ELIOT R. BROWN TALKS IRON MAN TECH , Part 2

[MichaelDoran]

by Steve Ekstrom

There are only a few days left until Iron Man “May-nia” hits comic book fans like a red and gold-plated Mack truck. Obviously, Marvel (via Paramount) has the Iron Man motion picture hitting theaters on May 2nd and a second monthly title, Invincible Iron Man, hitting shelves as well—and let’s not forget, on May 14th, Marvel releases the All-New Iron Manual to satisfy all of old Shellhead’s fans tech-fix.

What’s that? “All-New”? Yes, in 1993, Marvel Comics originally released The Iron Manual—which was a comprehensive look at Tony Stark’s workbench and metal wardrobe with schematics provided by Marvel legend and Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe mainstay, Eliot R. Brown. Well, Eliot is back (with a number of other writers and artists) and this time he’s brought updated Iron Man schematics with him in this double-sized, 64-page volume that delves into the technological world of Iron Man.

Newsarama contacted Brown to talk about Iron Man’s latest tech manual and the feasibility of the theoretical science and technology behind Marvel’s Golden Avenger, and we continue our conversation is Part Two of the interview (click here to read Part One)

NRAMA: Eliot, when you initially came on board to this incarnation of the Iron Manual, what were some aspects of the schematics that you wanted to do differently than your previous work with Iron Man?

ERB: One trick I wanted to pull was to make it seem that Stark was putting together an archive of information of some sort. The way that drawings were done back then was generally by hand, but there were large graphic plotters. They were fussy things, used for mapping or large, full-scale part drawings for airplanes. But, the way I saw it, for Stark to be involved, plotters would need to be more powerful or sophisticated. So he would have the only super-fast, extra dense black drawing machines in existence. That attempt of mine is in the upper left of the page, I wanted it to look like a standard format, done in the mid-60s but scanned much later as part of the archiving project. So I dug out my finest technical fountain pen that could still be made to work and steadied my hands to do, what I hope looked like a large drawing but shrunk down.


NRAMA: When you're designing stuff like this and considering propulsion dynamics--how do you try to "shape" working concepts to the human frame? Could men fly like this in the near future or do you think that it's not as cut and dry as rocket boots and jet packs? Theoretically, how much stabilization would be necessary?

ERB: Stabilization is the least aspect of human flight. What I mean by that, is that people don’t fly! But strap on enough crap and you can! With conventional computers, it is a trivial matter to follow the sensors and keep something pointing in the right direction. I recall a Jet Propulsion Laboratory film that had a small “flying fuel tank” with one “down” jet plus some right-angle valves—and it just lifted off and hovered till it ran out of fuel (Google “Delta Clipper” for a modern version of that). In-flight stability of the human form is nothing to worry about within an Iron Man suit. The suit can simply stiffen to support the body within. It would become a statue that would require little attention. The boots themselves might have side-firing exhaust orifices that would allow for rapid steering (similar to that flying fuel tank). So, indeed, the boots are crammed with turbines and electronic cooling for the skin!

Just like fighter-pilot’s anti-g suit, the Iron Man suit would crunch in to squeeze Tony Stark’s internal organs and support them and him, during high-g maneuvers. Black-outs may be common for them, but they only have their old-technology to keep them going!

Fuel is the age-old problem. It takes a lot of energy to fly—birds do it via fully-integrated systems and eating all day. The Bell Rocket Belt of the 1960s is a prime example of what’s possible and even practical up to this day. A one-shot fuel charge, using high reactivity fuel that lasts for only 30 seconds. Nelson Tyler, of camera-stabilization platform fame, took over the use of that fabulous device and, I think, still flies it today (sporting events and such). But when that horn sounds, you’ve got 5 seconds to get down or it’s ankle-breaking time! The Iron Man suit has lots of energy!

The Williams “X-Jet” one-man flying “trash can” of the 70s, made use of the same mini turbine that was used in cruise missiles. So miniaturization of turbines can be done—how far, I am not sure, but Stark would be working with solid synthetic sapphire and diamond to make his blades and stators. I imagine they could get real small. Could they actually run ordinary atmosphere through them to “incandescence?” Good question! If you can get those mini-turbines up to 70,000+rpm, maybe so! I did not want to invoke fuel exhaust because we have seen Stark flying around people and in heavy crowds. I still would not want to be standing around something that could likely punch through flesh and send dust flying at supersonic speeds!

As for you and me flying around like this? Have you been on the highways lately? Even supposing friendly super-computers with dedicated auto-pilots… well, it doesn’t take much of a human element to screw that up, HAL! I think computers and man-machine interfaces would have to go a long way further for the reliability to reach a point where people can *drive* “hands-off” never mind fly! Will it happen? Yes; when is a tougher question. You can buy a flying car right now—well, a year’s waiting list and for a million bucks—but the FAA won’t let you fly it off your property.

This brings up a concept that I was always excited by. The suit itself would have sufficient “mentation” to make decisions, millisecond by millisecond. Far faster than any human. That sort of capability would be needed for something like flight, or even walking around. The idea that the suit would sense your body and “move out of the way” as it moved, but carrying it along would be a delicate balancing act. That would only be a small part of the suit’s artificial intelligence. There are many “expert systems” out there today. Stack enough of them together and provide some “housekeeping” expert systems and maybe you have enough “smarts” for the suit to make decisions all on its own.

I posited that when tasked with doing a tech page for the recent Spider-Man: Back In Black Handbook. Stark has designed a penultimate suit (could there really be an ultimate?) for Peter Parker, using all the super-goodies from the Iron Man development process. I pointed out that, If Peter were rendered unconscious, the suit could carry on, cradling and nurturing the guy until he awoke. I hope I left the impression that the suit was quite capable of going off on its own and in fact, should have a spin-off title! (I think I suggested that, wa-a-ay back in the original OHOTMU days, but that was idle talk in the office and nobody wanted to write a “Tin Man of Oz” story!) The outer layer of the Spider-Suit is an all-surface display. Thus, the suit could imitate people by running images of their faces, clothes, etc. and go on adventures of all kinds.

Hey! If we can accept “poly-mimetic alloy” (liquid metal) in a T-1000, we can have the suit steppin’ out!

NRAMA: You’ve done work with the layout schematics of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Heli-carrier previously in OHOTMU; is there a logic used to design something like a flying air fortress? Do you use actual specs for, say, an aircraft carrier to draw inspiration from?

ERB: When I first saw Kirby’s Heli-carrier, as a kid, there was this gong-sound that started and has not stopped since! It was such an audacious idea, if there was not one around somewhere, I wanted to know why not? Well, I figured out why not, when the time came for me to sit down and design one! (During the Falkland Island Conflict, in which a single Exocet Missile sank the HMS Sheffield, revealed just how vulnerable big boats could be. But that came later!). So I included an early form of the Close-In Weapons Defense System (on current big boats)—20mm Vulcan canons that are radar-guided and throw up a literal wall of lead to stop any in-coming objects.

I studied air craft carriers and tried to build in as much reality as possible. That, of course, was difficult! The idea that 6, albeit very large, helicopter-type blades could keep aloft a many-thousand ton craft… well, that’s when I invoked limited anti-gravity machines!
I also had to puzzle out why there was a simply very cool ICBM missile silo on board! Cool, sure, but practical—hmmm? In my researches, I found out that the military used to keep a trio of missiles on 24-hour high alert to launch in the event of a nuclear attack. The first thing to go down would be satellite-borne communications in an EMP. These missiles were loaded with fresh, new communications satellites! There was a good reason to have one in the Heli-carrier. As good as any!

One of my “true-to-life” inclusions in the original Heli-carrier was a Chapel! I don’t think anyone’s used it, but it’s waiting.

NRAMA: Is there anything in the Marvel Universe that you haven't had the opportunity to lay out into schematics that you'd like to do?

ERB: My attempt at a Magnum-Opus was the Fantastic Four’s Baxter Building, done for the #358th issue (Marvel’s 50th Anniversary!)—I always wanted to go back and finish that—I had to leave out the inner roof details!

Or—I always wanted to do a nice, big version of Dr. Doom’s castle—the whole magilla, above and below. The one I got to do for the original OHOTMU was a last-minute sprint to the printer’s deadline!

NRAMA: Are there any suits of armor that didn't make the Iron Manual this time around? Do you have any ideas as to other types of armor Tony Stark would wear?

ERB: Between Layton and Michelinie’s time whomping up one suit after another and Kaminski’s time on “War Machine” there isn’t really much left! I got Stark down to the Titanic and at least testing a strap-on booster to low-Earth-Orbit!

The current incarnation of the suits can do pretty much everything. No, wait! Can it make a good cup of coffee?

[Fenrir]

I'd love to see an "Iron" manual done for all the armored heroes and villains in the Marvel U. Not just Iron man but Dr. Doom, Titanium Man, Crimson Dynamo, Mach IV, etc.

[AnalSurprise]

Y'know, I'm starting to see why people like this guy so much when it comes to explaining tech.

/AS

[Fallingbike]

OK. My fanboy cred may be in serious jeopardy, but I dont recognize two of those armors (the silver/red and mostly red). Where are they from?

[Corpulent1]

Originally Posted by Fenrir

I'd love to see an "Iron" manual done for all the armored heroes and villains in the Marvel U. Not just Iron man but Dr. Doom, Titanium Man, Crimson Dynamo, Mach IV, etc.

I would love to see something on Dr. Doom's armor. I'd also love to see Doom's armor updated to the point where it's closer in ability and advancement to Iron Man's. Really, when you consider how much of a super-genius Doom is, it doesn't make any sense for him to still be wearing the same medieval-looking piece of junk he's worn since his first appearance.

[Xero]

I also like the idea of an Iron Manual for all the other armored guys in the Marvel Universe, especially one detailing the evolution of Mach I - Mach IV armor, all th Beetle suits, and the various versions of Doctor Doom's armor from the 60's until now.

It sucks that DC doesn't have anything even close to this, no one knows how Steel's, Technocrat's or Skyrocket's armored suits work, much less all the various armored suits worn by Lex Luthor. Or even the freaking X-Agon armor (if you get that reference you are a true DCU geek).

[KoozyK]

Originally Posted by Corpulent1

I would love to see something on Dr. Doom's armor. I'd also love to see Doom's armor updated to the point where it's closer in ability and advancement to Iron Man's. Really, when you consider how much of a super-genius Doom is, it doesn't make any sense for him to still be wearing the same medieval-looking piece of junk he's worn since his first appearance.

doom's suit is far superior than stark's. mainly because of it being magically forged. a quick google search provides the following:

Dr. Doom's original armor is a nuclear-powered, computer-assisted battle suit. It was magically forged at a monastery in Tibet, but since then has been repaired by normal (technological) means.

* Enhanced Strength: Gives Dr. Doom the ability to lift (press) a couple of tons.
* Durability: The armor is fashioned of a high-strength titanium alloy.
* Flight: On some occasions, some of Dr. Doom's suits of armor gives him the power of flight without the use for jetpacks (e.g. Activision's Marvel: Ultimate Alliance)
* Video Communicator: Built into the right wrist is a video communicator, which he can use to stay in contact with his bases from any point on Earth.
* Electric Shock: The outer surface of the armor can generate a massive electric shock on command.
* Jetpacks: The typical suit of armor has twin jetpacks mounted at the waist, though other suits (or modifications of the original suit) contain a single jetpack mounted on the back.
* Concussive Blasts: Concussive bolts of force can be fired from the gauntlets and faceplate of the armor, though the mask only generates force blasts when it is not being worn.
* Forcefield: The suit's best defense is the forcefield generated by the armor, which has a maximum radius of eight feet (and so can encompass others); Doom cannot attack without lowering his forcefield.
* Infrared Vision: Infrared scanners in the helmet allow the wearer to detect heat sources, permitting night vision and the ability to see invisible persons (unless they do not give off or can somehow mask their heat signature).
* Recycling System: The armor is self-supporting, equipped with internal stores and recycling systems for air, food, water, and energy, allowing the wearer to survive lengthy periods of exposure underwater or in outer space.
* Sensor Systems: Optical scanners in the helmet allow the helmet's eyepieces to be used as high-powered telescopes, and parabolic ear amplifiers fitted inside the helmet allow Doom to detect extremely faint sounds and unusual frequencies within the audible range for humans.
* Solar Energy Absorption:A thermo-energizer allows the armor to absorb and store solar and heat energy, and use it to power the armor's other systems; this system can only be used while the forcefield is deactivated.

in my opinion, doom would mop the floor with stark if the writer actually uses dooms armor to the fullest. not to mention if he pulls out some magic to boot...

[Corpulent1]

That... doesn't really seem superior to Stark's armor. Even down to something as basic as strength increase: Doom's armor allows him to lift "a couple of tons," Tony's allows him to lift about as much as the likes of Wonder Man or She-Hulk.

[xdemon]

I think the blue and red one is a space armor from a Michelinie/Layton mini from a few years back.

[Fenrir]

in my opinion, doom would mop the floor with stark if the writer actually uses dooms armor to the fullest. not to mention if he pulls out some magic to boot...

That reminds me of that Iron Man special extra-sized issue that was released back in the 90s, after Iron Man ended to make way for the new "Heroes Reborn" Iron Man series. It was one of those special re-cap issues and at the end there was a page where Stark rated the other armored people in the Marvel U. at the time on a 1-10 scale. People like the Crimson Dynamo and the Guardsman he gave low scores to, like 2 to 5, whereas someone like Firepower he gave an 8. But for Dr. Doom he gave a 10 and he admitted that Doom's intelligence was on a level so far beyond his own that if Doom ever put his mind to it, Stark had no doubts that he could create a suit of armor that would annihiliate his own Iron Man armor.

[joem26]

I have the original Iron Manual and really enjoyed it, being an electrical engineer.

I'd actually like to get some more info on Eliot himself. Is he an engineer? What kind? He seems to know quite a bit about different disciplines.

[Corpulent1]

Originally Posted by Fenrir

That reminds me of that Iron Man special extra-sized issue that was released back in the 90s, after Iron Man ended to make way for the new "Heroes Reborn" Iron Man series. It was one of those special re-cap issues and at the end there was a page where Stark rated the other armored people in the Marvel U. at the time on a 1-10 scale. People like the Crimson Dynamo and the Guardsman he gave low scores to, like 2 to 5, whereas someone like Firepower he gave an 8. But for Dr. Doom he gave a 10 and he admitted that Doom's intelligence was on a level so far beyond his own that if Doom ever put his mind to it, Stark had no doubts that he could create a suit of armor that would annihiliate his own Iron Man armor.

Now that's what I'm talking about. You wouldn't happen to have an issue number or title on that, would you?

[Sano]

I freaking love it when Marvel explains these type of things. I still have the schematics for the S.H.I.E.L.D. Hellicarrier in the 80s Marvel Universe books. Along with Sentinel's, a map where the Baxter Building in NY is located and a bunch of other things. Remember the tech book for the X-Men in the 90s that featured the mansion, Danger Room, Blackbird, etc? That was great! Man with all of the additions Bendis added to Tony's armor in New Avengers this is going to be a lot of fun!

[Jmacq1]

Originally Posted by joem26

I have the original Iron Manual and really enjoyed it, being an electrical engineer.

I'd actually like to get some more info on Eliot himself. Is he an engineer? What kind? He seems to know quite a bit about different disciplines.

Speaking as a layman, Mr. Brown comes across as a bona-fide genius in his own right, at least conceptually speaking. This has been a fascinating interview all-around, and Mr. Brown's enthusiasm really shows.

I loved the original Iron Manual, and even though I haven't been buying comics for several months now, I'm sorely tempted to sneak into my LCBS and pick this new one up on the 14th (I'm sure they'll include it in a TPB somewhere before long, probably the first Invincible Iron Man trade, but I don't want to risk missing out on it).

[Michael Hawk]

Man.... I could not care less about the Iron Manual when I saw it in the stores recently but now, I'm definitely going to be picking it up. Eliot Brown is one talented man.

[Bird Flu Man]

Originally Posted by Michael Hawk

Man.... I could not care less about the Iron Manual when I saw it in the stores recently but now, I'm definitely going to be picking it up. Eliot Brown is one talented man.

Recently? I thought it doesn't go on sale until May 14th.

[Corpulent1]

Maybe he meant the first one.

[Spy_Smasher]

Originally Posted by KoozyK

doom's suit is far superior than stark's. mainly because of it being magically forged. a quick google search provides the following:

in my opinion, doom would mop the floor with stark if the writer actually uses dooms armor to the fullest. not to mention if he pulls out some magic to boot...

See, that's funny. I've always felt that Stark's armor wiped the floor with Doom's and could never figure out how they seemed to be so even. I've actually liked some of the more recent Doom appearances where he uses magic a bit -- it explained how he could be so physically dangerous (the danger presented by his intellect never needed any boost).

[Bird Flu Man]

There's actually a decent interview/preview of the Iron Manual at the Marvel site:
http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.2874.Manning_the_Iron_Manua l

[jshirleyjr]

I would love to see an official technical handbook of the Marvel universe written by Mr. Brown.

Now if only Marvel would listen!

JWSJr.

[Scavenger]

Originally Posted by Xero

It sucks that DC doesn't have anything even close to this, no one knows how Steel's, Technocrat's or Skyrocket's armored suits work, much less all the various armored suits worn by Lex Luthor. Or even the freaking X-Agon armor (if you get that reference you are a true DCU geek).

Well as you likely know, Priest tried to give scienctific..or at least pseudoscientific underpinnings to Steel's tech when he had the character.

[Fenrir]

Originally Posted by Corpulent1

Now that's what I'm talking about. You wouldn't happen to have an issue number or title on that, would you?

Had to wait until I got home to pull it out. It's the "Iron Man: The Legend" tribute issue, which came out in Sept. 96, right after Iron Man Vol.1 ended its run with issue #332 during the Onslaught event. The other titles that were ending to make way for the Heroes Reborn series like the Avengers, Thor and the FF all had their own respective tribute issues too. The IM tribute issue gave character profiles of Tony, his allies, enemies, even his lovers, along with showing the covers to every Iron Man issue ever released, plus writeups on his various armors. It's actually pretty comprehensive. I recommend it to any serious IM fan.

Anyway, I scanned the cover and the inside page that has the armor comparisons..

[SquidSquod]

Originally Posted by KoozyK

doom's suit is far superior than stark's. mainly because of it being magically forged. a quick google search provides the following:

in my opinion, doom would mop the floor with stark if the writer actually uses dooms armor to the fullest. not to mention if he pulls out some magic to boot...

Superior because of magic, but Doom's tech component is inferior than Stark now. Read MA #9 where Doom energy depletes fast so he needs to resort to magic.

In the past, when Iron Man is nobody then Doom tech is better than Stark tech. The in-comics explanation is Tony Stark always evolving in terms of tech, while Doom is more interested in magic.

[beta-ray]

Man I would LOVE to see a "Marvel Cross-Sections" with Mr. Brown and the guys who did the Star Wars Cross-Section books for DK (Hans Jenssen & Richard Chasemore... That would be so sweet.

[beta-ray]

Originally Posted by Fenrir

Had to wait until I got home to pull it out. It's the "Iron Man: The Legend" tribute issue, which came out in Sept. 96, right after Iron Man Vol.1 ended its run with issue #332 during the Onslaught event. The other titles that were ending to make way for the Heroes Reborn series like the Avengers, Thor and the FF all had their own respective tribute issues too. The IM tribute issue gave character profiles of Tony, his allies, enemies, even his lovers, along with showing the covers to every Iron Man issue ever released, plus writeups on his various armors. It's actually pretty comprehensive. I recommend it to any serious IM fan.

Anyway, I scanned the cover and the inside page that has the armor comparisons..

That's an awesome scan, thanks! I really loved those armored characters from back in the day. I wish they had done more with the Sunturion armor. As a teen, I used to write my own stories about it.