Invincible Iron Man #124: Review

Jul 1979

David Michelinie, John Romita Jr.

Story Name:

Pieces of Hate!

Review & Comments

Rating:

Invincible Iron Man #124 Review by T Vernon (March 3, 2015)

Comments: Part five of the “Demon in a Bottle” story arc; part two of a shorter two-part tale. Title is a pun on “pieces of eight” a reference to pirate loot. The writer makes a big deal of introducing Pam Sayer to Iron Man but she is never seen again; did a plot idea not pass the editor? Wait, Tony Stark has a photo of Bethany Cabe on his desk? This is the first time he’s been to his office since before becoming involved with her; did he call Mrs. Arbogast to find one and put it there? And the fleeting mention of someone who owns two shares of Stark stock? The stockholder will be identified in issue #128.

Review: Another terrific issue opens with a thrilling battle, then has a nice suiting up sequence; Iron Man then helps ordinary citizens, then there is the climactic shocker. And Tony’s drinking is becoming more pronounced. All in all a classic issue from a classic story arc, from a classic run. Too many “classics?” Nah.

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Synopsis / Summary / Plot

Invincible Iron Man #124 Synopsis by T Vernon

In an Atlantic City casino, Iron Man is caught between Blizzard and Whiplash; Bethany Cabe steps in to save Shellhead with a well-placed gunshot but she ends up being iced by Blizzard. Recovering quickly, Iron Man takes out the Melter and Blizzard while Bethany clobbers the fleeing Whiplash. She chews out Shellhead for failing to protect his boss and the hero dashes off so he can return as Tony Stark. Bethany suggests to Tony they rent a room to relax….
Returning to Stark Industries, Bethany mentions that she has been hired as bodyguard for Carnelian Ambassador Kotznin; the Ambassador has also requested that Iron Man be present. After signing the authorization forms, Tony starts drinking again, looks into the SHIELD attempt to take over his company (issue #119), and goes to work at his drawing board. Unable to concentrate, he goes out for a spin as Iron Man; he ends up rescuing a van full of kids which has broken down on the freeway and earns the admiration of driver Pam Sayer….
Later Iron Man arrives at the meeting at the United Nations where Ambassador Kotznin is going to announce an international deal with Stark Industries, which will lead to a stronger relationship between Carnelia and the USA. As they pose for photos before the singing ceremony, Justin Hammer orders his men to seize control of the hero’s armor...and they activate the repulsor ray to blast a hole through the Ambassador, killing him instantly. Everyone stands there stunned at this new development, Iron Man most of all….