IRON MAN #114 (1978): 1st Arsenal

Iron Man’s solo book is on a steady upward slope in terms of quality.  Let’s start with that art.  It makes me sad that Giffen is only a guest artist.  But the amazing team of John Romita, Jr. and Bob Layton on inks is coming soon–and you can see how much this issue influenced their look for the character.  The armor is now reflective, and in other panels, it gleams.

As for the writing, Mantlo is taking a much more mature approach to the character.  Continuing from last issue, the villain Unicorn is unconscious and dying, so Iron Man brings him to Avengers mansion, and the two Hanks, to see if he can revive him.

Beast advises that if they cure him, he’ll just attack them.

He’s not wrong.

Even if Beast is not wrong, it’s for the wrong reasons.

Titanium Man is working Unicorn via remote control, and he’s also got another dude-as-a-weapon, who emerges after Unicorn is defeated.

Arsenal, a giant robot weapon, is just the latest enemy to have no trouble breaking into Avengers Mansion.

And taking down most of the Avengers.

Until Iron Man beats him up.

The story ends with Unicorn still not cured (Titanium Man had simply triggered him–he’s still unconscious), and Iron Man vowing to continue until he can save him.

It is continued (and concluded) in Avengers Annual #9.

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