Iron Man: War Machine

This purchase was made for my son … he is an avid collector.

One of the few real comic gems to come out of the 1990's. Len Kaminiski's tech-heavy writing style mixed with the excellent characterization of Tony Stark and Jame's Rhode's relationship through Stark's "death" and return make this one of the definitive Iron Man story arcs.These issues introduce the powerful "War Machine" variant of Iron Man armor that has since become a fan favorite is originally worn by Stark to defeat the Master's of Silence assassins and ultimately Justin Hammer. The suit is left behind for Stark's closest friend Rhodey to take up the mantle of Iron Man and CEO of Stark Enterprises when Tony is forced to fake his death as he succumbs to a techno-organic virus.It follows Rhodey's adventures during his second stint as Iron Man which are much more exciting and better written than his first back in the 80s. The return of Tony Stark with the awesomely high tech Telepresence Iron Man leads to the resignation of James Rhodes and a strained relationship between the long time friends. Besides the important addition of War Machine to the marvel mythos, this collection is full of superbly written, high action stories. The art is so-so at times and the "extreme" train of thought that was the norm in 90's comics can be seen in places but this arc is so fantastic that it rises well above similar titles of the time.The War Machine arc should be seen along with other classics like Demon in a Bottle and The Armor Wars. This book belongs on any Iron Man fan's shelf. It deserves a hardcover edition and hopefully we'll get one if War Machine makes an appearance in the movies.And if you're listening Marvel, we want Kaminski back! Even if only for a mini-series.

Wow this was great. As much as I enjoyed Armor Wars, I enjoyed this even more! Great characters and fantastic plot development made this a page turner. I also like that this was a self-contained story. I was so impressed with this story that I actually picked up a few other comics from Kaminski's run (I usually just stick to TPB's) - this is definitely still the best arc from that run. I second the other reviewers' comments.

Interesting story.

Beautiful vintage looking comic art. But the pacing seemed of plot seemed extra slow even compared to other comics of this era.

I bought this because one of the original issues from this story arc is simply too danged expensive to buy used at this point even though I owned the remaining issues collected, due to the popularity of the appearance of the War Machine armor. Itss worth it for that alone, since otherwise a collection would be incomplete.

Great storiesFirst Ironman graphic novel and enjoyed it

Despite not getting much hype the Len Kaminski years in the 90's were one of the best times for Iron Man. Kaminski brought a blend of action, character development and technological infusion that no other writer has managed. His grip on the mechanics and technology behind the armor, and his exploration of Tony Stark's use of it is second to none and has a distinct flavor from every other writer who was ever on the title.His body failing from a neurological disease Stark has some unfinished business to take care of and to accomplish he constructs the War Machine armor, one of the most well known and most distinguishable armors in the character's history. It lives up to its name and frankly this armor kicks ass literally and figuratively.After Stark succumbs to his illness the issues shift focus to Jim Rhodes, Stark's long time best friend who takes over not only as head of Stark Enterprises but also as Iron Man, birthing War Machine as his own character. Reluctant to carry on the tradition after his past history with the suit, Rhodes must now juggle running a major corporation, being a super hero and most of all dealing with the death of his best friend leading to a bevy internal struggles.The saga finishes with Stark's resurrection (no one actually stays dead in comics), which the way it went down creates a major rift between Stark and Rhodes. At the time fans hated it because the characters had always gone hand in hand, but in looking back love it realizing how well Kaminski portrayed the relationship to get such a powerful response from readers.Whether you like action or character exploration War Machine is a great pick up blending both perfectly. If you ever doubted Stark can fight when he wants to you won't anymore, and you get to see the birth of a new character and a major point in Iron man's history. Even if you're jsut an action junky looking for some fights, pick this book up. If you like the character I label this under "essential" as it is truly one of the best Iron Man arcs ever.

Invincible Iron Man: War Machine covers the origin of War Machine in the Invincible Iron Man run of the 1990’s. Tony Stark fakes his own death in order to cryogenically freeze himself to cure his latest techno-organic ailment. One of his last acts is to create the War Machine armour, which he hands to his right hand man Jim Rhodes to continue as both Iron Man and head of Stark Industries. War Machine, as Jim Rhodes would say, goes about making himself some doughnuts!Jim Rhodes offers a refreshing contrast as Iron Man. Whilst Tony Stark uses his genius intellect and plays fast and loose in the moral shades of grey, Jim Rhodes is very much a man of action and sees things much more black and white.This is a solid origin for the heavy duty War Machine. However, it is let down by the handling of Tony Starks faked death. The reader is shown its smoke and mirrors pretty much immediately after Tony Starks death is announced publicly. Whereas I feel it would’ve been better to keep readers in the dark, so they could experience the same shock as Jim Rhodes.Overall, 4/5. I would have gone higher, if not for the mishandling on Tony Starks faked death. However, despite that, this’ a solid Iron Man run to introduce a solid character in War Machine and, due to his importance in Iron Man lore, this is a worthy addition to any Iron Man fans collection.

This book collects the War Machine stories from Len Kaminski and Kev Hopgood. It delivers on every level. It is an overlooked classic and deserves its place on the shelf alongside Armor Wars, Doomquest and Demon in a Bottle for fans of old school Iron Man. Kaminski is a very talented writer and while some of the plot elements are a bit farfetched this book never fails to entertain. Kev Hopgood delivers some great artwork and his work harks back to the 80's style in Iron Man comics. Tony Stark is not the star of this book but shares equal billing with James Rhodes who becomes War Machine! It clocks in at over 300 pages. I can't believe more people don't know about this book compared to the more famous sagas. Top class entertainment.

A classic tale and an awesome introduction to the underused underdog War Machine.A must have for Iron Man fans.

I bought this as a present, am very happy with it. Arrived on time aswell thank you very much.

Direkt als erstes. Das TPB oder Sammelband ist lesbar! Die Optik ist im oberen Drittel. Kevin Hopgood und Tom Morgan geben wohl ihr bestes. Auch Autor Len Kaminski gibt sich wirklich Mühe. Aber die Drei sind kein Vergleich zu Bob Layton und David Michelinie! Die ganze Story hier ist über weite Teile langatmig bis langweilig! Das Beste daran sind die Rückblicke in die Kindheit und das Leben von Tony Stark vor Iron Man. Aber gerade diese Rückblicke unterbrechen immer wieder den Lesefluss deutlich. Man wird mit James Rhodes als Notlösung mit dem Namen "War Machine" einfach nicht wirklich warm. Layton und Michelinie gingen in ihren Storylines einfach viel geschickter mit der Figur um!Daher: Wenn man sich durchkämpft, geht es! Aber erwartet nicht zuviel!