[Thor Laserpunch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBlueMarvel

This tho'...is as funny as it is an insightful observation. I'd never really stopped to think too deeply about Tony, as I've never been an invested fan; that was a best friend of mine growing up and he, for the most part, introduced me to Iron Man and his villains. I've always been aware of the whys regarding Tony's popularity. Spending most of my life in a state that has played host to just about every American weapons manufacturer under the sun (many of which are still here), with its fair share of incredibly wealthy denizens, I developed an appreciation for the particular brand of Americana in which Iron Man is swathed. Capitalism/enterprise and war-mongering are deeply ingrained within the fabric of our nation and as American as the proverbial apple-pie. I've joked with friends since high school that CT makes everything from bullets to nuclear subs and, now that I think of it, I'm surprised I didn't encounter more Tony fans among my comic buddies growing up.

Your observation functioned to snap me back to my earlier opinions of Tony, but the "disgruntled corporate dorks and ugly commies" (LULZ it's funny cuz it's true! And been there the whole while as a crazy "AMERICA!" propagandized comic-strip!) expanded on my teenage musings. Now, in fairness, Tony is as much in a twelve-step for war profiteering as he is for alcoholism and well on his way to redemption. But the character still has a long way to go because his pivot toward the angels only went as far as "I, and not the US government, am the only one who can be trusted with weapons of mass destruction." Which, in its hubris, is still a recipe for disaster that I'm surprised Marvel hasn't explored more directly - talk about heel turns that would make total sense.

There is a thesis somewhere in a longitudinal exploration of Tony Stark, his villains, and their threads to the military industrial complex and our ever increasing corporate-state. Good on you for making an illuminating funny!

Bonus questions round! Can we think of any real life examples of rich egotistical warmongers that caused massive amounts of collateral damage with impunity and won the hearts and minds of jingoistic mom & apple pie lovin’ zombie masses? Do I need to play the Final Jeopardy music or do you have the answer already?

For 1 million points: do Bernie Bros love Tony? I bet most aren’t even cognizant that they’re supposed to be anti-globalization… or even know what globalization is lolol.

Now that I’m done hating on all Americans and several beloved superheroes, I actually have to say that while I never really cared for Iron Man as previously stated, I have come to like Tony Stark’s character a lot over the years. He is flawed, sure. Perfect people don’t seem that interesting though. My main gripe with him is he is essentially “lawful good” and laws can be wrong because of special agendas, corruption, etc. He’s a hero for sure, but could never be in the same class as Cap or Superman… not simply because he has no “real” powers which is not that uncommon in the super biz, but because he will never have their integrity. But he’ll always be relevant because even when we’re not mired in a Cold War we like to involve ourselves in hot ones and will always have use for our beloved weapons of mass intervention.

Happy Juneteenth everyone! I’m sure TBS is showing Black Panther back to back with Bad Boys II because well-meaning but disinterested caucasians think these things are all connected just because they all involve black folks. Enjoy the day guys, and hey, doordash yourself some nice chicken & waffles from any place with Momma Somebody’s in the name, you won’t regret it. The mac & cheese is a safe bet also. Ttfn!