300th Issue Celebration - "Appetite for Destruction!" Part 3 of 3. Double-Sized issue.
Guest-starring War Machine.
Rhodey is back at Stark Enterprises and staring disaster in the face thanks to the unstoppable Ultimo! With time running out; War Machine calls together Eddie March, Happy Hogan, Michael O'Brien, Clayton Wilson, and Bethany Cabe! Jim asks each one to don a prior set of Shell-Head's armor and join the attack against Ultimo!
Bravely, all five agree! And shortly thereafter War Machine and the Iron Legion take flight for the fight of their lives! In the meantime, Tony Stark hobbles down to the S.E. armory and finds a new red & gold suit ready to go!
Will the Invincible Iron Man reach the battle in time? He must hurry, because Ultimo has the Iron Legion on the ropes!
A great anniversary issue! First appearance of the Iron Legion.
Cameo appearances by Veronica Benning, Marcy Pearson, Raven, Dr. Erica Sondheim, and Abe Zimmer.
Second feature: "Personnel Bios"
Five-page text feature on S.E.'s employees.
(Notes: Tony Stark and Jim Rhodes have words again in Avengers West Coast 102. Ultimo returns in Iron Man (1998 3rd series) #23 .)
The 300th issue of Iron Man marks a significant milestone in the Marvel universe, bringing together beloved characters and introducing new elements that expanded the Iron Man saga. At the heart of this celebration is the formidable adversary Ultimo, whose power threatens Stark Enterprises and forces War Machine to take decisive action. Ultimo, a giant robot with near-indestructible capabilities, has appeared in various Iron Man storylines, always representing a serious challenge due to its relentless nature. In this double-sized celebration issue, War Machine recruits multiple previous holders of the Iron Man armor, including Eddie March, Happy Hogan, Michael O’Brien, Clayton Wilson, and Bethany Cabe. This unique assembly highlights not only the legacy of the Iron Man armor but also the collaborative spirit needed to face overwhelming threats. Their collective confrontation against Ultimo showcases both the human and technological elements central to Iron Man’s stories. The Iron Legion, making its first appearance here, symbolizes Tony Stark’s vision of a coordinated defense system—multiple armors working in unison to combat large-scale dangers. This concept has evolved in comics and other media, illustrating Stark’s innovative approach to protecting the world. Furthermore, the inclusion of personnel bios offers readers an inside look at the supporting characters who play crucial roles behind the scenes at Stark Enterprises. This added depth enriches the storyline by providing context to the workplace dynamics and relationships that influence Tony Stark's world. Cameos from characters such as Veronica Benning, Marcy Pearson, Raven, Dr. Erica Sondheim, and Abe Zimmer add layers of connectivity to the Marvel universe, emphasizing the expansive network surrounding Iron Man. The narrative tension is heightened by Tony Stark’s race to don a new red and gold suit, underscoring the urgency and stakes involved. Fans also appreciate the ongoing character development, as hinted by the renewed friction between Tony Stark and Jim Rhodes, which adds drama beyond the battle scenes. This issue not only celebrates Iron Man’s legacy but also sets the stage for future stories, including Ultimo’s return in subsequent series. For collectors and fans, Iron Man #300 stands out as an essential read, capturing both the heroism and complexity of one of Marvel’s most iconic characters.
