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Return to a (Neo)Classic
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...and fairly hacked away by the Blood Brothers, the Controller, the Melter, and Commander Kraken, it became obvious to Tony Stark that any flaw in the metal shell around him might mean his death. Enter the NeoClassic Armor, Model VII, Mark I, and all-new armor that was a return to Iron Man's strengths, literally. Once again, Stark didn't alter the look of the armor much. But on the inside, the NeoClassic Armor (which debuted in IRON MAN #95) was made much stronger than the Depolarizing Armor. Constructed from an overhauled solar-charged steel-mesh armor, it was so strong that in its first test it was able to take Stark's Atomic Piledriver square in the chestplate. Unable to smash the armor, the piledriver rattled to pieces. (Ultimo's might would prove to be the true challenge of the armor's durability. In his steely grasp it cracked, but kept Tony alive.) 
The return of strength meant the return of bulk--and the return of collapsible armor, stored in that trusty old attache case. Like previous incarnations the armor is very heavy without power corsing through it. In fact, at low power, it was almost too heavy for Tony to move around in. With each upgrade Stark improved the inner workings of his fabulous armor. Model VII was no different. Stark expanded the functionality by using even smaller micro-circuits through the suit. Improved storage circuits hold electric charges better, however the solar-charging energy matrices were not fully refined as Iron Man still required an old-fashioned recharge (from a land-line) when his armor was strained. The armor's cooling system, controlled by a belt-buckle panel, was able to protect the wearer in comfort, as Iron Man easily survived a volcanic blast. (Although the armor's exterior got quite hot.) Cryofoam dampers within the armor could be used to extinguish fires or cool down the armor. Repulsor strength was also increased in the NeoClassic Armor. Stark's improvements allowed for dispersion rates with sufficient power as to allow Iron Man to tunnel deep into the earth. An additional Mole Digger drill attachment could bore into vibranium. |
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On-board sensors in the left gauntlet included tracking computers, radiation sensors, and life signs sensors (that constantly monitor many of Tony Stark's friends for easy finding). Image-intensifier lenses dropped down to provide Iron Man with night vision that rivalled that of Black Panther. Audio sensors were so advanced that they could analyze tight beam, coherent ultrasound and send it back to its source. By detaching his belt-pods (which were still connected to the armor by wires), Shellhead could generate broad spectrum inductive fields. A neat bonus on the NeoClassic Armor was the the lock on Stark's lab, which was located in a restricted section of the plant. The computerized lock could detect the armor's molecular pattern--opening as Iron Man approached for easy entrance and exit. Armaments: Repulsors; Vibration Beams; Vario-Chestbeam (including a new Tensor Beam that turned energy streams/beams against themselves). |
Special feature on this suit: Model VII was the first suit to feature a force-field. The "force shield" allowed Iron Man to deflect blast attacks.
As Tony's body began to reject his synthetic heart he needed the armor to remain fully-charged in order to prevent rejection. While the NeoClassic Armor kept Iron Man alive in a fight, it wasn't going to keep Tony Stark alive much longer...
This page is copyright 2004 by Tim Rassbach.
Iron Man and all associated characters are the property of Marvel Comics.