In the movie Iron Man 3, Tony Stark asserted that he was still Iron Man even without “all my tricks and toys.” This is because for all the super-suits and technology he has invented, his greatest weapon is his brilliant mind. This point is showcased in Iron Man #3, by Spencer Ackerman and Julius Ohta.
The current storyline finds Tony Stark facing a triple threat. Advanced Idea Mechanics (AIM) and the Roxxon Energy Corporation partnered together on a hostile takeover of Stark Industries. At the same time, Tony faced a new magically-empowered Iron Monger, who turned his technology against him. With his usual resources denied to him, legally and magically, Tony turned toward what allies he had left on the Stark Industries board of directors to sink the deal.
Unfortunately, Roxxon anticipated Iron Man’s pleas to avoid working with the evil corporation. To that end they sweetened the deal, offering immortality to every executive who voted to approve the deal. This would be delivered via a silent partner from “a higher plane of existence.” Unfortunately, greed won out and the deal was approved, just before the silent partners were revealed to be the demonic masters of Doctor Druid and Belasco.
Tony Stark out-negotiated a Faustian demon
Disarmed but far from powerless, Iron Man asked if he could speak directly to the silent partners. With the channels of communication open, Tony pointed out that he had come out on top every time he had fought AIM, Roxxon and Iron Monger before. He asked them to consider his proven record of success versus that of their flunkies. The silent partners agreed it was a poor risk and pulled their support of the merger.
Unfortunately for the disloyal board members, the conditions of their bargain with Belasco declared their souls forfeit if the deal fell through. They begged Iron Man for help, despite turning on Tony Stark earlier. Tony proposed a new bargain, offering to win back the souls of the board in exchange for their resignations and shares.
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With that done, Tony offered Stark Industries’ stockpile of the anti-magic metal Mysterium in exchange for the lost souls. The demons agreed, the bargain was struck, and Tony once again had control of his company and tech. This proved, once again, that even without his armor and his fortune, Tony Stark is still Iron Man.
Iron Man #3 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
