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War Machine (James Rhodes) Reading Order

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Meet James Rupert “Rhodey” Rhodes, a skilled military pilot and one of the few people that Tony Stark trusts to use the technology of the Iron Man Armor. Created by David Michelinie and John Byrne, he made his debut in Iron Man #118 (January 1979) as a supporting player.

Who is James Rhodes aka War Machine? Born in Philadelphia, he first encountered Tony Stark when he was flying combat missions in Vietnam. After being shot down by Viet Cong rocket fire, Rhodes was trying to get his chopper back in the air when he came upon Stark, who was wearing a large powered armor prototype. The Viet Cong struck at that same time, and Stark’s outfit helped to stave them off. Rhodes and Stark traveled together to a neighboring enemy base where they stole a second helicopter and used it to return to the American lines.

When Tony relapsed into his alcoholism, James Rhodes took up the mantle of Iron Man for some time. But Rhodey was destined to be more than a replacement for another hero, he was destined to have his own alias: War Machine, and even later Iron Patriot.

Let’s simply say that Rhodey has lived many adventures with Tony Stark on the comic book pages, and even on the screen where he has been played at first by Terrence Howard, and by Don Cheadle since Iron Man 2 (2010). He should even soon headline his own film, Armor Wars (TBA).

Best War Machine Comics

Not sure where to start? Here is a selection of some of what is considered War Machine’s best stories to help you become more familiar with the character:

The Complete War Machine / Jim Rhodes Comics in Order

Since his first appearance, James Rhodes is mostly a supporting player on Iron Man — see the Tony Stark reading order! — or a team player. On occasion, he has headlined his own series.

James Rhodes, the Early Years Reading Guide (1979-1992)

James Rhodes is introduced as a supporting character in Iron Man #118, a position he occupies during his first years in the title. He helped Tony Stark in his battle against many foes during that time.

Things changed for James Rhodes when Tony relapsed into his alcoholism and couldn’t wear responsibly the Iron Man armor for a time. Rhodes takes on the armor and the mantle to help Tony get back on his feet and enjoy his life. During this period, Rhodey was among the superheroes fighting during the Secret Wars event and joined not long after the West Coast Avengers for a short stint. 

As Stark resumed his responsibilities as Iron Man, James discovered he couldn’t wear the armor anymore, suffering from PTSD following an incident. He resigned as the substitute Iron Man but still worked with Tony in his new business venture, Stark Entreprises:

James Rhodes: The Birth of War Machine (1992-2000)

When Tony’s health took a turn for the worse and is announced as dead, James Rhodey must face his destiny as War Machine with his first appearance under this codename in Avengers West Coast #94. James also finds himself having to work as CEO of Stark Enterprises.

It’s finally time for War Machine to go solo with his first own title! He teams up with Nick Fury, Cable and Deathlok, fight the assassin Deathtoll and confront the deadly Cold Warrior with Machine Hawkeye!

  • War Machine Classic Vol. 1
    Collects War Machine (1994) #1-7 and War Machine Ashcan Edition.
  • Iron Man Epic Collection Vol. 20: In The Hands of Evil
    Collects Iron Man (1968) #310-318, War Machine (1994) #8-10, Force Works #6-7, Iron Man/Force Works Collectors’ preview and material from Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #169-172.
  • War Machine #11-19 are not collected anywhere.
  • Iron Man Epic Collection Vol. 21: The Crossing
    Collects Iron Man (1968) #319-324, Avengers (1963) #390-394, Avengers: The Crossing, Force Works #16-20 And War Machine (1994) #20-22.
  • War Machine #23-25 are also not collected.
  • Iron Man issues #325-332 have not been collected in this collection yet.
    • Jim Rhodes leaves Stark Entreprises in Iron Man #329.

The Marvel Universe was transformed by The Onslaught Saga and the apparent deaths of the Avengers (including Tony Stark), the Fantastic Four, and Doctor Doom at the end of the event. While Tony and the others were on Counter-Earth (see the “Heroes Reborn” situation for more info), Rhodes stopped being a superhero and started his own company. Following the heroes’ return to Earth-616, James and Tony rekindled their friendship and worked together to deal with Parnell Jacobs, the new War Machine.

James Rhodes Comics in the 2000s

The noughties were a tumultuous time at Marvel, full of events and changes. Naturally, James Rhodes was affected by all of this. But first, he became involved with The Crew, a group of superheroes linked by the loss of their families. It was a short-lived series, and James finds a new job as a Direct Command Officer and combat instructor for Sentinel Squad ONE.

It’s The Civil War! The Superhuman Registration Act was introduced by the U.S. government with the goal of registering all super-powered beings as living weapons of mass destruction and compelling all costumed heroes to reveal themselves in front of the government and submit to regulations set by the federal government. Heroes had to decide whether to support Captain America’s resistance or Iron Man’s pro-registration forces. Go to the reading order for the whole event,

If James Rhodes doesn’t appear in the Civil War, he is impacted by the fallout and finds himself part of The Initiative, where he — with She-Hulk, Justice and The Gauntlet – train the heroes of tomorrow for the super-powered conflicts of today!

The Secret Invasion begins with a brutal battle between the New Avengers and the Hand—one that claims the life of Elektra and reveals that she was a Skrull! What does this mean for Tony Stark and his Mighty Avengers? How about the Illuminati? go to the Reading Order for more! For only Rhodey’s part in it, check out:

Dark ReignThe end of Secret Invasion led to the Dark Reign era, with Norman Osborn at the helm of the Marvel Universe. During those dark times, James Rhodes has his second solo series where he wants to bring justice but must survive a fight with Ares before!

Marvel Heroic AgeThe Heroic Age! After the Siege of Asgard put an end to the Dark Reign era, came The Heroic Age. Steve Rogers asked James Rhodes to be a member of his strike force known as the Secret Avengers, and he accepted. This special-ops squad counters the world’s deadliest threats, takes to the front lines of Fear Itself, and much more.

Iron Man 2.0! This is not a Tony Stark series, but a James Rhodes/War Machine series. As a new deadly villain emerges, War Machine must evolve to survive and become Iron Man 2.0!then, he helps Tony Stark fight The Mandarin.

Iron Patriot in Marvel Now! (2012)

New Marvel branding! New relationship, new superhero name! In this new Marvel era, James Rhodes works with the Secret Avengers again, take Iron Patriot as his new codename, starts a romantic relationship with Carol Danvers, and even headlines a new series!

James left the Secret Avengers, but continues to operate as the Iron Patriot… in Georgia, where lives his father Terrence and his niece Lila. And when someone else takes control of the Iron Patriot suit, a new villain emerges with a brutal plan that could turn Rhodey into America’s most wanted!

Times Run Out! This is the end of Jonathan Hickman’s run on the Avengers! Steve Rogers has recruited Rhodey to become an Avenger again as the pilot of a fleet of War Machine Drones. We don’t recommend reading this part without being familiar with what precedes it. Those stories take place just before the end of the Marvel Universe we know it with Secret Wars (see reading order). You can find another version of James Rhodes in the miniseries Armor Wars: Warzones.

All-New, All-Different Marvel (2015-2016)

Following the end of Secret Wars, a new Marvel Universe took form, but James Rhodes has little presence in this era as a tragedy will strick soon. Yes, as it happens to every hero, James Rhodes dies at the beginning of Civil War II, an event that fuels the conflict between Carol Danvers and Tony Stark.

James is resurrected at the end of this period, in Invincible Iron Man Vol 1 #600, collected in Invincible Iron Man: The Search for Tony Stark.

Jim Rhodes during Marvel Fresh Start (2018-)

New position, new armor, new problems! And mostly a supporting character in his best friend’s title and sometimes his girlfriend’s title. Rhodey serves as a U.S. Armed Forces Liaison for Stark Unlimited, Tony Stark’s new company and his friend also gifts him a new armor. But nothing is simple when you work with Tony Stark, and soon enough Jim has to find new strength to suit up, fight Ultron, and deal with Arno Stark and the Robot Revolution.

When Christopher Cantwell took the reigns for Iron Man Vol. 6, Rhodey became leverage in the conflict opposing Tony with the android Korvac:

Did we forget an important issue? Did we make a mistake? Let us know in the comments!

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