Iron Man #168
The Iron Scream
Machine Man has arrived at Stark International in the hopes he can get a meeting with Iron Man. This is because he has come to believe that Iron Man is actually a robot and hopes they can compare notes on how to navigate through a world of humans. When security tries to call Tony Stark about this, he refuses to answer the phone.
Elsewhere on the property a pair of scientists are waiting for Tony to arrive so they can run a final test on a new experimental generator. They have to get things done right away otherwise they will lose a lucrative contract. However, just like with security, Tony refuses to answer their calls.
This is because Tony has fallen off the wagon and drank himself stupid the night before.[1] He is woken up by a call from security but he doesn’t care what the problem is and tells them to figure it out on their own.
By this time, Machine Man has grown impatient and decides to trespass onto the property to find Iron Man himself. This sets off an alarm which rouses Tony enough to check. Seeing Machine Man on the monitors, Stark assumes that this is yet another attack by Obadiah Stane. He quickly showers and changes into his Iron Man armor, something that proves difficult because he’s absolutely plastered.
When he finally tracks down Machine Man, the robot is patiently waiting in Tony Stark’s office. When Machine Man greets the Avenger, Iron Man assumes that his friendliness is just another manipulation of his emotions and attacks. Trying to make sense of this sudden attack, Machine Man mistakes Tony Stark’s intoxication with a programming malfunction. This idea is reinforced when Iron Man attacks with complete lack of regard for the safety of those on his staff. Machine Man then takes it upon himself to stop this “rogue machine” before someone gets hurt.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, Jim Rhodes is still on the run from Obadiah Stane’s assassins.[2] However, he manages to make it to the airfield where Tony Stark’s private jet is hangered. Disguising himself as a Caucasian janitor, Jim manages to ambush the men guarding the plane and knocks them out. Climbing aboard and washing off his disguise, Jim then fires up the aircraft so he can finally head home.
Back in the United States, the battle between Iron Man and Machine Man rages on. The clash carries on into one of the main generators where Machine Man tries to short out Iron Man by wiring himself into the electrical system. Unfortunately, this only recharges Iron Man’s batteries and plunges the entire facility into a blackout. Needing to change strategies, Machine Man then tries to put some distance between himself and Iron Man.
The chase leads them into the lab where the two scientists who are working on the experimental generator. When Iron Man catches up to his opponent he attacks with such abandon that he trashes the generator and injures one of the scientists. The fight continues outside in the air until Machine Man manages to get his hands on Iron Man’s helmet in an attempt to hack his systems and shut the “rogue robot” down. However, he quickly discovers that Iron Man is not a sophisticated robot as he thought, but a man in a suit of cybernetically controlled armor. Shutting down Iron Man’s armor and setting him down on the ground, Machine Man tries to talk to him but Tony has passed out by this point, prompting Machine Man to cut his losses and depart.
When Iron Man wakes up, he is yelled at by staff for all the damage he caused. Unphased by any of this, he retreats to his private lab where Tony realizes he can’t really remember much about the fight he just had with Machine Man. Trying to make sense of his thoughts, Tony gets a call from Bambi Arbogast who tells him, among other things, the bank wants to see him regarding some outstanding debts. Tony can’t be bothered and orders a car to be pulled out so he can get away and continue his bender. Leaving the facility, a young scientist can’t believe how his boss is neglecting his company so badly.[3] Vic tells the scientist that things are going to hell quickly and if he has any stock in Stark International, he should sell them right away.
Meanwhile, Tony heads to one of his Manhattan apartments so he can be alone, Tony offers to pay the doorman to go down to the liquor store down the street to buy him some more booze. Since the doorman can’t leave his post, Tony decides to go himself instead.
Recurring Characters
Iron Man, Machine Man, Jim Rhodes, Morley Erwin, Vic Martinelli, Bambi Arbogast, Indires Moomji
Continuity Notes
Tony has been sober since Iron Man #126, but was pushed over the edge last issue thanks to the machinations of Obadiah Stane. Stane has been trying to ruin Tony’s business since issue #162 and will succeed by issue #173. Tony won’t sober up until after a brush with death in Iron Man #182.
Jim was poisoned during one of Iron Man’s battles against Stane’s minions and was left behind to recover. Stane took this opportunity to try and eliminate Rhodes because he is Tony’s best friend. See Iron Man #165-167.
This young scientist isn’t mentioned by name here. He is identified as Morley Erwin next issue.
