The issue opens with the arrival of Senator Byrd, who has come to meet Tony Stark. Along with some military personnel, Byrd oversees the testing of a revolutionary transistorized one-man submarine. In a brief meeting, Tony promises to demonstrate the test shortly, conducted personally by Iron Man.

Meanwhile, Happy Hogan, eager to impress Pepper Potts, volunteers to test the sub himself, claiming to understand its mechanics. When Tony denies his request, Happy expresses his frustration, feeling increasingly useless in his role. He laments that he’s no longer even needed to chauffeur Stark, as Iron Man handles everything. In a fit of anger, Happy issues an ultimatum: let him test the sub or he’ll quit. Tony denies him again, and Happy storms off—though Tony has little time to address the fallout with the critical submarine test looming.

During the test, Iron Man discovers a massive undersea gun and learns of a sinister plan involving the Nautilum Shell, a device that would render the surface world uninhabitable for humans but perfect for Atlanteans. Realizing the dire implications, Iron Man leaps into action to stop Attuma. From here, the comic’s action unfolds with pulse-pounding intensity—best experienced firsthand in this thrilling tale!

Characters & Development

Happy Hogan’s character takes a meaningful turn here, as his frustrations with being sidelined are brought to the forefront. His desire to prove his worth to Pepper Potts adds emotional depth, even though this issue doesn’t resolve his struggle. While the status quo could easily be restored in future issues, this moment hints at growth for Happy, showing his determination to make himself indispensable.

The story also delves into Iron Man’s dual responsibilities, balancing his role as Tony Stark and his duties as a hero. Additionally, Attuma’s return is notable, as Atlantean characters have been appearing frequently of late—Attuma in Tales to Astonish #64 and Namor in Daredevil. Coincidence? Likely not. (Wink.)

Originality & Continuity

This issue does a great job of connecting to broader Marvel continuity. Iron Man references the events of Tales to Astonish #64 involving Giant-Man and the Wasp, maintaining the interconnected feel of the Marvel Universe. The story itself strikes a nice balance between showcasing Stark’s ingenuity as an inventor and his daring heroics as Iron Man. It’s a compelling reminder of the tightrope Tony must walk in both identities.

Story & Art

The story is a delight to read, flowing smoothly from one scene to the next. Don Heck’s illustrations elevate the narrative, bringing both the action and the emotions to life. Comics are so much more than words on a page, and Heck’s art captures the nuances beautifully. A standout moment is when Happy gazes at Pepper as she looks at Tony, realizing his own feelings of invisibility—a subtle yet powerful touch.

Similarly, the sheer menace of the undersea gun is brought to life through Heck’s art. Combined with the dire stakes described in the dialogue, the imagery reinforces the urgency of the threat. Once again, we have a story where words and visuals work in perfect harmony to deliver a memorable experience.