ULTIMATE DECEPTION
In the clear blue skies above Long Island, two airplanes collide. Tony Stark watches the scene in horror and wishes he had the technology that is almost within his reach—a new hyperintelligent instant control system that could have given the aircraft advance warning. But Stark, an obsessive, increasingly troubled recluse, doesn’t know that his invention has been compromised.
In fact, the collision was a carefully crafted hit on Madame Hydra, the final stage in Arnim Zola’s plan to seize control of HYDRA and get rid of Iron Man once and for all. The cunning adversary has already infiltrated Stark Industries security to develop a version of the instant control mechanism that will take over the armored suit and turn it against Stark and S.H.I.E.L.D. While Tony races to track down the source of the intrusion, Zola unleashes direly ingenious computer viruses and the ultimate secret a murderous clone army based on Stark’s most trusted friend. A puppet master of self-replicating terror, Zola is plunging a city into a war that threatens to consume all in its wake.
In the clear blue skies above Long Island, two airplanes collide. Tony Stark watches the scene in horror and wishes he had the technology that is almost within his reach—a new hyperintelligent instant control system that could have given the aircraft advance warning. But Stark, an obsessive, increasingly troubled recluse, doesn’t know that his invention has been compromised.
In fact, the collision was a carefully crafted hit on Madame Hydra, the final stage in Arnim Zola’s plan to seize control of HYDRA and get rid of Iron Man once and for all. The cunning adversary has already infiltrated Stark Industries security to develop a version of the instant control mechanism that will take over the armored suit and turn it against Stark and S.H.I.E.L.D. While Tony races to track down the source of the intrusion, Zola unleashes direly ingenious computer viruses and the ultimate secret a murderous clone army based on Stark’s most trusted friend. A puppet master of self-replicating terror, Zola is plunging a city into a war that threatens to consume all in its wake.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
11 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Alexander C. Irvine
190 books200 followersAlexander C. Irvine is an American fantasist and science fiction writer. He also writes under the pseudonym Alex Irvine. He first gained attention with his novel A Scattering of Jades and the stories that would form the collection Unintended Consequences. He has also published the Grail quest novel One King, One Soldier, and the World War II-era historical fantasy The Narrows.
In addition to his original works, Irvine has published Have Robot, Will Travel, a novel set in Isaac Asimov's positronic robot milieu; and Batman: Inferno, about the DC Comics superhero.
His academic background includes an M.A. in English from the University of Maine and a PhD from the University of Denver. He is an assistant professor of English at the University of Maine. He also worked for a time as a reporter at the Portland Phoenix.
In addition to his original works, Irvine has published Have Robot, Will Travel, a novel set in Isaac Asimov's positronic robot milieu; and Batman: Inferno, about the DC Comics superhero.
His academic background includes an M.A. in English from the University of Maine and a PhD from the University of Denver. He is an assistant professor of English at the University of Maine. He also worked for a time as a reporter at the Portland Phoenix.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 1, 2022
Do you like vainglorious supervillain monologuing of the kind that would put even Dr. Evil to shame?
[ ]
Do you also like dry recitals of patent application forms with numerous redactions?
[ ]
If it's yes to both, this is the audioread experience for you!
Joking aside this was a perfectly serviceable Iron Man prose novel, you could tell the author is legitimately passionate and well-informed about next wave technology so despite quite a lot of suspension of disbelief being required it wasn't as onerous as it might have been.
Imagine we could all live inside a SEGA Genesis!
[ ]
Do you also like dry recitals of patent application forms with numerous redactions?
[ ]
If it's yes to both, this is the audioread experience for you!
Joking aside this was a perfectly serviceable Iron Man prose novel, you could tell the author is legitimately passionate and well-informed about next wave technology so despite quite a lot of suspension of disbelief being required it wasn't as onerous as it might have been.
Imagine we could all live inside a SEGA Genesis!
July 10, 2020
Can we all agree that Pepper Potts is totally awesome? She's the sexy semiconductor that keeps Iron Man ticking. In this novel she nurtures mopey Happy Hogan, she rescues Tony Stark from cyber exile, and she guns down a clone of Madam Hydra moments before the villainess pokes out Nick Fury's one good eye. Yup, Pepper Potts is pretty damn awesome. In fact, let's start calling her The Incredible Iron Admin.
October 2, 2012
I was going to write this review with my Iron Man helmet on. Sadly, I had trouble seeing the keyboard and the computerized Jarvis kept talking in my ear. Oh yeah, I really do own one. You should see the top of my entertainment center. It`s an Avengers shrine with a star-spangled shield, a hammer that somehow I was deemed worthy enough to lift, and a red and gold helmet. There`s also a copy of Deadpool # 32 signed by the man himself, Mr. Joe Kelly. How that got there I don`t know but Wade assures me he`s next in line for an Avengers ID card since everyone else has gotten one so I left it there.
Yes, I am a Marvel comics fan. I proudly announce that. And I am also a huge fan of Tony Stark. In armor our out that man just sends me! I tend to approach things dealing with Tones with a wary eye at times. I`ve seen the man turned from a hero to a pariah in a few short months. I`ve suffered, right along with all the Iron fans out there over the past few years, as Tony was a victim of character assignation of the worst kind. So, when I spied this novel in my Indie bookstore, I reached for it like it was a coiled rattlesnake.
Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be one hell of a great read! There is hope yet fans. If you can`t find the Tony Stark you love in the comics, there`s always movies and now novels.
Iron Man: Virus is penned by Alex Irvine, the author of fourteen books; numerous fictional shorts, and one novel that won him a Crawford Award for best new writer. Mr. Irvine surely has a feel for Tony Stark.
The story begins when two planes collide over Long Island. Tony Stark watches while wishing he had the technology that is almost at his fingertips – a hyperintelligent instant control system that would have given the aircraft some advance warning. This instant control Tony is obsessing over would also make him and his prototype suit almost one. What Tony doesn`t know is that his new baby has already been compromised.
See, it was Madame Hydra on one of those ill-fated planes. And the accident turns out to be a precisely crafted assassination by Arnim Zola. We all remember him don`t we? Kind of hard to forget a man with no head and a face where his chest cavity is supposed to be, isn`t it?
Zola has plans to not only take over Hydra, which he does neatly once Madame Hydra is gone, he also has plans to take over the world. World domination means getting rid of those who prove bothersome. Like Tony Stark. Zola, the cunning little headless creep, has already infiltrated Stark Industries and has developed a version of the instant control program. Zola isn`t happy to just be able to access Tony`s new armor (Which will piss off Anthony to no end. We all know how he HATES having his tech compromised) he wants to hit Tony in a more vulnerable place. No, not there! While Tony is scrambling to try to figure out who is behind this intrusion into his plant and computer system, Zola unleashes a clone army that is based on one of Tony`s dearest friends.
Talk about a double-shot to the old ego! Tony ends up….Well, I don`t want to spoil what happens but it`s a hell of a ride through cyberspace rest assured.
I have to applaud Mr. Irvine and his faithful representation of not only Tony Stark, but Jim Rhodes, Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan, and Nick Fury. The characters are wonderfully in character. Stark is portrayed as the brilliant mind with a predilection towards turning reclusive when occupied. Rhodey and Happy are the faithful, long suffering friends, and Pepper is the woman at Stark`s side not the star as she has been in the comics for oh-so many months. The star of this book is Tony Stark warts and all. Please don`t get me wrong, I adore Pepper but she is a supporting character. She should not be in armor while Tones is off begging and whining in front of a villain. Sorry. Sometimes those things just bubble out. I`m better now, I promise.
Back to the book! The plot was tense and nerve-wracking right up to the end. Zola is shown to be a brilliant man on par with Stark on every level. The sub-plots are tight and crisp as one of Tony`s closest friends tries to deal with the fact that there are thousands of him/her running around. Fury is the classic SHIELD top dog. Short on words but big on action.
And you guys want action? Holy nanotubes! This book nearly vibrates with gunfire, repulsor blasts, helicopter crashes, you name it and it is going down outside of Tony`s lab.
Sadly for me, there was very little romance. Some socialite that Stark dates whenever he can recall her name is kidnapped and cloned. Zola keeps Miss Megabucks (I don`t remember her name because it wasn`t Vicki as it should have been) as leverage in his chocolate factory turned clone replicating plant. A wee more spice would have rounded out things quite well. Alas, I shall have to write sexy scenes in my own fan fiction I suppose.
Overall the book is a great addition to any Iron Man fans library. It moves in the movie-verse I assume since Happy is alive, but it doesn`t shove it down your throat. It could easily have been in the comic continuity if not for Hogan`s role. If you`re looking for a page turning read starring everyone`s favorite billionaire/playboy/philanthropist, grab a copy of Iron Man: Virus. I plan on picking up the other two novels advertised on the inside cover.
A woman can never have too much Tony Stark in her life, now can she??
Yes, I am a Marvel comics fan. I proudly announce that. And I am also a huge fan of Tony Stark. In armor our out that man just sends me! I tend to approach things dealing with Tones with a wary eye at times. I`ve seen the man turned from a hero to a pariah in a few short months. I`ve suffered, right along with all the Iron fans out there over the past few years, as Tony was a victim of character assignation of the worst kind. So, when I spied this novel in my Indie bookstore, I reached for it like it was a coiled rattlesnake.
Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be one hell of a great read! There is hope yet fans. If you can`t find the Tony Stark you love in the comics, there`s always movies and now novels.
Iron Man: Virus is penned by Alex Irvine, the author of fourteen books; numerous fictional shorts, and one novel that won him a Crawford Award for best new writer. Mr. Irvine surely has a feel for Tony Stark.
The story begins when two planes collide over Long Island. Tony Stark watches while wishing he had the technology that is almost at his fingertips – a hyperintelligent instant control system that would have given the aircraft some advance warning. This instant control Tony is obsessing over would also make him and his prototype suit almost one. What Tony doesn`t know is that his new baby has already been compromised.
See, it was Madame Hydra on one of those ill-fated planes. And the accident turns out to be a precisely crafted assassination by Arnim Zola. We all remember him don`t we? Kind of hard to forget a man with no head and a face where his chest cavity is supposed to be, isn`t it?
Zola has plans to not only take over Hydra, which he does neatly once Madame Hydra is gone, he also has plans to take over the world. World domination means getting rid of those who prove bothersome. Like Tony Stark. Zola, the cunning little headless creep, has already infiltrated Stark Industries and has developed a version of the instant control program. Zola isn`t happy to just be able to access Tony`s new armor (Which will piss off Anthony to no end. We all know how he HATES having his tech compromised) he wants to hit Tony in a more vulnerable place. No, not there! While Tony is scrambling to try to figure out who is behind this intrusion into his plant and computer system, Zola unleashes a clone army that is based on one of Tony`s dearest friends.
Talk about a double-shot to the old ego! Tony ends up….Well, I don`t want to spoil what happens but it`s a hell of a ride through cyberspace rest assured.
I have to applaud Mr. Irvine and his faithful representation of not only Tony Stark, but Jim Rhodes, Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan, and Nick Fury. The characters are wonderfully in character. Stark is portrayed as the brilliant mind with a predilection towards turning reclusive when occupied. Rhodey and Happy are the faithful, long suffering friends, and Pepper is the woman at Stark`s side not the star as she has been in the comics for oh-so many months. The star of this book is Tony Stark warts and all. Please don`t get me wrong, I adore Pepper but she is a supporting character. She should not be in armor while Tones is off begging and whining in front of a villain. Sorry. Sometimes those things just bubble out. I`m better now, I promise.
Back to the book! The plot was tense and nerve-wracking right up to the end. Zola is shown to be a brilliant man on par with Stark on every level. The sub-plots are tight and crisp as one of Tony`s closest friends tries to deal with the fact that there are thousands of him/her running around. Fury is the classic SHIELD top dog. Short on words but big on action.
And you guys want action? Holy nanotubes! This book nearly vibrates with gunfire, repulsor blasts, helicopter crashes, you name it and it is going down outside of Tony`s lab.
Sadly for me, there was very little romance. Some socialite that Stark dates whenever he can recall her name is kidnapped and cloned. Zola keeps Miss Megabucks (I don`t remember her name because it wasn`t Vicki as it should have been) as leverage in his chocolate factory turned clone replicating plant. A wee more spice would have rounded out things quite well. Alas, I shall have to write sexy scenes in my own fan fiction I suppose.
Overall the book is a great addition to any Iron Man fans library. It moves in the movie-verse I assume since Happy is alive, but it doesn`t shove it down your throat. It could easily have been in the comic continuity if not for Hogan`s role. If you`re looking for a page turning read starring everyone`s favorite billionaire/playboy/philanthropist, grab a copy of Iron Man: Virus. I plan on picking up the other two novels advertised on the inside cover.
A woman can never have too much Tony Stark in her life, now can she??
January 1, 2013
This is a fun adventure. Well-written. Well-paced. If you grew up with comic books, you will like this novel.
December 21, 2020
This may be the best of the Iron Man prose novels. The characters are all presented intelligently and convincingly- Tony, Nick Fury, Rhodes & Hogan, Zola & Madame Hydra, and most especially Pepper Potts, who rounds them all up and keeps them all straight and healthy and together, and even keeps Nick from losing his good eye. It shows Tony in his more human, less heroic phase, but the teamwork aspect works better than the strong-man slant ever did. 'nuff said... Excelsior!
February 14, 2016
If you like the classic Iron Man, you know who I mean, the golden Avenger who swoops around and uses his high tech armor to fight super villains, do NOT read this book.
If you like Tony Stark, and I mean the brooding eccentric inventor, and SHIELD, then you might want to give this book a try.
The last 50 pages or so are excellent. That's the only reason why it gets 2 stars.
If you like Tony Stark, and I mean the brooding eccentric inventor, and SHIELD, then you might want to give this book a try.
The last 50 pages or so are excellent. That's the only reason why it gets 2 stars.
October 4, 2018
This wasn't any good. Didn't like the way Tony was portrayed at all. Didn't really know how to use Pepper and Rhodey, and overused Happy Hogan.
January 26, 2017
I did enjoy reading this and it was a bit refreshing reading more from the comic book perspective on Iron Man/Tony Stark and other characters but I found the story in parts all over the place and not clear on what actually Nick Fury and SHIELD wanted Tony to do in defeating Hydra whose own agenda was also quite confusing. Some parts of the book were entertaining but it is not a book I would recommend or read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 8, 2011B22129328G
June 19, 2012
Not the best continuation of the Iron Man canon, it's time setting wasn't clear, Tony was very out of chartcher and I didn't know enough about the villain to be interested.
June 2, 2013
408 - 2013
August 30, 2019
The title should be "Tony Stark".
May 27, 2025
This was a fun action read. I don’t read as much thriller or spy genre, and honestly was drawn to it because 2025 is my year of Getting Into Comic Books Again.
I’m giving this the rating I am because it did exactly what it needed to do. I try hard to rate art thoughtfully outside my own tastes when I feel compelled to assign some sort of rating system to them (which isn’t often.)
Great characterizations, action plot, well written character interactions. Honestly been enjoying the Marvel Prose and the comic arc novelizations.
If you like Iron Man, Pepper Potts being badass and action flicks - you’ll dig it.
Sometimes we just need some sweets to round out the reading food pyramid.
I’m giving this the rating I am because it did exactly what it needed to do. I try hard to rate art thoughtfully outside my own tastes when I feel compelled to assign some sort of rating system to them (which isn’t often.)
Great characterizations, action plot, well written character interactions. Honestly been enjoying the Marvel Prose and the comic arc novelizations.
If you like Iron Man, Pepper Potts being badass and action flicks - you’ll dig it.
Sometimes we just need some sweets to round out the reading food pyramid.
September 6, 2020
Enjoyable fun story of iron man.
May 26, 2022
A light and entertaining Marvel story with a lots of clones and virtual reality. Starring Tony Stark aka Iron Man and Arnim Zola.
May 15, 2023
I don't know much about the villian in this one, but he seemed interesting and the story was somewhat unique. if you like happy and iron man, then this one's for you
July 15, 2020
Very enjoyable book! My full review for it can be found at my blog:
The Real World According To Sam
Thanks for reading!!!
The Real World According To Sam
Thanks for reading!!!
July 31, 2020
Achei esse livro muito bom. Um Tony muito imperfeito, viciado no trabalho. Esse é um Tony Stark muito interessante.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews