Ant-Man: "The Man in the Ant Hill!"

Tales to Astonish #27 (1962)

By Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers

Background: Horror and gruesome sci-fi tales had been very popular in the '40s, until the publication of the book Seduction of the Innocent by psychologist Fredric Wertham in 1954 resulted in a public outcry and later on in the creation of the Comics Code Authority. The now self-regulating publishers were forbidden to depict violence and gore in crime and horror comics, as well as sex or sexual innuendos. Sci-fi and horror stories survived but only in very toned-down form. This is one of those stories.

So, What Happens? Ridiculed scientist Henry Pym has created a serum that can shrink objects to miniature size or restore them to normal. He dreams of using it for the good of mankind, but first needs to try it on a living subject and decides to test it on himself. It works so quickly that the antidote is now out of reach, so he panics and runs out in the garden, where a colony of ants take notice and attack. He tries to hide inside the ant hill, where he almost drowns in the ants' stores of honey. Saved by a different ant, he finds a matchstick and lights it up, keeping most of the colony away. After fighting off another ant with a judo move, Pym finally exits the ant hill and sees the antidote on the window ledge. The ant that had saved him earlier helps him again, this time carrying him up to the ledge so that he can access the serum and go back to full size. Realizing the danger, Pym destroys all the chemicals.

Fantastic Four: "The Red Ghost And His Indescribable Super-Apes!"

Fantastic Four #13 (1963)

By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko

So, What Happens? At the FF's lab, Reed has discovered a booster fuel powerful enough to win the space race and send a manned rocket to the Moon. Since the fuel came from a meteor similar to the one that fell in Siberia some time before, Reed fears the Soviets are close to achieving the same results and wants to build the rocket as soon as possible to reach the Moon and explore its mysterious Blue Area, but Ben convinces him to take the entire team along. Unbeknown to the Fantastic Four, a Soviet scientist named Ivan Kragoff is about to undertake the same journey together with his three trained primates: a strong gorilla, a baboon capable of using firearms and a orangutan who can use and repair machines. The two spaceships depart at the same time, but Kragoff has purposely neglected to equip his with radiation shields so that he and the monkeys can be bombarded with cosmic rays and get powers like those of the Fantastic Four. In space, the FF see the Soviet ship and the Torch flies off to investigate, discovering that the cosmic rays have indeed been effective, giving superstrength to the gorilla, the ability to morph into almost anything to the baboon and magnetic rays to the orangutan. The latter sees the Torch and uses his powers to hurl him back to Reed's ship, where he reports to the rest of the team. However there is little time to ponder as both ships are about to land on the Moon, where they immediately discover that the Blue Area is an ancient abandoned city, built by some long-gone civilization and with a breathable atmosphere. Whilst Reed, Sue and Johnny go off to investigate, the Thing is left behind and attacked by the apes and Kragoff, who has discovered the power to turn intangible at will and now calls himself the Red Ghost. However the battle is interrupted by the powerful and mysterious Watcher, a gigantic alien living in the Blue Area and belonging to a race of observers pledged to watch but never interfere. Refusing to let America and the Soviet Union bring their war to the Moon, the Watcher orders the conflict to be limited to the FF and the Red Ghost. As soon as Ben has started explaining the situation to the rest of his team, the Watcher transports them all in the abandoned city and a battle begins, with the Red Ghost proving victorious thanks to the powers of his apes and kidnapping Sue. However, the Invisible Girl manages to turn the tables, feeding the ravenous monkeys and breaking Kragoff's hold on them just in time to save the rest of her team from a trap. The Red Ghost flees into the Watcher's house, but is angrily expelled by the powerful alien, who crowns the Fantastic Four the victors and before departing promises human beings will never be alone in the vastness of the universe. While Kragoff tries to escape his apes, the FF return on Earth.

Spider-Man: "To Die A Hero!"

Amazing Spider-Man #52

By Stan Lee, John Romita Sr, Mickey Demeo*

Background: Spider-Man and J. Jonah Jameson are prisoners of the Kingpin, New York's rising crime overlord.

So, What Happens? Jameson and an unconscious Spider-Man are taken to a cellar and cuffed to metal slabs while the room is filled with water. Spidey awakens just in time, manages to break free and creates a cocoon with his web to entrap enough oxygen for them to survive a little while longer. When the water recedes and the Kingpin's goons enter to dispose of the bodies, Spider-Man breaks free and quickly gets rid of them. He then frees a shocked Jameson, who's convinced that Spidey acted only to save his own skin and doesn't show any gratitude. Spidey and Jonah separate so that the hero can get rid of more guards and take the fight to the Kingpin, but Jonah runs into a pipe and is knocked unconscious. Meanwhile, Foswell and Kingpin get in a fight when the former complains about Jameson's alleged death, only to be interrupted by Spider-Man's entrance. Whilst Foswell runs out to look for Jonah, Spidey battles Kingpin and gradually gets the upper hand, forcing the criminal to flee before the police arrive. In the cellar, Jonah awakens and is chased by the Kingpin's gunmen, but Foswell rescues him and protects him with his body, taking a bullet for him because Jameson had been the only one to believe in him and give him a second chance. Moments later Spidey arrives and takes the gunmen out, but it's too late for Foswell who dies a hero next to a shocked Jonah. 

Spider-Man: "In The Clutches Of... The Kingpin!"

Amazing Spider-Man #51

By Stan Lee, John Romita Sr, Mickey Demeo*

Background: Spider-Man quit for a short time, allowing the rise of the Kingpin as the city's new crime boss. Wanting a piece of the pie, Foswell tried to wrestle power from him but is now his prisoner.

So, What Happens? The Kingpin is about to launch a massive crime spree, but first orders some of his men to kidnap Jameson, whose editorials are getting close to the truth that a new player is uniting and controlling the underworld. Still convinced that Spidey has quit, other mobsters go out to collect protection money, but the hero is back in town and doesn't need long to clean the floor with them, hearing the name of the Kingpin in the process. Meanwhile, Kingpin and Foswell start to reach an agreement when they get interrupted by the few mobsters who had escaped Spidey, angry for the return of the wall-crawler. Their leader tries to rebel against Kingpin, but despite his bulk the big man is far stronger than he looks and quickly subdues him, impressing even Foswell. Elsewhere, Peter learns that Foswell is missing and has a fight with another group of mobsters, this time sticking a tracer on one of them as they run away. At the Bugle, Jameson gets kidnapped, blindfolded and brought to the Kingpin, but refuses to turn a blind eye on his criminal activities. Kingpin has Foswell ask him again, making sure that Jameson hears his name so that he can keep him under control, but Jonah, despite being disappointed at Foswell's return to crime, keeps refusing. The mobsters Spidey had defeated arrive, followed by the superhero himself thanks to the Spider-Tracer. Spider-Man sees the kidnapped Jameson and jumps in, quickly trapping the Kingpin's men with his web before taking the fight to the crime lord. However, the bulk of the Kingpin deceives him long enough for the criminal to use a small gas device hidden in his tie-pin. Taken by surprise, Spider-Man blacks out.

Spider-Man: "Spider-Man No More!"

Amazing Spider-Man #50 (1967)

By Stan Lee, John Romita Sr, Mickey Demeo*

So, What Happens? Spidey stops a robbery, but the Bugle's smear campaign means most people still don't trust him, and this is starting to affect Peter. Things get worse when aunt May suffers another attack of illness because she was too worried about Peter, and on top of that his grades are declining and he can't spend time with Gwen like he'd want to. He even had to refuse a job offer from Norman Osborn to keep his nights free. When Jameson appears on TV branding Spider-Man a menace once more and offering a thousand dollars to capture him, it's the final drop. Peter becomes convinced that he only became a superhero for the adventure of it and decides to quit, leaving his discarded costume in a trash can. Next morning a kid finds the costume and takes it to Jameson, who imagines that something must have happened to Spidey and immediately writes about it on the Bugle. Soon the entire city knows Spider-Man is no more, to the joy of some and dismay of others. Peter enjoys his new freedom more and more, but unbeknown to him a new crime boss calling himself the Kingpin is emerging, taking advantage of the situation to organize the underworld and join the various gangs together. The only one to notice is Fredrick Foswell in his Patch identity, and he decides to go back to crime and lead the gangs. Meanwhile, Peter finds out Jameson is keeping the Spider-Man costume in his office and becomes aware of the crime spree, initially managing to ignore it until something happens right in front of him. When a few crooks are about to kill an elderly watchmen, Peter is forced to intervene, putting them to sleep and running away before anyone can have a good look at him. The event and the face of the watchmen remind him of his own uncle Ben, and of the real reasons why he became a crime-fighter after getting his spider powers. Deciding once more he can't let any innocent come to harm because Spider-Man failed to act, Peter accepts his destiny, goes to Jameson's empty office and takes his costume back, triumphally announcing his return to the dismayed publisher a few minutes later. Meanwhile, Foswell meets the Kingpin and tries to wrestle control of the gangs from him, but the new crime lord isn't about to step aside and quickly has Foswell captured.

Avengers: "The Mighty Avengers Meet The Masters of Evil"

Avengers #6 (1964)

By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Chic Stone

Background: The current roster of the Avengers is Thor, Iron Man, Giant Man, Wasp and Captain America, who has just joined the team.

So, What Happens? After his last mission with the Avengers, Captain America tests the new transistors Iron Man has built inside his shield, allowing it to always fly back to Cap's hands. Despite a bunch of fan letters from all over the world rejoicing his recent return among the living, Cap can't forget what happened to Bucky and vows to get revenge against the man who killed him. The villain in question is Baron Zemo, who has spent the last several decades in the South American jungle waiting for the creation of a solvent capable of removing the Adhesive X gluing his mask to his face. Reading that Captain America is alive, the Baron angrily remembers how it was the hero who made Adhesive X fall on his face and decides to form a group of villains to defeat the Avengers. He quickly enlists the Black Knight, the Melter and the Radioactive Men, who spray Adhesive X all over the city. The Avengers arrive and a battle begins, but soon Cap and Giant-Man get stuck to the road and the heroes need to fall back and regroup to find a way to free them. After a few failed attempts, the Wasp remembers about Paste-Pot Pete, an adhesive expert and former foe of the Human Torch, who indeed does have a super-dissolver that frees the two Avengers. With the help of the Teen Brigade, the Avengers replace the Adhesive with the dissolver, freeing the entire city, and have a rematch against the Masters, this time switching foes to take them by surprise. The Black Knight, Radioactive Man and Melter are quickly captured, leaving only Zemo for Captain America. Cap is a fury and Zemo is about to be defeated when one of his soldiers fires his gun and grazes the Avenger. Zemo looks about to escape with a can of super-dissolver, but Cap had replaced it with tear gas, so that the Baron loses control of his heli-overcraft and can be arrested by the police.

Iron Man: "Hawkeye, The Marksman!"

Tales of Suspense #57 (1964)

By Stan Lee, Don Heck

So, What Happens? After a misunderstanding, Tony Stark takes Pepper Potts out on a date to the carnival on Coney Island, where one of the attractions is Hawkeye the marksman. Suddenly the flying pinwheel goes out of control, forcing Tony to switch to Iron Man and fly to the rescue. He makes short work of it, but Hawkeye is jealous for having been upstaged and decides to become a more famous hero than Iron Man. Overnight, the archer prepares several trick arrows and a costume, confident that his great skills will make him the equal of any other hero. He almost immediately prevents a robbery, but the arriving police believe him to be the culprit and force him to flee. He is rescued by the spy known as the Black Widow and is immediately taken by her beauty, quickly agreeing to defeat her enemy Iron Man to impress her. Later on, he breaks into Stark's factory and attacks Iron Man with rusting arrows, forcing him to flee to replace the damaged parts of his armour. Hawkeye leaves to analyze the parts left behind, but a furious Iron Man intercepts him for round two and quickly gains the upper hand. A final demolition arrow accidentally injures the onlooking Black Widow, so Hawkeye runs away to take her to a doctor while the fog prevents Iron Man from following. 

Fantastic Four: "The Skrulls From Outer Space!"

The Fantastic Four #2 (1962)

By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Sol Brodsky*

Background: The Fantastic Four have only recently been formed.

So, What Happens? The Fantastic Four appear to go on a crime spree, but it's actually the shape-shifting green alien Skrulls, who wish to discredit the quartet whom they consider their only obstacle to conquering the planet. The real Four meet to discuss the situation, but the army find and imprison them in special holding cells. Nevertheless, they quickly escape and come up with a plan, using the Torch as bait to reveal the real culprits. The plan is successful and the Fantastic Four battle the Skrulls, quickly gaining the upper hand and pressuring them into explaining their plan. In order to avoid the invasion, the Four pretend to be Skrulls and reach the alien mothership, where they convince the Skrull commander to leave as the planet would be too dangerous for them. As the Four re-enter the atmosphere, the Thing briefly turns back to Ben Grimm, giving Reed hope of finding a permanent cure for him. After having showed the prisoner Skrulls to the police - hence clearing their name - the Four talk them into turning into cows. Reed then hypnotizes them to make sure they stay as cows, even though one has apparently escaped. 

Thor: "Thunder In The Netherworld"

Thor #130 (1966)

By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Vince Colletta

Background: Pluto tricked Hercules into signing a contract imprisoning him into the Netherworld as its ruler. Thor risks his own freedom to face the armies of Pluto and free the Olympian.

So, What Happens? Judging the fate of Hercules unfair, Thor wows to be his champion. Upon entering the Netherworld, his first foe is mace-wielding Cerberus, but he is no match for the power of Thor and is quickly defeated. The Thunderer breaks into the throne room where Hercules is about to be crowned against his will, and once again promises to fight on his behalf, much to Herc's relief and admiration. Thor smashes past the footsoldiers of Pluto and relentlessly destroys their cannons and warmachines, further motivated by a feeling of danger menacing someone he loves. He breaks out of Pluto's traps, throws away the mighty Crusher, crumbles the archers' towers and is about to create a tornado when Pluto himself stops the battle. The Olympian realizes that going on would only further destroy his realm and accepts to rip apart the contract binding Hercules. Free once more, a grateful Herc calls Thor his friend, and the two of them leave together discussing the responsibilities of power.

Fantastic Four: "The Black Panther!"

Fantastic Four #52 (1966)

By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Joe Sinnott

Background: Johnny is going to college, where his roommate is Wyatt Wingfoot.

So, What Happens? The Fantastic Four are gifted a flying ship by an African chieftain called the Black Panther, and invited to his kingdom of Wakanda for a special hunt. Intrigued by the advanced technology of their gift, Reed accepts the invitation and the team goes to Africa together with Johnny's college roommate Wyatt Wingfoot. They soon reach Wakanda, an incredible country where the lush African jungle hides science and technology so advanced even Reed is impressed. Unfortunately, the invitation turns out to be a trap as the Black Panther appears in a full-black stalking costume and declares the Fantastic Four will be the hunted. After weakening the Thing with an electric shock, the Panther easily traps the Human Torch and causes the rest of the trio to separate, so that he can fight them individually. Susan is the first to fall when the Panther proves able to detect her by hearing and smell, and a weakened Thing is eventually defeated in a hand-to-hand fight. Reed himself doesn't fare much better at the beginning, but unbeknown to the Panther Wyatt has managed to disable his communication system and free the rest of the Fantastic Four. Together again, the team corner the Panther, who surrenders and takes off his mask to tell them his tale.

Thor: "Behold... the Living Planet!"

Thor #133 (1966)

By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Vince Colletta

Background: Thor and the Recorder have travelled into the mysterious Black Galaxy on behalf of the Rigellians. There, they have come face to face with Ego, the Living Planet.

So, What Happens? Thor and the Recorder are astounded at the gigantic sight of Ego, the Living Planet, who's capable of showing a humanoid face and of talking to them. Landing on the surface, they see something similar to enormous living cells and realize that Ego is indeed a planet-size living being. Wanting to talk to them, Ego probes their minds for a familiar surface and then changes the environment around them into something resembling and Asgardian forest, where he appears as a knight. Thor and the Recorder realize that Ego is capable of reshaping matter as he wishes, and that his power is also limitless. The Living Planet intends to conquer space and wants to test himself by beating someone as strong as Thor while in human form. He proceeds to create an army of human-shaped antibodies to battle Thor, who manages to travel under the surface but has to contend with both the antibodies and the ever-shifting environment. Eventually the Recorder is almost destroyed, but Thor saves it and hits Ego with a "universe-shaking thermoblast", a thunderstorm powerful enough to damage even the Living Planet. Conceding defeat, Ego allows the two foes safe passage and promises never to threaten the rest of the universe again. Successful, Thor starts the journey back to Earth.

Daredevil: "The Final Jest!"

Daredevil #46 (1968)

By Stan Lee, Gene Colan, George Klein

Background: Framed for murder, Daredevil is in police custody.

So, What Happens? Daredevil wakes up in the prison infirmary, kayoes the inmate who was about to take his mask off and steals a doctor's jacket to disguise himself. Thanks to some abysmal security and a couple of lucky breaks, he eventually manages to escape the prison, exchange clothes with a beggar and return to Nelson & Murdock under the pretence that he was mugged. Finally free to go back home after a quick word with Foggy and Debbie, Matt pieces everything together and realizes the Jester is the man he is supposed to have murdered, and whom he later met on the subway. Matt then sets up a trap: dressed like the Jester, he goes on live TV for interviews, certain that the original criminal won't let someone else steal his thunder. Predictably, the Jester goes to the studios where Daredevil can reveal himself and eventually take him down after a prolonged fight. Unmasked, the Jester is recognized as the man DD was supposed to have killed and confesses on live TV, clearing the hero. 

Daredevil: "The Dismal Dregs of Defeat!"

Daredevil #45 (1968)

By Stan Lee, Gene Colan, Vince Colletta

Background: Framed for murder, Daredevil has been captured by the Jester and about to be handed to the police.

So, What Happens? A groggy Daredevil manages to escape, but the police arrange a manhunt and the hero is forced on the run. Since his past affiliation with Nelson & Murdock is known and he apparently doesn't have a change of clothes, Daredevil is unable to get home or reach his office to switch back to his civilian identity. After a couple of narrow escapes, he steals a coat, takes his mask off and tries the subway, but fate has the Jester being on the very same carriage. Recognizing his boots, the Jester gives the alarm and forces Daredevil to escape again, but at least the hero has a chance to memorize the Jester's voice and aftershave scent. The two of them end up on Liberty Island where DD is about to win the ensuing fight but has to save a falling policeman, who proves his gratitude by injecting him with anaesthetic. The unconscious hero is taken to the prison infirmary, where an inmate tries to unmask him.

Daredevil: "I, Murderer!"

Daredevil #44 (1968)

By Stan Lee, Gene Colan, Vince Colletta*

Background: Matt felt forced to reject Karen and the two broke up. She then quit Nelson & Murdock.

So, What Happens? Daredevil is distraught after breaking up with Karen but can't find her or explain his feelings. The Jester crime spree continues with mixed results, until he realizes someone is eventually bound to discover his secret identity and decides to fake his own death and frame Daredevil for the crime. He visits the police in his civilian identity stating he will reveal DD's secret ID at midnight on the Washington Bridge. Daredevil hears the claim and goes to investigate, but the Jester first calls for help, then makes it look like Daredevil is attacking him. In front of the TV cameras, the Jester seems to fall to his death pushed by Daredevil, with everyone unaware he had hidden a little submarine under the bridge. Framed, Daredevil is shot at by the police and forced to escape. Later, the Jester - now back in costume - promises on TV to capture the "murderer" Daredevil. The hero tries to stop him, but is felled with gas and captured by the police.

Daredevil: "Nobody Laughs at The Jester!"

Daredevil #42 (1968)

By Stan Lee, Gene Colan, Dan Adkins

Background: Matt made everyone believe he had a twin brother named Mike who was secretly Daredevil and has now died. Foggy is running for DA. 

So, What Happens? At Nelson & Murdock, everyone is mourning the heroic death of Daredevil, whom they believe to be Matt's twin Mike. Everyone, that is, except for Matt himself, who came up with that story. In the meantime, a new masked criminal calling himself the Jester is on the loose, using modified toys for his robberies. He is a former failed stage actor, who eventually decided to get revenge for his public's lack of appreciation. Candidate major Richard Raleigh reads about him and hires him to take care of Foggy, who is running for DA and he fears would be too difficult to corrupt. The Jester attacks when Foggy is out for a walk with his fiancé Debby, Karen and Matt, kidnapping the latter for leverage. Matt announces that the original Daredevil had trained a replacement before dying and switches to his superhero alter-ego as soon as he is alone. The fight with the Jester goes on longer than usual since Daredevil had not been keeping up with his training, but eventually DD lets his foe escape to find out who had hired him. At Raleigh's office, they find the candidate dead, but Jester manages to escape. 

Super Sunday Special: In Search of Steve Ditko

Today, let's take a break from reviews and break the mold with something special for the first Special Sunday Study. In Search of Steve Ditko is a 2007 documentary by the BBC hosted by Jonathan Ross. It follows the career of the legendary Spider-Man co-creator and features many comic talents and their thoughts, including Stan Lee, Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman.

Due to Youtube length constraints, the documentary has been split into seven videos. They are all embedded down below and come from the channel of TheSteveDitko. 

Daredevil: "The Owl, Ominous Overlord of Crime!"

Daredevil #3 (1964)

By Stan Lee, Joe Orlando, Vince Colletta

So, What Happens? An accountant framed by the unscrupulous businessman known as the Owl suicides. Having found papers connecting the Owl to the illegal proceedings, the police arrest the man, who randomly chooses Nelson and Murdock to represent him in court. Intrigued by the Owl and his reputation, Matt accepts and arranges for him to be set temporarily free, making sure to memorize the man's distinctive traits with his special senses. The Owl never comes back to court so a warrant for his arrest is issued. Daredevil scours the city to pick up his trail, but the Owl has left by boat and moved to a fortress across the Hudson, where he is testing two new underlings known for their strength and skills: Sad Sam and "Ape" Horgon. Having been exposed, he has decided to openly become a criminal. Satisfied by the two men, the Owl keeps them in line by showing off his ability to glide thanks to his special cape. He then decides to hire Matt as a front for his operations and goes to NY to get him, but Matt senses his scent and has time to change into Daredevil and get the drop on the Owl and his men. Daredevil's skills and agility are too match for Sad Sam and Horgon, but before he can tackle the Owl, Karen Page accidentally enters the room and is taken hostage. With no other choice, Daredevil surrenders. He and Karen are taken to the Owl's fortress, where the mobster wants to show his prisoner to every gangster in town in order to be acknowledged as their boss. Left alone, Daredevil quickly escapes his cage and frees Karen. He then sends her to call the police whilst he finally faces the Owl, who's no match in a physical contest but still manages to escape thanks to his traps and gliding cape.

Spider-Man: "The Enforcers"

The Amazing Spider-Man #10 (1964)

By Stan Lee, Steve Ditko

Background: Aunt May has been hospitalized after surgery.

So, What Happens? A new masked crime lord called the Big Man appears on the scene and quickly takes control of the NYC gangs thanks to his three Enforcers: judo master Fancy Dan, Ox the strongman and lasso expert Montana. He soon starts a seemingly unstoppable crime wave across the city, unknowingly aided by the fact that Spider-Man is preoccupied with aunt May's health following her recent surgery. During a hospital visit, Peter is asked to donate his blood to her and reluctantly complies, worried that the radioactivity from his old spider bite might affect her somehow. However it all goes well and aunt May is quickly on the mend, being discharged and going away on holiday with her next door neighbours. As the Big Man's grip on the city strengthens, J. Jonah Jameson orders his columnist Foswell to prove that the crime lord is really Spider-Man in disguise. After seeing the Enforcers threaten Betty Brant for some borrowed money, Spider-Man finally is on their trail, but the first encounter is inconclusive as Peter is still recovering from his transfusion and needs to get away. Seeing Jameson near the scene makes Peter suspicious JJJ could be the Big Man, so he prepares a trap and arranges things to get kidnapped by the Enforcers. Imprisoned, he quickly escapes as Spider-Man, right in the middle of a meeting between the Big Man, the Enforcers and "every top mobster in the city". A battle royale ensues, with Spider-Man's skills, agility and inventiveness keeping him ahead despite being vastly outnumbered. He eventually manages to call the police and all the criminals get arrested, except for the Big Man. Now certain that the crime lord is JJJ, Spider-Man goes to the Bugle, just in time to see the police arrest... Foswell, who confesses to wearing a disguise and to being the Big Man. Later on, Peter muses his complicated relationship with Betty, whilst Jonah reveals to himself why he really hates Spider-Man.

Iron Man: "Ultimo Lives"

Tales of Suspense #76-78 (1966)

By Stan Lee, Adam Austin*, Gene Colan, Gary Michaels

Background: Iron Man battles his friend Happy Hogan, accidentally turned into The Freak. 

So, What Happens? A nearly depleted Iron Man manages to turn the Freak back into Happy, who suffers from amnesia and appears to have forgotten Shellhead's secret ID. Tony Stark is forced to travel to Washington in order to testify under oath and reveal the identity and secrets of Iron Man, but en route is kidnapped and teleported away to China by the Mandarin. The villain wants revenge against Iron Man following his last defeat and has created Ultimo, a gigantic android so big and powerful he had to build and hide it inside a sleeping volcano. Obeying his master's wishes, Ultimo awakens and attacks the Chinese army trying to invade the Mandarin's fortress, easily cutting through them. Unaware that Tony and Iron Man are one and the same, the Mandarin attempts to kill Stark, who survives thanks to his chest plate and wears his armor just in time to face Ultimo. Iron Man is completely outclassed by the massive Android but thanks to his superior manoeuvrability manages to stay alive  long enough to figure out a plan. He tricks Ultimo into firing his eye beams against the volcano, reawakening it and causing an explosion that seemingly destroys the Android. Too low on power to fly back to the States, Iron Man steals a military plane and gets back home, only to discover that in his absence his factories have been shut down by government order.