IRON MAN vol. 3 #72 (417)
(Nov. 2003) "Vegas Bleeds Neon, part 3."
Cover art: Harris & Feister.
Script: Robin Laws.
Art:Robert Teranishi/Eric Cannon, Rich Perrotta & Norm Rapmund.
Tony Stark struggles with what to do with his nanoplasm infected self! He drifts in and out of consciousness as the plasm begins its assimilation (Can you say "Borg"?). With some slow interludes in the middle, Stark finally confronts Vegas bigwig and nanoplasm host extraordinaire Marc Vicus. The alien organism appears to be fighting some sort of "civil war" with Stark and Vicus as competing sides. Eventually, Vicus gets the better of Stark, and while extracting the plasm inside of Tony, he infects himself with a nanoplasm "antidote" of Stark's own design! But -- just when you thought it was over, there is Vicus at issue's end hitching a ride in the desert, still laden with the alien organism! Too predictable, in my opinion, and this last part was a bit too "heady" and nebulous. Nevertheless, a satisfying 3 issue arc overall.
Hube's Recommendation: 3 repulsors!
