S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury soon reveals that Tony's new assistant, "Natalie Rushman," is actually undercover agent Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow). Fury provides Tony with Howard Stark's old research, leading Tony to discover a hidden diagram within an old Stark Expo model. Using this, Tony synthesizes a new, non-toxic element that saves his life and powers his latest armor. The Battle at Stark Expo
Six months after revealing his secret identity to the world, billionaire Tony Stark faces mounting pressure from the U.S. government to surrender his Iron Man technology for military use. While maintaining a confident public persona, Tony is privately dying; the palladium core in his chest's arc reactor is slowly poisoning his blood, and he cannot find a safe replacement. Rising Conflict and New Enemies Iron Man II
: Vanko dies after self-destructing his suit, and Justin Hammer is arrested. Tony and Rhodey are awarded medals for their heroism, and Fury informs Tony that while he is unsuitable for the "Avengers Initiative," S.H.I.E.L.D. wants to hire him as a consultant. Using this, Tony synthesizes a new, non-toxic element
: Vanko attacks Tony during the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. Though Tony defeats him using a portable briefcase suit, Vanko succeeds in showing the world that Iron Man is vulnerable. While maintaining a confident public persona, Tony is