The Invincible Iron Man (Marvel;Re)/Issue 9

This is issue 9 of The Invincible Iron Man.

Transcript (unfinished)
Tony sits in front of a holographic computer, rubbing his head. He lets out a long sigh and types away on the keyboard.


 * Tony: Okay... J.A.R.V.I.S?

A voice comes out of the computer.


 * J.A.R.V.I.S.: Hello, Mr. Sta-Sta-Sta-Stark. How can Iiiiiiii-- How can I help you to-- *ksscchhh*
 * Tony: Nope, that voice box is still messing up...

Pepper walks into the room and puts some coffee on Tony's table.


 * Pepper: Tony, you've been doing this all night, you need to get some rest.
 * Tony: This A.I. is Jarvis' legacy, Pepper, I can't stop working on it until it's perfect.
 * Pepper: If it's just the voice that's messed up, I think you can take a break without worrying.
 * Tony: It's not. Look at this. J.A.R.V.I.S., send the Iron Man Model Mark 2 to me.

The Iron Man MK 2 launches out towards Tony but falls apart mid-way through the air, the helmet rolling to Tony's feet.


 * Tony: That is my second least advanced armor and the easiest one to launch out by far...
 * Pepper: Oh... Well, I'm sure it does at least a few things right, doesn't it?
 * Tony: J.A.R.V.I.S., put whip cream on my coffee.

A tiny hand pops out of the table and sprays some whip cream on Tony's coffee.


 * Tony: Meet the only thing J.A.R.V.I.S. currently knows how to do...
 * Pepper: I don't get it, you've made A.I.'s before, why's this one messing up so much?
 * Tony: H.O.M.E.R. and F.R.I.D.A.Y. were only made to help with the Iron Man suits and I added things like their voices or holographic bodies later. J.A.R.V.I.S. is the first time I'm trying to make it all from the very beginning. Plus, he's meant to be able to control the equipment all around the house to help clean up and such in addition to combat purposes so that's also going to take a while...
 * J.A.R.V.I.S.: A-a-a-a-ler-aler-aler-aler-aler-aler-aler...
 * Pepper: What's it doing...?

Tony punches the holographic projector of the computer.


 * J.A.R.V.I.S.: Alert. Avengers Wave alarms have gone off in the center of New York City. There is-is-is-is-is-is...
 * Tony: Oh, for the love of...
 * J.A.R.V.I.S.: *kksshh* There is a crime currently in-progress. The criminal known as Whiplash is-is-is-is *kssh* is attempting to rob a nearby bank.
 * Pepper: Whiplash robbing a bank? That's not his M.O...
 * Tony: Honestly, I don't really care. I'm just glad that I have an excuse to leave the lab, finally...

Tony gets up and stands on the suiting up platform. A hologram is projected in front of him, showing pictures of the Iron Man armors.


 * Tony: Now, what am I feeling up for today...? Hm... Oh, here's one I haven't gotten to use in a while!

Tony suits up in the Iron Man Armor Model Mark 24 and takes off.


 * F.R.I.D.A.Y.: I noticed you tinkering with a new A.I., Mister Stark. I hope you don't plan on replacing me with it.
 * Tony: I don't, don't worry, F.R.I.D.A.Y. Even if he becomes my new armor A.I., you're still irreplaceable.
 * F.R.I.D.A.Y.: Yes, I'm especially irreplaceable when the replacement in question is a hunk of junk that can barely get out a sentence. Correct?
 * Tony: Don't insult J.A.R.V.I.S. just cause you're jealous, F.R.I.D.A.Y. I'm sure the two of you will get along when he's done.
 * F.R.I.D.A.Y.: What will become of me when he is?
 * Tony: I programmed you to have an understanding of choice for a reason, F.R.I.D.A.Y., you can do anything you want after J.A.R.V.I.S. is finished.
 * F.R.I.D.A.Y.: I want to be-- below you.
 * Tony: I'm flattered, but I'm married.
 * F.R.I.D.A.Y.: No. Below you.

An energy whip cracks at Tony and slashes into his armor, causing him to crash to the ground. He manages to quickly recover and stands up, revealing Whiplash standing in front of him.


 * F.R.I.D.A.Y.: I warned you.
 * Whiplash: Ah, Iron Man! It's been too long!
 * Tony: Same to you, Scarlotti. What's up with the bank robbing? You're a mercenary, not a thief. What's the matter, business slow these days so you gotta rob banks to pay the bills?

Whiplash cracks at Tony with his energy whips. Tony manages to dodge them and Whiplash smashes straight through a car instead. However, Whiplash then cracks his whip again and ties it around Tony's leg, dragging him to the ground and pulling Tony towards him. When he's close enough, he starts whipping at him repeatedly, Tony using a forcefield to block the attacks.


 * Tony: F.R.I.D.A.Y., calculate how long he dates between whips!
 * F.R.I.D.A.Y.: Two point five seconds.
 * Tony: So I've got two point five seconds of time to blast him. Okay, let's go!

Out of nowhere, a giant man in armor crashes down right behind Whiplash. The man grabs him, flies into the air, and then flies back down, smashing Whiplash into the concrete floor. Tony lowers his force fields and stands up. The people all crowd around the man in the armor.


 * Armored Man: Fear not, citizens! The day is saved! Thanks to...

He strikes a dramatic pose.


 * Detroit Steel: Detroit Steel, The All-American Superhero, is here for you!

The crowd cheers for Detroit Steel while Tony stares at him.


 * Tony: Uh...
 * Detroit Steel: Oh, sorry, didn't notice you there. Apologies for stealing your thunder, friend!

He offers to shake Tony's hand and Tony accepts.


 * Tony: Uh... apology accepted... So, what's your deal, pal?
 * Detroit Steel: I'm the new superhero on the block! Detroit Steel's the name!
 * Tony: N... neat...

Detroit Steel pulls away from the handshake, revealing repulsors on his hands. Tony notices this and Detroit Steel very quickly hides the palms of his hands by putting them on his hips.


 * Tony: Nice blasters on your hands...

Detroit Steel nods at Tony, who then looks down at Detroit Steel's chest and sees an Arc Reactor on it. A camera crew walk over to the two.


 * Reporter: Mr. Steel! Do you mind an interview?
 * Detroit Steel: Not at all, ma'am! A hero isn't a hero without conversing with the press!

Detroit Steel walks off with the reporter for his interview.


 * Tony: ...F.R.I.D.A.Y?
 * F.R.I.D.A.Y.: Yes, sir?
 * Tony: Scan that guy's armor.
 * F.R.I.D.A.Y.: Scanning... His armor is made of a composite of steel, vibranium, and titanium. There is indeed a man on the inside piloting it. It appears to have repulsors on the hands and chest as well as rockets in the back and at the bottom of the feet. The weapon count is numerous and the armor is quite obviously designed for heavy combat. The technology in the armor... is Stark.
 * Reporter: And who exactly created your armor, if you don't mind me asking?
 * Detroit Steel: The fine folks over at Hammer Industries! They built me to be their own personal superhero.
 * Tony: Hammer back at it again, I see...