Issue(s): Iron Man #151
Cover Date: Oct 81
Title: "G.A.R.D.'s gauntlet"
Credits:
David Michelinie & Bob Layton - Plot
David Michelinie - Script
Luke McDonnell - Penciler
Bob Layton - Inker

Review/plot:
This is mainly an Ant-Man solo story, with the poor little guy getting trapped in a room with a hostile computer system gone haywire.

Meanwhile Tony invites Bethany Cabe's partner Ling McPherson over to help him go shopping. Which i think is kind of weird and inappropriate. I thought maybe with Bethany having seemingly skipped the scene, Tony figured he'd just start putting the moves on Ling. And what better way than to show off his money and himself by having him try on expensive suits for her?

But this will actually turn out to be the last appearance of Ling until issue #227, which will be her final appearance. Which is too bad; i kind of liked her and thought more could have been done with her.

Quality Rating: B

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: At the end of this issue, Tony discovers that Bethany Cabe has been captured. It's unlikely that he'll be doing anything but rescuing her next, so Iron Man #152 should be his next appearance. Pushed back in publication time so Iron Man #152-153 can take place before Avengers #212.

References:

• Tony is considering buying Cord Conglomerate now that Edwin Cord is under indictment due to the events of Iron Man #145. Ruthless!
  
• Scott Lang confirms that his lab was untouched by the fires caused by Blacklash in Iron Man #146.

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A

Tony making the moves on Ling is totally in character for him. He's a playboy first, hero second, IMO.

Bethany Cabe mentions in IRON MAN I#301 that Ling retired from their bodyguard business.