Iron Man Ii -

Believing he is near death, Tony becomes increasingly reckless, eventually getting drunk in his armor during his birthday party. His best friend, James "Rhodey" Rhodes , intervenes by donning a prototype Mark II armor. The two fight, and Rhodey ultimately confiscates the suit for the U.S. Air Force.

: Vanko attacks Tony during the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. Though Tony defeats him using a portable briefcase suit, Vanko succeeds in showing the world that Iron Man is vulnerable. Iron Man II

: Vanko dies after self-destructing his suit, and Justin Hammer is arrested. Tony and Rhodey are awarded medals for their heroism, and Fury informs Tony that while he is unsuitable for the "Avengers Initiative," S.H.I.E.L.D. wants to hire him as a consultant. Believing he is near death, Tony becomes increasingly

S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury soon reveals that Tony's new assistant, "Natalie Rushman," is actually undercover agent Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow). Fury provides Tony with Howard Stark's old research, leading Tony to discover a hidden diagram within an old Stark Expo model. Using this, Tony synthesizes a new, non-toxic element that saves his life and powers his latest armor. The Battle at Stark Expo Air Force

: Tony's business rival, Justin Hammer , fakes Vanko's death to break him out of prison, hoping Vanko will build a superior line of armored suits to upstage Stark Industries. Personal Crisis and S.H.I.E.L.D. Intervention