Cover to Iron Man No. 125
In Iron Man Three, Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark can’t use his Iron Man armor for an extended sequence. As he searches for the Mandarin, Downey/Stark seems downright 007-like infiltrating an estate in search of the villain and using gadgets and a firearm.
The movie’s sequence is partially based on a 1979 comic book story by writer David Michelinie and artists John Romita Jr. and Bob Layton, which was co-plotted by Michelinie and Layton.
Michelinie and Layton are included in a “special thanks” credit along with other writers and artists of comic book stories used in the movie. This is separate from a “based on the comic book by” credit for Stan Lee, Don Heck, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby for creating the character.
The context of the Michelinie-Layton plotted story is different than the 2013 film, but the writer and artist also separated Stark from his armor. One major difference in the original comic book story is that Stark knows he needs additional physical training before he attempts 007-like deeds. He receives such training from none other than Captain America.
As in the new movie, Stark eventually regains access to the armor. But for a time he has to use his own wits and abilities. The cover to issue 125, drawn by Layton, evokes James Bond films.
To read more about the original comic book story, you can CLICK HERE FOR A SYNOPSIS OF IRON MAN 124 (which sets up the situation where Stark is separated from his armor) HERE FOR A SYNOPSIS OF IRON MAN 125, HERE FOR ISSUE 126 and HERE FOR ISSUE 127, which concluded the story arc.
Filed under: James Bond Films, The Other Spies | Tagged: Bob Layton, David Michelinie, Don Heck, Iron Man Three, Jack Kirby, James Bond Films, John Romita Jr., Larry Lieber, Marvel Comics, Marvel Studios, Robert Downey Jr., Stan Lee, The Other Spies |
The Spy Command 
I interviewed Director Shane Black back in 2005 for his first directorial effort Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. The title alone should give you a hint of his love for the Bond series. Shane knew his history. Any great writer, and he is a GREAT writer, should. No surprise that Bond sensibilities have made their way into the series. Thank you Shane.