Issue(s): Iron Man #118, Iron Man #119
Cover Date: Jan-Feb 79
Title: "At the mercy of my foes friends!" / "No S.H.I.E.L.D. to protect me!"
Credits:
David Michelinie - Script
David Michelinie & Bob Layton - Plot
John Byrne & Bob Layton / John Romita Jr. - Penciler
Bob Layton - Inks/Finishes

Review/plot:
Tony Stark is investigating why SHIELD would be interested in his stockholders and winds up getting thrown off the SHIELD helicarrier.

The sequence of Stark removing his armor from his briefcase and donning it while falling to his death is something i've seen mentioned a lot. I think it's a bit cheesey.

The overall story is good, though. Iron Man returns to beat up the SHIELD agents, who turn out to be renegades.

It's worth noting that in the scene above, Iron Man's chest light activates on its own. That's foreshadowing the upcoming Justin Hammer plot.

Later he helps the SHIELD helicarrier from crashing into Soviet airspace, but it turns out that while attempting to kill Stark was a renegade act, SHIELD really is trying to buy up 51% of Stark's stock, in order to force Stark to start building munitions again.

Issue #118 also introduces "Rhodey" as Tony Stark's pilot, although Stark opts to fly himself to the helicarrier this time. There's no indication that Rhodey is anything more than an employee at this point, referring to Tony as "Mr. Stark".

And issue #119 introduces Yvette (Avril), the head of Stark's French division.

At the very beginning of issue #118, Tony discovers that the weapons Spymaster used against him in the previous issue were designed by him. Early preview of Armor Wars!

Quality Rating: C+

Historical Significance Rating: 6 - the "putting on the armor while falling" issue, first Rhodey (eventually War Machine). First Yvette Avril.

Chronological Placement Considerations: N/A

References: N/A

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A

I believe John Byrne stated that he was the one who made Rhodey black as the character's race wasn't mentioned in the story. Given his introduction, it's entirely possible Michelenie and Layton didn't intend for him to become such an important supporting character. Having a named pilot is likely along the lines of other minor Stark Industries characters like Mrs Arbogast, Artemus Pithins, and Vic Martinelli.

The creative team deserves credit for focusing on establishing a good supporting cast for Iron Man. He hasn't really had one since Happy Hogan and Pepper Potts, and these for the most part don't have bizarre events happening to them - they stay normal.

It's true. Byrne asked the powers that were "Can I make him Black?" It's funny to think how that simple question would have such an effect on the careers of Terrence Howard and Don Cheadle.

I think you have the penciling credits scrambled. Per the lettercol in #118, “we’d like to thank our old buddy John Byrne, X-MEN penciler supreme, for lending a helping hand with the ol’ layouts this issue, whilst J.R. was off drawing our latest and greatest KISS magazine.” The published credits reflect this, attributing "finished art" to Layton, so the Helicarrier shot and abortive death-plunge in that issue were the work of Byrne, and not JRJR.

Thanks Matthew.

I believe that the head of the renegades (Buck Richler)is based on artist Rich Buckler.As he is being led off he blames everything on his assistants. Seems rather mean spirited.

Tony Stark doesn't always keep his attache case shackled to his wrist while walking around inside the SHIELD heli-carrier. How fortuitous that this time, he did.:-/