From the Mouths of the Marvels:

"This new mask...enables my expression to show, which will psychologically aid in instilling fear into the hearts of my enemies!"

- - Tony Stark, discussing the merits of his new armor, page 10

Tony Stark gets ready for Halloween.

Iron Man from Tales of Suspense #48
December 1963 • 18 pages

Publication Date: September 10, 1963

Letters Page: No letters page was published in this issue

I: Feature Story: "The Mysterious Mr. Doll!"

Pages: 18

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Steve Ditko
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Sam Rosen

First Appearance: Mr. Doll, Charleton Carter

Villain: Mr. Doll

Guest Appearance: Happy Hogan, Pepper Potts, Charleton Carter

Iron Man Tech: Iron Man Armor II: red and gold suit update

Synopsis: Pepper Potts delivers the news to Tony Stark that one of his business associates, steel tycoon Charleton Carter, has backed out of a deal to provide him steel for his weapons manufacturing. Stark can't believe this is true and drives out to Carter's estate to take up the matter personally. Once there, he spots a suspicious man dressed up in a funny costume slinking around in the shadows of Carter's estate. He changes into Iron Man to investigate, and once inside the mansion, he overhears the strange-looking fellow standing over Mr. Carter, who is on the floor, cowering in fear. Carter begs the man to let him go, that he has complied with his demands to cut off business with Tony Stark, but the strange man keeps poking at a doll that he holds in his hands and Carter writhes in pain.

Iron Man challenges the costumed man, and tries to get him to talk while he lifts him up in the air, but the self-proclaimed "Mr. Doll" changes the facial structure of his clay doll to that of Iron Man, and starts slowly squeezing the doll. This causes Iron Man to feel intense, claustrophobic pain, and he spins out of control and falls off Carter's promenade overlooking the ocean. He nearly drowns before the pain goes away and he is able to crawl out of the water. Mr. Doll, thinking he has finished Iron Man for good, turns his attentions back to Mr. Carter.

Iron Man gives Round 1 to Mr. Doll, and races back to his office to recharge his batteries. It's a close call: Stark passes out for hours after barely plugging himself into the rejuvenating electrical current in time. Later that day, Tony tells Pepper to hold all calls and not to disturb him for anything, as he sets out to create a new set of armor that is leaner, meaner, and less of a strain on his heart.

Meanwhile, more and more of the super-rich are signing their fortunes away to Mr. Doll, but there is nothing the police can do about it, because the property exchanges are all written in the letter of the law. Mr. Doll decides to turn his attention now to Tony Stark, and begins to mold his doll in Stark's image.

Back at Stark's work lab, he has finally constructed the components of his new red and gold armor, which uses an intricate system of magnets to connect form-fitting and light "ductile iron" across his arms, wrists, legs, ankles and head. The new armor also features a newly configured mask design. And so, the new Iron Man, champion of champions, is born!

Later, the police visit Stark's offices and inform him that Mr. Doll is somehow convincing millionaires to turn over their assets to him. They want Stark's help to set up a sting and catch him in the act, and they leave a posted guard to watch over Stark at all times. Stark tries to shake the guard so he can change into Iron Man by telling the guard that he needs private time with Pepper so he can ask her out on a date. Pepper is extremely excited by this, and though the guard is unsure he should agree, he leaves the two of them alone in the empty supply room. Tony tells Pepper to keep up the act so he can go find Iron Man, which disappoints her greatly, for she thought he had finally revealed feelings for her, but finds out it was all a charade.

Iron Man comes back to the office and dismisses the guard, and suddenly Mr. Doll is on the scene. He alters his doll to emulate Iron Man, and once again starts to press on the doll, causing severe bodily pain to Iron Man. Mr. Doll commands Iron Man to chase out Stark's security guards. He complies, and in the few moments where Mr. Doll thinks he has Iron Man under his control, he explains how he got his powers: he stole his magical doll implement from a witch doctor in Africa. While Iron Man struggles not to show how much pain he is in, Mr. Doll calls him a weakling and tells him to leave the room, and not to try to escape or he will cause him more pain.

Iron Man falls to the floor in severe pain and crawls into his labaratory. He locks the door behind him and decides on a risky gambit: he will take off his Iron Man chestplate to stop Mr. Doll from having control over his pain, but it will slow his heartbeat down. While his chestplate is off, he works on a project which he hopes will defeat Mr. Doll. When he is done, he puts his armor back on and tries once again to defeat Mr. Doll.

When Iron Man barrels into the room, Mr. Doll starts to manipulate his clay image again, but this time Iron Man uses his new transistor ray gadget to mold the doll in his hands in the evildoer's own image! Mr. Doll drops the doll immediately, scared that he will hurt himself. He collapses to the floor as soon as the doll hits the ground, and Iron Man scoops him up and hands him over to the police. Later, Happy and Tony realize they've left Pepper in the locked room that Tony escaped from earlier. And no, she is NOT happy!

--synopsis by Gormuu

Issues Reprinted
Iron Man from
Tales of Suspense #39-50

Click on cover image to learn more about each issue.

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