Iron Man Annual (2014 series) #1

On the Moon Iron Man confronts Udarnik the humanoid Soviet probe that had used Phlogistone, the new metal found on the Moon, to fuel his city Tranquility Gulch. IM had in the end destroyed Phlogistone, dooming the city, because it was deadly to human souls. A side-effect of Phlogistone is that Tony Stark is haunted by a hallucination of Prof Yinsen who died helping him create his 1st armoured suit.

Angry Udarnik doesn't understand Iron Man's action because he was unaffected by Phlogistone. As Stark claims because he has no soul. And now the Armoured Avenger is here to ask for his help. The last remaining trace of Phlogistone still contaminates his blood and he wants the android to remove it.

Stark explains that he is building Troy, a city of the future on Earth. And he needs his mind clear of the influence of the metal. Udarnik finds it offensively ironic that Iron Man destroyed his city and now wants him to help with Stark's own city. Tony says that a vital part of the future he envisions is Mankind's expansion into space. And then Udarnik will have his Moon city.

Stark then suffers an all-encompassing hallucination/dream as he floats naked into space and sees the Moon remade literally in his own image. Next he is in the makeshift lab in the terrorist stronghold where he and Yinsen built the original Iron Man armour. His body has been sliced into (bloodless) pieces. Yinsen says that here is where Tony's heart started beating. (Ie I guess where he learned the consequences of his weapon-making.)

He awakens to what seems to be another vision - Udarnik's city alive with light. The android explains that he has siphoned the Phlogistone from Stark's body and used it to power his city for 1 last brief time.

Udarnik still hates Iron Man, but sees Stark's plan as his only hope for the future. As Shellhead heads back to Earth he promises to bring people back to the Moon sometime. And Udarnik will be patiently waiting.

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Story #2

Orbital

Writer: Kieron Gillen.Penciler: Agustin Padilla. Inker: Scott Hanna. Colorist: Val Staples. Letterer: Joe Caramagna.

Synopsis

Tony Stark flies a shuttle to High Quartermass, the space-station home of Eli Warren and his New Modernist Army. He sends brother Arno in his mobile iron lung to communicate with Eli, warning him not to reveal his close connection to Tony. Warren hates Tony after their last 2 encounters.

Arno explains about the city Troy Tony is creating on Earth, and its geostationary orbital platform above it. He asks Eli and his team to run the platform, promising them they can have it for their own uses when Troy is finished. He tries to counter Eli's anger and suspicion by telling him that they will be working for him not Tony Stark.

Warren counters by suggesting that they just hold Arno for ransom. Arno gives him several reasons why that wouldn't be as good an idea as the deal he's been offered. And finishes by remarking that he has a large gun underneath his bed which can destroy the station.

Eli agrees to the deal. But adds a parting remark that if Stark wasn't keeping Extremis to himself he could use it to repair Arno's body. Arno deliberately doesn't mention this to Tony later.

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Story #3

By moonlight

Writer: Kieron Gillen. Penciler/Inker: Marcos Marz. Colorist: Esther Sanz. Letterer: Joe Caramagna.

Synopsis

This story charts the growth of the relationship between Pepper Potts and Marc Kumar.

9 months ago Pepper is at a conference when Marc rescues her from the attentions of a drunk attendee. She asks him out for a meal.

8 months ago they're having dinner. Marc is a freelance PR man. He says that words can change the world, but claims he wants to change the world for the better.

3 months ago Marc asks her to marry him, at the same time as Pepper asks him to do the PR for her company.