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| IRON MAN #124 |
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| Synopsis: Part 5 of the Alcohol storyline. The first half of the story sees the conclusion of the Casino Fatale storyline with Bethany rescuing Shell Head from the Melter and Blizzard. With one source of temperature distracted, Iron Man is free to deal with the trio one by one, aided in no small way by Bethany who completely trashes Whiplash as he tries to make his escape. Unfortunately, the battle ends on a sour note as Bethany chides Iron Man for not protecting Tony, not realising that the two are in fact one and the same. This drives a wedge between the blossoming relationship between Tony and Bethany, culminating in the tragic events at the end of the story and the tension in the following issue. The second half (on which the picture is based) sees Iron Man making an appearance at the United Nations Plaza for a reception for the Carnelian Ambassador, Sergei Kotzniz, a big fan of Iron Man. Justin Hammer's manipulations of Iron Man's armour deal its deadliest blow, as Iron Man's repulsor malfunctions, blasting a hole in the Carnelian Ambassador in front of thousands of witnesses, including a horrified Bethany. The story ends with the chilling words of Iron Man: "I killed him!" Observations: Unfortunately, Bob Layton decided to bring in his "friends" (as listed in the creative team credits) to ink the issue, so there is some inconsistency in the standard of art - some of it is dazzling (the pages inked by Layton), the rest just average. Bethany wears a very low cut green evening dress - someone seems to like portraying her in revealing pieces of clothing! Not that there is any complaint here! Bethany assures Tony, "Frankly, I can't wait for a night when you are yourself!" - whatever does she mean by that? What kind of hanky panky did they get up to after the battle? Artemus Pithins is Tony's Head of Public Relations - a role later filled by Marcie Pearson. Patronising lines: Bethany seems to have all the lines in this issue: "It wasn't 'nothin' that stopped you, Whiplash - it was a Smith & Wesson" - Bethany after firing a gunshot in Whiplash's direction. "If I were you, I'd be concerned about a thicker bone - like my head!" - Bethany to Whiplash again, just before knocking him unconscious. "Thanks bunches, Iron Man - considering it was your job I was doing!" - Bethany to Iron Man at the end of the battle. "Who's looking after Tony tonight? - Mrs Arbogast?" - Bethany to Iron Man at the UN Plaza. Sadism: Justin Hammer is at his most diabolical here - killing the Carnelian ambassador and framing Shell Head all in one go. |
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| Iron Man #124 cover |