Review: Iron Man #77
And the Winner of The Super-Villain War is...Firebrand?
A meeting of Marvel freelance and staff writers in early 1975…
“Hey guys! I’ve got a great story idea to share with all of you!”
“What is it, Mike?”
“I call it a ‘Super-Villain War!’ We have all our major villains fight each other to the death!”
“You mean real death?”
“Absolutely! That’s what makes the stakes so high. I’ve already killed off the Mandarin!”
“You mean you eliminated your character’s top villain, Mike? And you’re asking us to do the same?”
“I guess so.”
“I’m also wondering what they get if they win.”
“A globe that brings them inner peace.”
“Huh? Whose’s globe, Mike?”
“A mystical character called the Black Lama.”
“Never heard of the guy, but why would he give away that globe?”
“He’s haunted by nightmare images.”
“Then this guy’s tricking all the villains. But, Mike, what’s his endgame?"
“I haven’t quite figured all that out.”
“And what’re we supposed to do without some of our best villains?”
“I’m working on that as well.”
“Do you know how this will all end, Mike?”
“Not really, but we’ll figure something out? So, who all’s in? Who wants to participate? Guys? Where’s everyone going?”
Just my imagination explaining why the Super-Villain War didn’t become the mega-event of Marvel in 1975. As it is, we do come to the conclusion of the war in this issue - as underwhelming as it is. Some will cry out in frustration. As for me, “I Cry: Revenge!”
Credits
Writer: Mike Friedrich
Penciller: Arvell Jones
Inker: Chic Stone
Colorist: Michelle Wolfman
Letterer: Dave Hunt & John Costanza
Editor: Len Wein
Cover Art: Gil Kane & Frank Giacioa
Release Date: May 27, 1975
Synopsis
I wonder how much thought went into that Gil Kane-Al Milgrom cover? Two minutes? Three? Anyway, we go from a cover that we can politely call “generic” to a crotch shot of The Thinker. While creativity is to be appreciated, you would think that someone in editorial would have said to the inexperienced artist that there are better point-of-view shots than coming underneath a weird old man.
Yep, it’s going to be one of those issues.
Further proof quickly arrives with Iron Man taking out a big green android of The Thinker’s in one panel. Bear in mind that this android once took on the entire Fantastic Four. With less than a page, he also defeats The Thinker.
As Iron Man’s standing tall in the saddle, the Black Lama’s stock is tumbling like its late October 1929. He teleports in the Claw, telling him it’s now or never to take out The Thinker. Just like MODOK in the previous issue, the Claw grouses about the Lama changing the rules and ordering him about just before completely acquiescing to his demands.
But that’s not enough confusion yet. We now turn to Firebrand who’s returned to where he left The Thinker three issues back when they escaped a prison that can’t be more than a couple hundred yards away. Sure enough, not a thought balloon or caption makes any mention of his mind being merged with the Black Lama last issue from Tony Stark’s ex-fiance Marianne Rodgers.
Instead, Firebrand heads down the tunnel created by MODOK to find that same Lamo Lama appearing in the Thinker’s HQ with The Claw.
With visions of golden globes dancing in his head, the master subtle subterfuge and deception decides to go from covert to overt by tackling an armored hero with his own suit of armor! Going against his greatest strength goes about as well you’d expect. He lasts less than three pages against Iron Man - with one of those pages a badly drawn full-page spread. A quick sucker punch to our hero and the Claw’s out the tunnel!
No supervillains remaining?
Wait, there’s still Firebrand! And he’s spoiling for a fight with Iron Man - now that our hero’s feeling a bit peaked since taking on three different supervillains in just a few hours.
With a sucker punch that knocks our hero unconscious, the Super-Villain War is over! And the standing victorious in this conflagration that would shake the Marvel Universe to it’s foundations is…Firebrand?
Yeah, the Annoying Hippy’s even more annoying brother. He’s now the winner of the Super-Villain War. No doubt “Sis” will be proud!
But since Firebrand’s not a complete and utter buffoon - just really, really close to that - he has some hesitation about taking the victory globe. As a result, BL gives some BS that includes the Golden Globe being the most powerful weapon in our world! So much for the Cosmic Cube! Soul Gem! Serpent Crown of Lemuria! Wand of Watomb!
That’s enough for Firebrand to take his trophy. Only once he touches it, a portal opens that take him to the Black Lama’s home dimension! But, deciding he owes it to Roxanne Gilbert to save her dumbass brother, Iron Man dives through that same portal and brings this issue to a close!
Next up is…an untold tale of Iron Man’s past. WTF? Not that this hasn’t been a gripping story - it hasn’t! - but we’re going to have to wait two months before we find out what’s going on with the Lama and Firebrand? No. Not at all. It’ll be three months.
Story
I would wager a reasonable sum that this issue’s outcome was not the one initially envisioned by Mike Friedrich. Unfortunately, based on this issue and #75, it seems that the writer is also making up too much of this as he goes along. Otherwise, where’s Marianne Rodgers this issue? And why haven’t we been told that it is actually her? Then there’s the incredible diminishing IQ of villains who go along with the Black Lama despite their doubts. Can I add the absurdity of the Claw going into an actual physical confrontation for the first time in ages - if ever as I’m not researching his ancient 50’s appearances. I’d also be remiss not to mention how inconsistent the Black Lama now appears compared with his initial debut back in #52-53.
Mike Friedrich’s run ends in a few issues and I hate to say that it ain’t gonna get any better. 3/10
Art
I would prefer appreciating Arvell Jone’s art to the continued criticisms. He certainly puts forth considerable energy with his layouts of the story. But the end results are one stumble after another with bizarre points-of-view, clumsy, gangly poses and unappealing faces and bodies. I’m guessing that the chaotic times at Marvel limited any artistic guidance that would have otherwise benefitted him. As I’ve frequently stated, Arvell Jones’s art certainly improved in the future. But at least for now, he will not be missed on this title. 3/10
Wimp Factor
Let’s see. Our hero had to face MODOK, The Thinker and his Big Green Android as well as The Claw. That’s not chicken feed by any means. But not quite a murderer’s row. Even if he was a bit worn by the time Firebrand came over to play, why didn’t Iron Man use any number of his weapons? Firebrand’s hardly the brightest flame in the candelabra. Tony Stark is supposed to be a genius. He could certainly outthink his sweetheart’s goofy brother. 5/10
Villain Rating
Check out our scorecard
Black Lama - Embarrassing tumble from initial appearance 3/10
The Claw - abandoned his trademark gimmick by fighting in person? Using armor against an experienced opponent who happens to wear armor? Convenient way to get him out of the war, but definitely a bad look 4/10
Firebrand - Gone from noted adversary from Mike Friedrich's start to annoying pest 5/10
Thinker - Good to see Iron Man put him down quickly - 4/10
Overall Rating
Iron Man #77 was a rough ride on a train falling off the tracks. 3/10
Additional Nuts & Bolts
Once again, I refuse to use the word “yellow” in any association with The Claw. But since he doesn’t return to Iron Man, you won’t have to put up with me saying it again. Next time he surfaces, the Claw will be back in the shadows in Nova #13 where he’s now picking on teenagers.
We also say “so long” to The Thinker. But he’s not out of action for too long, popping up in Fantastic Four #181 in less than two years.
Marvel and Hostess had just started their delightful ads a couple months back. This issue yield one of my favorities with Captain Marvel. I also believe that the art is provided by Arvell Jones.
Nitro in a Hostess ad. Worth the 25¢.