MARVEL FANFARE #22-23

"Night of the Octopus" - 1985

Writer: Roger McKenzie

Everything else: Ken Steacy

Story:
When the authorities decide that there have been way too many break-outs from Ryker's Island penitentiary and that they want to beef up security, who do they call? You guessed it, Tony Stark of course.

Our story begins as Stark is giving Mr. Barger (a consumer activist) a guided tour of the facilities. At the same moment, one of the inmates' most deadly weapon is undergoing extensive testing in the labs of Stark International: Doctor Octopus' adamantium tentacles. The metallic monstrosities break free of their shackles and start to make their way towards the penitentiary. The only thing standing between them and their ultimate destination is the invincible Iron Man, and he really tries everything he can think of to stop the bloody things. His repulsors bounce off them, he tries to electrocute them and even blows them up along with a gas tanker, the tentacles just keep on going. Iron Man soon has to stop the chase in order to rescue one of his employees, research scientist Cherry Wood. This gives sufficient time to the indestructible tentacles to reach the prison and free their master, the well-known arch-enemy of Spider-Man.

When Iron Man finally makes it to the prison, he's got a major break-out on his hands; the Sandman, Electro and the Grey Gargoyle have also escaped and they go after Iron Man with a vengeance. But the real threat, Octopus, is staying in the shadows, and when he finally confronts Iron Man, you'll be shocked by the results! With Iron Man defeated, Stark's new security discredited and Dr. Octopus running free, disaster strikes Stark's company. Barger levels charges of negligence, stocks nosedive and Stark's plant is closed until further notice. The first issue ends with Tony pouring himself a glass, downing it and dropping it on the floor in despair.

The second issue begins where the first one left off, and when you find out what Stark has been drinking, you will be both surprised and relieved! We all know Tony's not a guy who gives up easily, and he has no intention of doing it now. He repairs his suit of armor and Iron Man lives again! I don't want to sell too much of the goodies you'll find in this issue (the best of the two in my opinion), but let's just say that you'll see lots of awesome Iron Man action as our hero tries to foil the plans of the diabolical Dr. Octopus. But how can he hope to defeat a man armed with indestructible adamantium tentacles that keep you from ever even touching him? How will Stark save his company from financial ruin? You'll have to read the comic to find out… and believe me, you won't be disappointed!


What's cool:
Where do I even begin? The art is absolutely awesome, you guys have no idea how long it took me to decide what to scan to go with this article, every single panel is better than the previous one, they'd all deserve to be framed on a wall! In fact, the art in these issues look like stills from an animation movie. It's really unlike anything else I've ever seen before or since.

The story is great too, perfectly true to character, you'll recognise the Tony Stark we all know and love. These issues really have it all. The villain is a classic Marvel bad guy that has been seen on countless occasions in the pages of the Spider-Man comics, and it was about time we saw him fight Iron Man. The result is an exciting and fun read that will leave you wanting more. Add to that some cool special appearances by Daredevil and the Avengers and a bunch of awesome Steacy pinups at the end of each comic, and you have a real gem. If you only ever buy TWO comics guest-starring Iron Man, make it these two. Satisfaction guaranteed.


Quote:

"It's enough to drive a man to drink… if I were a drinking man. But I'm not, not anymore. I'm an IRON man, and I have a suit of armor to test" Stark thinks to himself.