Synopsis: Part 4 of the Alcohol storyline. While enjoying a romantic evening at one of Atlantic City's casino hotels, Tony and Bethany are rudely interrupted when three gaudy gamesmen break into the casino vault - Whiplash, Blizzard and the Melter, three foes Iron Man has faced individually in the past, now employed by the mysterious Justin Hammer. When Iron Man arrives on the scene, he outguns all three of them, that is, until he faces the onslaught of the Melter's heat rays and Blizzard's ice beams simultaneously. Unable to compensate for both extreme temperatures at once, Shell Head appears helpless with only Bethany Cabe to save him.
Observations:
The story really begins only in the second half of the book - the first half is dedicated to Tony testing out his armour after a number of 'malfunctions', and Bethany revealing more about background. Bethany looks awesome in her aqua Chiffon dress - mentioned as being a Christian Dior original. Tony is becoming more dependent on alcohol to unwind, until Bethany suggests an alternative - ie gambling. The Atlantic City story continues in the first half of Pieces of Hate.
Patronising lines:
"Listen dearie, I've got work to do, so why don't you just go and play in a disco? Mr Stark's a big boy - he can take care of himself!" - Mrs Arbogast to Bethany.
"Would-be assassins don't expect bits of fluff to carry Magnums..." - Bethany referring to herself and Ling.
Sadism:
The issue is full of it - Justin Hammer's machinations cause Iron Man's armour to malfunction whilst in flight towards Long Island.
Tony bowls over Uranus Bliss (later revealed to be Mrs Arbogast's sister in IM #137) when she hits the jackpot.
Iron Man has to endure two extreme temperatures at once. |
