Everyone in the media and around the city is talking about the upcoming film Iron Man. Sure it looks a little stylized, sure the reviews are starting to come through and most of them positive, but before you decide to think you’re an expert on Iron Man do some reading and at least know a few facts. It’s not hard.

If you ignore everything I else I say, then please at least know just one thing: Ironman’s first appearance was NOT Iron Man #1, it was Tales of Suspense #39…remember that and you’re golden.

One thing that I hate is when someone sees a comic book adaptation and thinks they know all about the characters back story. This happened a lot during the release of Fantastic Four 2, in which a lot of people poked fun at the films “campy” joke direction. My main concern was that no one read the original Fantastic Four comics that the movie was based on. In those old comic books, the direction of the stories were more often than not, laughable.

Even today, with all this comic book mayhem, we are seeing people growing interested in the back story of Tony Stark, and while some people might be quick to judge the film on its own merits, we have seen a long history of the character. For instance:

Black Sabbath’s Iron Man

Lyrics

Has he lost his mind?
Can he see or is he blind?
Can he walk at all,
Or if he moves will he fall?
Is he alive or dead?
Has he thoughts within his head?
Well just pass him there
Why should we even care?

He was turned to steel
In the great magnetic field
Where he traveled time
For the future of mankind

Nobody wants him
He just stares at the world
Planning his vengeance
That he will soon unfold

Now the time is here
For iron man to spread fear
Vengeance from the grave
Kills the people he once saved

Nobody wants him
They just turn their heads
Nobody helps him
Now he has his revenge

Heavy boots of lead
Fills his victims full of dread
Running as fast as they can
Iron man lives again!

Interesting huh? Didn’t think Ozzy and the crew knew what was up eh? Well that’s not the only mention of Iron Man in pop culture…

Did you know that he invaded the hip hop scene?

Ghostface Killah, of Wu Tang Clan, released his solo debut way back when and called it “Iron Man”. Ghostface is a huge Iron Man fan, and was even scheduled to be in the new movie, before his scene was cut out. Ghostface Killah and Iron Man fans rejoice, that there is always the extended director’s cut dvd on the horizon after the theatrical run.

I’m not a big fan of the comic book these days.

Why?

Iron Man is responsible for the Death of Captain America! That’s right, Tony Stark, Iron Man, and his stupid policy of revealing the identity of super hero’s in the Civil War storyline, causes the Cap to lose his life…although Tony Stark is sorry and wishes it wouldn’t have happened, he will forever live with the guilt of Cap’s blood on his hands.

So what now?

Sure this wasn’t suppose to be the ultimate faq on Iron Man, it was just a rambling post to bring even more attention to the film…because I think it’s the first worthwhile film to come out on major cinemas in a while.

Here’s a trailer for Iron Man

Sure the movie is not going to top The Dark Knight which promises to shove reality into a surreal world.

If you’re still interested in Iron Man, Comic Books, and reading a little bit into the stories that made the fascinating jump from paper to big screen, I recommend checking out some re-issues or at least some compilation graphic novels that show the original stories in their proper light.

For instance, you should pick up The Essential Iron Man Vol. 1, for an introduction into the Iron Man universe.

If you’re looking ahead to Batman, I highly recommend Absolute Batman: The Long Halloween, which shows the Joker as more than just a clown, and Batman as more than just a trouble soul…plus you’ll get the tie in with the mob from the first film.

Enjoy Iron Man, and expect to see it #1 in the box office, but I truly believe that Batman’s film will over take this initial summer blockbuster.

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