#9 James Rupert Rhodes/War Machine
War Machine (James Rupert Rhodes) is a fictional character, a comic book superhero appearing in comic books set in the Marvel Comics universe. The character of James Rhodes first appeared in Iron Man #118 (January 1979) by David Michelinie, John Byrne and Bob Layton. The War Machine armor, which became Rhodes' signature armored battlesuit, was designed by Len Kaminski and Kevin Hopgood.
dmb1511: Every since I’ve read War Machine comics, no matter Stark or Rhodes in the Iron Exoskeleton, the personas changed and each character became War-Machine. Though Rhode’s story is similarly challenged as our # 10 black hero. Rhodes is like Stark’s conscious, I’m pretty sure without him Stark would be non-existent. And I’ll have to admit if I created an Iron costume to help fight crime I would want my best friend right behind me to cover my flank and prevent me from exploding (Let’s not forget the turret on his shoulder). War Machine continues our countdown as number 9 on the list.
bigshow2312: As a kid, I could remember being introduced to the character from watching
Iron Man: The Animated Series. From there until I picked up a few comics, I understood that James Rhodes was technically Tony Stark’s assistant with the equivalent amount of arsenal power but wiser. He supported Stark when needed by also arguing him not to engage in treacherous missions. If Stark however refused, we as comic book lovers read/watched as Mr. Rhodes covered him. I mean come on; no superhero can handle the bad guys on their own, right? Stuck in a supporting role (mainly in an Air Force outfit), Rhodes really didn’t breakout until Stark faced alcoholism. Into the bargain, Rhodes represents many people of color that fight for this country. Therefore, this proves that comic or media representation is unquestionably imperative.
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