Move over, Superman!

Look out, Spider-Man!

Take a hike, Batman!

There’s a new superhero on the block, and he is absolutely awesome!

Yes, “Iron Man” rocketed into theaters nationwide last weekend, and this latest appearance on the big screen of a character from Marvel comics is one of the best yet. In fact, it’s so good, that I would be stunned if we don’t see a sequel, a threequel, and any number of other “quels” before it’s all over. This exciting film has it all – stellar performances, dazzling special effects, scintillating action, and spectacular pyrotechnics.

Iron Man was created in 1963 by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Don Heck, and Jack Kirby, and he made his first appearance that year in Marvel comics “Tales of Suspense.” Like most of the superheroes, Iron Man has an alter ego, and his name is Tony Stark, who is based somewhat on the character of the late, eccentric, and reclusive Howard Hughes. Originally Tony’s story began when he was imprisoned during a trip to Vietnam to see how his mini-transistors were aiding U.S. troops.

In the film, however, Tony’s character has been upgraded to a modern billionaire who is the head of an enormous weapons manufacturer and who travels to Afghanistan to observe some of his weaponry in action. But Tony (Academy Award nominee Robert Downey Jr.) sees his trip turn into nightmare when some revolutionaries attack the convoy in which he’s travelling.