Iron Man (1968 series) #206

Comments: Eric Josten became the third Goliath (and first villainous one) in IRON MAN ANNUAL #7; he's appeared in CAPTAIN AMERICA #308 and WEST COAST AVENGERS #1-3 between then and now.

Review: A big fight scene is freshened by a worthy foe, the powerful giant Goliath, an interesting background (a beach), and some very nice Hawkeye/Mockingbird banter. They bring a nice little spark to the series. And it's a standalone story, with a subplot (the sabotage of the space shuttle) that can also be lifted from the context. Rhodey has some character moments as he attempts to live outside the shadow of Iron Man, even making the misguided decision to not take the old armor along; this leads, of course, to him being further indebted to Tony which was the opposite of his desires. Plus, there's a shady mechanic who has a favorite wrench! One thing I'm still pondering: why is the story called “Prisons" i.e. the plural. Obviously Goliath's adamantium cage counts but what is the second one? Hawkeye and Mockingbird stuck in the cage? Not enough is made of it for any thematic resonance. Rhodey in the trapped shuttle? Or in his past identity as Iron Man ?Nah, there's no parallels drawn there. Yorgon Tykkio locked up? Nah, no one cares about him. That's what happens when the title sounds more profound than it is: I have to put a lot of thought into it to decide it wasn't worth the effort. But then I'm a comic book fan so sue me.