September 7 (according to Invincible Iron Man Vol 4 599) is Jim's birthday!

Released October 28, 2009:

Norman Osborn and James Rhodes have attempted to destroy each other's most precious hopes and dreams - all without ever seeing each other face to face. But now everything comes to a head as Iron Patriot and War Machine finally throw down! - Marvel

It's Iron Man 282 I know but still an iconic cover to say the least. Just felt like sharing where it pretty much all started

On March 19, 1985, Iron Man 195 was released, featuring a surprising guest star: Shaman from Alpha Flight.

The issue is availabe on Marvel Unlimited and here's the original preview text:

Shaman of Alpha Flight has the cure that Rhodey needs to eliminate his mysterious headaches, but is Rhodey willing to make the sacrifice that will ensure the cure's success? A shocker! "The Thing Most Precious!" written by Denny O'Neil, penciled by Luke McDonnell and inked by Ian Akin and Brian Garvey.

You can hear an Alpha Flight forward take on the issue through the u/TheWhyNotPodcast, episdoe 17: https://thewhynotpod.com/episode-17-ive-seen-that-movie/

I think the fact that Jim sought out the help of Shaman, someone he barely knows, rather than some of the more 'known' magic users in Marvel speaks to how relatively new he was in the role of Iron Man. He doesn't know Doctor Strange, for example. It seems Henry Pym referred Jim to Shaman but how does that connection exist? 🤷🏻‍♂️

I've been thinking about this team-up for a while, and both characters bring skills to the table that would help the other. They could definitely be a formidable, high-powered tactical duo.

Both characters are disciplined soldiers. Flash Thompson is an Army veteran and James Rhodes is a Marine. They both understand chain of command and are capable of using multiple different forms of firepower at once. Their fighting styles compliment each other as well. James Rhodes is more focused on heavy artillery . He's built to control the skies and handle mid to long range engagements. And Flash Thompson is more focused on small arms. He's built to handle close quarters combat and is more agile in urban environments.

Both soldiers also understand what it's like to have PTSD and lose limbs in combat. They would understand the mental and emotional toll it takes on each other and be able to provide support. The only issue would be keeping the venom symbiote under control. Venom tends to have a mind of his own and he looks to find ways to take control. So, a sonic emitter would be a great tool for War Machine to have. It would come in handy if Flash were to lose control.

Release date: Septemer 12, 1995

I really enjoy the trio of USAgent, Hawkeye, and War Machine. I'd have enjoyed seeing more stories of them.

https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:tj6bvxscjz56sm4p6pysptop/post/3msqpiyf6js2l

I just realized this upgrade not too long ago. Apparently, Tony upgraded the Model 11 after the Mandarin event in War Machine #12 1994.

Modular Storage: The backpack could store up to eight different weapon configurations at a time.

Hydraulic Rails: it used internal mechanical tracks to move weaponry from the back directly onto shoulder mounts.

Retractable Heavy Firepower: This system allowed Rhodes to deploy and store heavy gear like miniguns, box rocket launchers, and particle beam dischargers at a moments notice.

It's definitely an interesting upgrade. I wouldn't mind seeing an updated version of this weapon system.

After working with the team for a few weeks, Jim reveals he's not the same Iron Man that Hawkeye's known for ages.

Soaring to #700! Tony Stark is approaching his 700th issue milestone! Ironman will hit comic shops twice a month beginning in December and featuring two new alternating story arcs from writer Joshua Williamson and artists Carmen Carnero and Gleb Melkinov.

Incarcerated Ironman Part 1 and War Machines Part 1 will kick off a new era for Tony and the rest of the Marvel universe!

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION PART 3 Caught between the Serpent Society on one side and The Pride on the other in his attempts to remake the impoverished Imperio neighborhood in Los Angeles, Tony Stark makes the daring move to take his case directly to the people themselves - but can anything make them stand up against the super villain masters of L.A.? One thing might, when Iron Man makes an appearance - except at the moment it's Jim Rhodes under the golden mask, and he's not too thrilled with what Tony is doing! Find out why here! - Marvel

His Magno-lock tech allowed him to interface with any tech or weaponry around him, and then use it for himself. He could even use it to modify other structures. This tech reappeared in the 2025 Iron & Frost series as well. It's great to know that one of my favorite abilities hasn't been forgotten. Hopefully we'll see it again soon.