Attention: Spoilers ahead for Avengers #22! Marvel Comics has introduced a whimsical twist featuring the beloved world of Oz. In the latest issue of Avengers, Iron Man teams up with Captain Marvel and Captain America, donning creative costumes inspired by the classic tale as they infiltrate the galactic Speculatorium casino to uncover the enigma of the Missing Moment. Iron Man uniquely embodies the Tin Woodman in this playful homage.
This isn’t Marvel’s first nod to the enchanting Oz universe; previously, Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #15 featured a cheeky reference to the musical Wicked, showcasing a poster for “Wiccan,” which draws inspiration from the story.
Additionally, in 2008, Marvel delighted fans with an eight-issue adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s original novel, crafted by writer Eric Shanower and artist Skottie Young, which received widespread acclaim.
Iron Man Shines as the Tin Man
The Heartless Hero?
Picture this: Tony Stark, Carol Danvers, and Sam Wilson stroll into a casino, dressed as whimsical characters from The Wizard of Oz. Carol adopts the role of Dorothy while Sam humorously portrays the Cowardly Lion—an unexpected choice for their personas. Stark’s portrayal of the Tin Woodsman, however, resonates well with his character’s history. After all, Iron Man can be viewed as a high-tech Tin Man, grappling with the notion of “heart,”both in a literal and emotional sense, as he strives to amend his past as an arms dealer and navigate complicated romantic relationships.
The Tin Man outfit Stark dons ingeniously incorporates elements of his Iron Man suit, complete with a Tin Man helmet and a heart-shaped arc reactor—an effective yet straightforward disguise for a celebrated hero. This isn’t Stark’s inaugural tribute to Oz; in The Invincible Iron Man #50 from 2002, Stark debuted the Model XXI or “Tin Man”armor, encapsulating a narrative filled with war crimes and redemption, culminating in his poignant reflection, “…if only I had a heart.”The rendition of Iron Man as the Tin Woodsman in Avengers #22 delights with its lighthearted tone, suggesting that Stark could easily steal the show at a future Marvel Halloween party in his novel Tin Man armor.
Marvel’s Affinity for Oz Homages
Exploring the Unique Connections Between Marvel and Oz
Marvel has a rich history of weaving homages throughout its storytelling. From the creepy Brood inspired by the Xenomorphs of Alien to the iconic cover of New X-Men #141 mirroring a scene from The Terminator, the company constantly draws creative inspiration from various sources, including the timeless tale of Oz. Recently, the Scarlet Witch confronted Hexfinder in an Oz-inspired Oklahoma setting due to Bookworm’s magic, while striking references appeared in both Loki Season 2 and Agatha All Along.
The enduring legacy of The Wizard of Oz ensures it remains a cherished piece of cinematic history. As affection for Wicked continues to swell, Iron Man’s transformation into the Tin Man couldn’t come at a more fitting time.
Avengers #22 is now available at your local comic shops. Don’t miss out on this enchanting read!
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