Aldrich Killian guest starring “The Mandarin” Iron Man 3 (2013) What I’m realizing (much to the detriment of this series) is that Marvel focuses on the stories of the heroes (Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man), whereas DC focuses on its villains (Joker, Riddler, Clayface, Harley Quinn, Catwoman, Black Adam). Think about it. Aren’t Superman and Batman kind of bland compared to Lex Luthor and Joker? Their bad guys cast a longer shadow. Whereas Marvel goes the other way, their good guys cast a long shadow (so much that they’re recasting an actor who played a hero into a villain). This isn’t just the movies doing it; it’s the comics. Which…

Whiplash Real Identity: Ivan Vanko Iron Man 2 (2010) Characteristics and Powers: Whiplash is named for his eponymous electric whips, powered by a knock-off arc reactor. He doesn’t have much for armor (unlike Iron Man) so he has to keep his distance and attack. Fortunately, whips are the perfect weapon for this. Plus it shows his brutality, like Kratos in God of War. Clearly, Ivan isn’t afraid to get hurt. He’s got plenty of scars and metal teeth, which indicates the state of Russian healthcare. And don’t forget his bird. Relationship to the Hero(es): Iron Man 2 starts a common thread in his movies that is “sins of the father”.…

Iron Monger Real Identity: Obadiah Stane Iron Man (2008) Characteristics and Powers: Stane is a large bald man, about fifty years old, with a long CV of business, business, business. He worked on the arc reactor prototype and directed the company into weapon-manufacturing, which led it to becoming the powerhouse it is today. Stane is a duplicitous, two-faced old sod. He can glad hand the press one day, then stab you in the back the next–not unusual for businessmen. Profit is his Achilles heel. So much that he gets reckless trying to duplicate Tony’s success with the Iron Man suit. Speaking of which, let’s talk about the suit. Stolen from…