The Iron Patriot is a patriotism-themed exoskeleton used by several fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

Publication history

The concept of the Iron Patriot, which is meant to evoke Iron Man and Captain America, first appeared in Dark Avengers #1 (March 2009) and was created by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato.

Fictional history

Norman Osborn donned the original Iron Patriot armor during the Dark Reign storyline to exert his authority as "commander" of H.A.M.M.E.R. and the Dark Avengers while using Oscorp's resources. Unsurprisingly, Osborn's activities as the Iron Patriot have been jeopardized by the original Avengers: Osborn gets tricked into attacking Tony Stark, and when the New Avengers led by Captain America used the Iron Patriot's tracking device on Luke Cage as a trick to destroy his own house. During the siege of Asgard, the Iron Patriot is disabled during Osborn's fight with Steve Rogers which revealed Osborn's Green Goblin warpaint. When Rogers, Stark and Thor transfer him to the Raft penitentiary, Osborn blames his Goblin alter-ego for ruining his chance to protect America as the Iron Patriot. James "Rhodey" Rhodes temporarily wore the Iron Patriot armor during the Iron Patriot series. His father Terrence Rhodes provides support for his family and uses the Iron Patriot battlesuit to help stop a conspiracy in which he sacrifices himself. Sarah Garza is an Inhuman who can generate powerful explosions of energy with her Iron Patriot armor used as a regulator suit, and a rookie member of the Secret Avengers. Dr. Toni Ho wore two versions of her own Iron Patriot armor as a member of the U.S. Avengers; a standard version, and a heavy combat variation. Sharon Carter briefly wore the Iron Patriot armor to combat Selene.

Other versions

The American Son is another patriotic-themed exoskeleton used by Harry Osborn during the Dark Reign storyline, and later by Gabriel Stacy. The Iron Patriot drones make occasional appearances. One is seen during the Fear Itself storyline to assists the New Avengers, but the Iron Patriot is vaporized by the Red Skull's powers. Another is seen during the Marvel NOW! event. At a weapons expo, the Iron Patriot now has a low-level A.I. and ends up stolen by A.I.M. for the Scientist Supreme's plans, but is almost interrupted by Nick Fury Jr. and Daisy Johnson. An Iron Patriot army of sentient drones controlled by Marvin Flumm were used to incriminate the United States in international attacks, such as a framed attack on Iran where the Hulk is sent in response. S.H.I.E.L.D. uses holographic communication to hack into the A.I.M. network so the Iron Patriot drones can understand these programmed actions are wrong. The Iron Patriot drones are next seen during the Inhumanity storyline as the Secret Avengers' support. The Iron Hulk is an alias used by Robert Maverick / Red Hulk. A variation of Steve Rogers (now referred to as Grant Rogers) created by the Cosmic Cube utilized elements of Tony Stark's armor in order to control Hydra as the Hydra Supreme / Civil Warrior, which would later be utilized by Veronica Eden. The Ultimate Marvel equivalent of the Iron Patriot armor is used by Tony Stark / Iron Man as a member of the Ultimates and inspired by Steve Rogers / Captain America.

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