It's a Monday morning in the offices of Alvarez and Associates, Los Angeles, California. Felix Alvarez sits behind his desk, organizing himself for the day's work. His intercom buzzes, and he answers, "Yes, Ms. Warren?"
"There's a gentleman here to see you, Mr. Alvarez."
"If he doesn't have an appointment, ask him to come back later. I'm busy today."
"He says he's an old friend... I think you should see him."
"All right, send him in."
The door opens and Felix is shocked to see none other than...
"Tony Stark!"
"Hello, Felix. I see you're back in law."
"Yes, but... what are you doing here? How are you here? Aren't you dead?"
"Well Felix, I've been dead before."
Tony goes on to explain how he was in danger from the Avenger's foe Kang. While Iron Man and the Avengers attempted to stop Kang, Tony Stark went into hiding, and was replaced by a LMD. The LMD was killed, and since the Avengers disappeared shortly thereafter, he remained in hiding unsure if the danger had passed. Upon the Avengers' return last week, he learned it was now safe for him to reenter the world. Tony thinks, "Of course, this isn't true, but since I can't remember what really happened, it might as well be!"
"Basically, Felix, I need you to handle my legal situation. I need you to have me declared living, regain my fortune, and find out if I can regain control of Stark Enterprises. Right now, I don't really have the funds to put you on retainer..."
"Don't worry. I'll have your fortune back before you can blink."
"Thanks, Felix. Until then, I'm staying at Avengers mansion in New York. As soon as you have a court date set, contact me there."
Shortly, a familiar red and gold figure streaks across the L.A. skyline. The Invincible Iron Man reflects over recent events. His last "real" memories are hazy, but he remembers in detail another life he led in the alternate universe created by Franklin Richards. He was involved in some less than ethical business practices in that fantasy world... will he do the same here? Should he risk reacquiring his company? And if he doesn't, will the same fate befall Stark Enterprises that befell Stark International when he didn't control SI? (in Iron Man #s 173-283- Metal Matt) "Oh well," he thinks, "I've got a plane to catch. It's a good thing I have access to my Avengers stipend, or I'd really be in trouble."
Meanwhile, at the airport, a familiar passenger exits his plane. It is Crusher Creel, the Absorbing Man! "After that New World Order fiasco, I need a break! (see Hulk #457- Memory Matt) I think I'll spend a day relaxing by myself here in L.A. before I meet up with Titania." Suddenly, a rugged middle aged man walks up to Creel.
"Hey, don't I know you? Didn't we do time together?"
"Get lost!" Creel says, as he gives the man a threatening look.
"Yeah, you're Crusher Creel! The Absorbing Man!"
"Shut up!" whisper Creel.
But it's too late. Two security guards overhear Creel's former fellow inmate, and radio for reinforcements. Soon, six guards have him surrounded. They attempt to detain him. "Leave me alone! I'm warning you!" growls Creel. They pull their guns. Creel lunges at the nearest guard, grabbing the barrel of his pistol. The other guards open fire, but their actions are in vain- Creel has absorbed the metal from the pistol and the bullets bounce of him.
"Alright, chumps! Now I'm hacked off!" Creel exclaims as he pounds the six guards senseless. Others are already on their way, as he smashes his way onto the airfield. Guards continue to fire, but their shots have no effect.
At that moment, Iron Man flies overhead. "I should have just enough time to change and catch my flight... wait, what's that? It looks like the Absorbing Man!"
Absorbing Man yells several threats at the guards as he backs away from them. After all, he's here for a vacation and he's not in the mood for a shootout. Iron Man lands about ten feet behind him.
"What's the rush, Absorbing Man?"
Creel turns around, momentary suprise turning quickly into severe rage. "That's it! I'm bringing this whole airport down if I have to!"
Next issue:
Iron Man vs. Absorbing Man! (as if you couldn't have guessed!) News on the legal front! A trip to Avengers Mansion (with a cameo by everyone's favorite Sentinel of Liberty!) Be here!