As writer Christopher Cantwell’s run on Iron Man comes to a close, rife with existential burdens and moral-ethical quandaries, a question is being asked which threatens his very quest for justice: must there be an Iron Man?

Celebrating the official 650th issue to feature the Armored Avenger, Cantwell, and host of some of the industry’s most talented creators, will be answering this question the old-fashioned way: with a slew of superhero slobber-knocking action sure to satisfy even the most cynical fans. Arriving in November, Iron Man #650 will feature three stories, including the conclusion to Cantwell’s thought-provoking take on the character.

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According to solicitations from Marvel, Iron Man #650 will see Tony, still recovering from his addiction treatment for morphine, and the emotionally draining series of battles he had as the Iron God against his nemesis Korvac, calling his efficacy into question in the face of a new holiday celebrated in his home of New York City: Iron Man Day! Forced to reflect on his own identity as a crime-fighter following his despicable turn to villainy at the height of his powers as Iron God, Tony will also have to tangle with other characters who don’t view his legacy as particularly helpful, perhaps even the villainous type.

Cantwell took the reins of Iron Man in December 2020, quickly making his own mark as an explorative and philosophical writer for a character who often found himself confronted by his past mistakes, inherent recklessness and inability to solve his longstanding addiction issues. Set to complete after 23 issues, Cantwell has managed to leave his mark on the characterization of Tony Stark, painting him as an arrogant, yet painfully self-aware leader whose core dramatic quality, his emotional fragility in the face of possessing nigh-unlimited power, often caused him to lash out at those he care about the most.

Releasing at the end of the year, the oversized issue will feature a breathtaking cover by legendary painter Alex Ross, the final story of Cantwell’s run (drawn by Angel Unzueta), as well as an adventure in the Asgardian realm of Niffleheim in search of the God of Thunder himself, Thor written by by Murewa Ayodele and illustrated by Dotun Akande and finally Kurt Busiek returns to the character with a Silver Age tribute drawn by Ben Dewey.

Will Iron Man manage to save the day on a holiday named after him despite his personal misgivings? Iron Man #650 goes on sale in November, wherever comic books are sold.

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Source: Marvel Comics