Marvel Read-Through: Demon in a Bottle
How long has it been? A long time. Whatever. I’m back. And I’m here with one of the most acclaimed and beloved Marvel stories of all time: Demon in a Bottle. This is one of the arcs I’ve been looking forward to the most, and one of the reasons I started this whole thing. Tony Stark’s alcoholism is touched upon in the movies very briefly, but it’s a major part of him in the comics and this is where it all began. Co-written by one of my favorites, David Michelinie, surely this will live up to expectations, right? Right????
My first surprise was realizing that the nine-issue arc commonly collected and known as Demon in a Bottle isn’t really a singular arc at all. Tony only acknowledges and deals with his alcoholism in the final issue. The first eight consist of him doing the regular Iron Man stuff, sprinkled with moments of his alcohol addiction. The main through-line is actually the Iron Man suit repeatedly malfunctioning after being hacked by Stark Industries’ competitor CEO Justin Hammer, who is trying to ruin SI after losing out on a major deal to them. It’s good. It’s standard superhero stuff, but it’s good. I just wish addiction was the focus as I believed going in.
An early highlight for me was the team up with Namor. The Sub-Mariner is always welcome. His antagonistic nature while still siding with the heroes is forever a fun read. Tony and Namor make a great pair. The animosity between them while they take down the Roxxon Oil Corporation together lends itself to some great banter and lets both characters’ massive egos shine. I’m curious as to when Namor joins the Avengers and/or X-Men. So far, he’s an ally but definitely not a friend to the heroes on land. Other than the Invaders WWII-set book he hasn’t been a true hero.
Things got rocky for me in the third issue which was entirely a flashback to Iron Man’s origin. Tony reminisces on it while flying back to New York City and the well-known story is told once again. Look, maybe this worked in the 70s; there was no internet to research backstories or read old comics, there were no Marvel movies in the cultural zeitgeist, and new readers may have needed a retelling every now and then. It was also an easy way to sell an easy-to-write issue for full price. But it’s useless now. I’ve read the 1960s original origin comic, I’ve seen the movie (countless times), and I’m very well aware of Iron Man’s origin. Wasting an entire issue on this in a nine-issue arc was a huge loss. A lot more of Tony, Hammer, and newcomers James Rhodes and Bethany Cabe, could have been developed.
Speaking of, let’s jump into the new supporting cast. James “Rhodey” Rhodes is Tony’s new best friend. I love Rhodey. Everyone loves Rhodey. He’s extremely loyal to Tony, very capable in his own right, and I can’t wait for him to suit up as War Machine in the 90s. I’m glad to finally have him around. Bethany Cabe is Tony’s new girlfriend. She’s great too. She’s no damsel-in-distress, she’s tough. I had no idea Beth and Tony were a couple originally. Cool to learn about her history and expand the cast with characters I read today.
It’s fun to have the moments that show Tony’s alcoholism spread throughout the first eight issues. I like the build up. This is what long form storytelling is for. It feels more real. He doesn’t just wake up an alcoholic one day, it’s been in the reader’s mind for months. The mystery of why his armor is malfunctioning and his superheroics fighting Hammer’s hired costumed villains is fun, but it’s nothing super special to be deemed some of Marvel’s best. I enjoyed it all (except the flashback issue), but I don’t see the hype for the arc as a whole.
It’s the final issue that shines. Iron Man #128 is exceptional, albeit rushed. Was I shocked to see Tony conquer alcoholism in just one issue? Yes. Do I wish this one issue was a nine-issue arc? Yes. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t incredible. There are some really powerful moments as Beth and Jarvis aid in Tony’s recovery. It is one of the best issues I’ve read. It is, in fact, one of Marvel’s best. It’s mature yet accessible, a character-defining issue, and almost expertly written. I say almost because it sure is rushed. Tony’s withdrawal and time getting sober is a montage on one page. Then, suddenly, he’s cured. Everything leading up to that page was excellent, and everything after was a triumphant comeback for Tony and Iron Man, but I would have liked to explore more time with Tony battling his demons.
So in the end it didn’t meet expectations simply because the actual demon in a bottle part of Demon in a Bottle was only one issue. But it sure was one great issue.
Next time: Dark Phoenix!
And I want to leave off on this amazing moment that was the most silver age silliness I’ve come across in a long time:
Issues Read:
Iron Man #120–128
Favorite issue: Not even a question, it’s #128
