Released February 1999

Iron Man #13

Synopsis

Happy takes Tony to the Basel Stress clinic for recuperating for his injuries. Dr Foster had earlier explained that Tony’s armor was generating harmful energy fields that were actually damaging his tissues and worsening his injuries, and that wearing the armor would harm him further. So, Tony has been sent to the Basel clinic to recuperate from his injuries. But unbeknownst to him, Dr. Basel sees Tony from above the building, and laughs to himself, changing momentarily to the Controller. The next day, Tony tests his armor. As Happy stands near him, Tony explains that he is remote-testing his armor, so as to examine the energy fields being generated, that will later help develop a safer armor. But for some reason, Happy is not pleased with Tony putting his life on the line. Their conversation is suddenly interrupted by a gleeful Rumiko Fujikawa. She has heard news of Tony being sent here and has come here herself on the pretense of rehabilitating. Tony is glad to have her near him. Later that evening, as a charming party goes on inside the clinic, Rumiko and Tony talk over trivial matters. They are greeted by Dr. Xander Basel, who asks them to join him. Tony excuses himself and Basel goes away. Rumiko has a bad feeling about him. It occurs to her that all people like Basel too much. Tony can’t find a reason either and he tables the topic. A few days later, Dr. Basel welcomes tony to take his stress relieving therapy. He explains that the process employs energy waves to calm the brain. As Tony lies down, Dr. Basel starts the machine. Tony sinks into sleep, whereas, Dr. Basel feels energized. He recounts bygone days, how he had wanted to prove himself as a scientist, only to have his equipments sabotaged and himself crippled. Later, he designed an exoskeleton to help himself walk, and then designed the machines to absorb others’ life energies. But not before long, had Iron Man interfered and destroyed his plans. In the later years, he was reduced to a thug, eventually...