: Vanko attacks Tony during the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. Though Tony defeats him using a portable briefcase suit, Vanko succeeds in showing the world that Iron Man is vulnerable.
: In Russia, Ivan Vanko (Whiplash) builds his own arc reactor-powered electrified whips to avenge his father, Anton Vanko, who was once Howard Stark's partner before being deported for espionage. Iron Man II
Believing he is near death, Tony becomes increasingly reckless, eventually getting drunk in his armor during his birthday party. His best friend, James "Rhodey" Rhodes , intervenes by donning a prototype Mark II armor. The two fight, and Rhodey ultimately confiscates the suit for the U.S. Air Force. : Vanko attacks Tony during the Monaco Historic Grand Prix
: Vanko dies after self-destructing his suit, and Justin Hammer is arrested. Tony and Rhodey are awarded medals for their heroism, and Fury informs Tony that while he is unsuitable for the "Avengers Initiative," S.H.I.E.L.D. wants to hire him as a consultant. Believing he is near death, Tony becomes increasingly
The film concludes at the Stark Expo, where Hammer unveils a fleet of military drones and a heavily weaponized Mark II suit (now War Machine) piloted by Rhodes . Vanko hacks the drones and Rhodes' suit to attack Tony, but Natasha Romanoff manages to break into Hammer Industries and restore control to Rhodes .
S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury soon reveals that Tony's new assistant, "Natalie Rushman," is actually undercover agent Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow). Fury provides Tony with Howard Stark's old research, leading Tony to discover a hidden diagram within an old Stark Expo model. Using this, Tony synthesizes a new, non-toxic element that saves his life and powers his latest armor. The Battle at Stark Expo