Iron Man's Next 'Civil War' Is Against the 1 MCU Hero More Personal Than Captain America

Summary Get ready for an intense showdown between Iron Man and War Machine. Their friendship will be put to the ultimate test.

War Machine has endured imprisonment to protect Tony Stark. His frustration will lead to a fierce battle.

The upcoming conflict between War Machine and Iron Man will be personal, drawing parallels to the iconic Civil War storyline.

The worst of Marvel's Civil War is nothing compared to what Iron Man is about to endure at the hands of his best friend. In both the original comics iteration and the MCU adaptation, Civil War pitted Iron Man against Captain America in a battle of differing philosophies and enormous egos. While the feud between the two Avengers stalwarts was heated, it still wasn't as heated as it would have been had they been closer as friends.

That's why the prospect of an Iron Man vs. War Machine feud is so enticing, as teased by the solicitation for The Invincible Iron Man #19 by Gerry Duggan and Andrea Di Vito. Cover art by Kael Ngu can be viewed below.

The Invincible Iron Man #19 (2024) Release Date: June 19, 2024 Writer: Gerry Duggan Artist: Andrea Di Vito Cover Artist: Kael Ngu Variant Covers: Rod Reis, Skottie Young WAR MACHINE VS. IRON MAN! From Iron Man to War Machine to the Iron Patriot and back, James Rhodes has always been there for his best friend. Now Rhodey has endured months in one of America’s most brutal prisons to protect Tony Stark. What happens when he’s had ENOUGH?

James "Rhodey" Rhodes has been best friends with Tony Stark dating back to their storylines together in the '70s and '80s. The two have trusted each other in any and every situation, no matter the circumstances, but that same trust is about to cause some physical friction between the Iron Men.

Why Will War Machine And Iron Man Be Fighting?

A Feud Several Issues In The Making

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As a series, The Invincible Iron Man has been all about the title character using his best resources to combat Feilong, who, as Tony's most hated new nemesis, has taken everything else from him, including his company and tech. Among Tony Stark's best resources is his most loyal soldier, Rhodey, who allows Tony to use him as a diversion in The Invincible Iron Man #7 by Gerry Duggan and Juan Frigeri. While Rhodey impersonates Tony in an Iron Man suit attacking Feilong's Sentinel factory, Tony is stealing in the background. While Tony exits virtually unscathed, Rhodey is captured and arrested.

Rhodey has remained imprisoned ever since and Iron Man has struggled to free him. The best he's been able to do is offer Rhodey protection in prison from villains, but that's not exactly freedom. The solicitation for Invincible Iron Man #19 suggests that Rhodey "has had enough" after enduring "months in one of America's most brutal prisons to protect Tony Stark." It's understandable to see where War Machine's gripes lie, especially as his freedom has been put on the back burner so that Tony can prioritize his vendettas against Feilong and Orchis.

Will This Be A Civil War-Level Fight?

Whose Side Are You On?

While War Machine vs. Iron Man isn't likely to have the same stakes as Civil War (as far as heroes picking teams and producing an actual war), it does represent the core premise of Civil War. That premise is centered around two heroes who have immense respect for each other, but are on opposing sides due to differing beliefs. And, for the most part, fans can understand where both sides are coming from. While other heroes won't likely pick sides, readers certainly can, as Iron Man vs. War Machine sets up a Civil War even more personal than Captain America vs. Iron Man.

Invincible Iron Man #19 will be on sale June 19 from Marvel Comics.