New York City

August 27, 06:17 EDT

In a warehouse, Spider-Man was utterly overpowered by a new villain who called himself Sandman. Apparently, he could turn his entire body into sand and shape-shifting abilities.

With these abilities, he overpowered the other members of the Secret Warriors and slammed Spider-Man into a wall. He laughed as he approached Spider-Man's shape, shifting his hand into a mace with spikes.

He was just about slamming down on top of it when breaking through the skylight, which was Black Widow. She instantly tossed a few micro-explosives into his arm, but he began to regenerate and slammed his existing hand at her. She quickly somersaulted out of the way and fired her stingers again, this time sending an electrical charge that broke down at the molecular level, at least temporarily turning him into a harmless pile of sand.

Avengers Compound

August 27, 07:58 EDT

Everyone had just exited out of the zeta tube, and Black Widow looked at them.

"I need to speak with Spider-Man," she said. "The rest of you hit the showers and head home."

"Last I checked, this was my home," said A-Bomb under his breath.

Everyone watched as Black Widow took Spider-Man to one side.

"Is it me, or was Peter off his game tonight?" Crystal asked.

"No, his leadership was rather sloppy," said Patriot.

"I don't know, as if he was distracted," said Kate.

"I can't say I blame," said Touch, rubbing the back of his head. "From what I've heard, he's often like this at this time of year."

"What makes this time of year so special?" A-Bomb asked.

Torch sighed, looking at them. "Look, I probably really shouldn't say anything as this is rather personal for Pete. However, it is a rather touchy subject, so I doubt he'll tell you guys about it any time soon."

"And how do you know so much about Pete?" Hawkeye asked curiously.

"I'm one of the few superheroes he can confide in. Anyway, you guys know that before he was a hero, he showed up on TV a few times."

"Yeah, showing off his powers," Patriot nodded. "I even heard he even tried his hand at pro wrestling."

"Yeah, well, during one of those wrestling matches, there was a burglary, and he allowed the robber to get away."

"That doesn't sound like Peter?" Crystal frowned.

"This was before he started his superhero career," Torch explained. "Anyway, a few days later, his Uncle Ben was murdered, and Peter began hunting down his murderer. He managed to corner him and was shocked to discover that it was the same burglar he failed to stop."

"And let me guess, today is the day his uncle was killed," Hawkeye assumed.

Torch nodded. "That's exactly right. He's been blaming himself for his uncle's death ever since. That's why he never looks the other way when there's a crime, even a small one."

Patriot looked at Spider-Man. "No wonder he was off his game."

Spider-Man was currently talking to Black Widow.

"I'm sorry you had to intervene," Spider-Man apologised. "I know we performed poorly—"

"Your team performed adequately," said Black Widow. "The problem was you. You're their leader, and your head wasn't in the game."

"No, you're…" He then stopped himself and sighed. "Uh… correct."

"Peter, I understand that today is a difficult day for you," said Black Widow gently. "However, you can't dwell on it, as tonight proved. You need to find a way to work through it. Either you're here 100 percent. All you need to do is walk away. You need to make a decision, Peter, and make it soon."

She then walked off, leaving Spider-Man to contemplate.

New York City

August 27, 9:00 EDT

Peter had finally made it back home to Queens, and he was having breakfast with his Aunt May. She was a 50-year-old woman who was more a mother than an aunt to Peter.

"Not hungry, Peter?" she asked, noting that he barely had anything. "You really should keep your strength up."

"Sorry, Aunt May, my mind is elsewhere," he said.

Aunt May walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I miss him and Peter, but Ben wouldn't want a sulking over him."

"I know," Peter nodded.

"And yet I have to keep reminding you. Peter, even if you were here, there was nothing you could have done."

Peter wished that was true, but he could have done plenty; in fact, it could have stopped that guy, and none of this would have happened.

"So, you going out with Mary Jane today?" she smiled.

Peter groaned. "Aunt May…"

She merely smiled. "I just enjoy watching the two of you together."

"I know, I know," Peter sighed. "But I've got somewhere else to be today and a lot to think about."

Aunt May sighed. "Just take care of yourself."

Peter soon made his way to the cemetery, where he was looking for a tombstone belonging to his uncle.

"Hey, Uncle Ben, so I haven't seen you recently. I have been rather busy with the Secret Warriors," he said. "I really messed up last night and nearly got us all killed. Don't know if I'm suited to this leadership thing; I mean, up until now, I've always been solo."

"I thought I might find you here," said a voice behind him.

Peter turned around and saw a beautiful redhead girl with green eyes roughly his age standing there. It was his girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson.

"Oh, MJ, what are you doing here?" Peter asked.

She smiled. "I went to your place, and your aunt told me you already left. She also mentioned that you were quite yourself today, and I know the reason why."

"Maybe you should consider a decree as a detective instead of a supermodel?" Peter smiled.

"I don't think I would look good in a trench coat," MJ laughed and walked up to him. "You okay, Tiger. Did you and your team have a rough night?"

Peter sighed. "We nearly got ourselves killed, and it's all my fault."

"Peter, we've been down this road a number of times. You can't keep blaming yourself for every little thing."

"I know, I know," said Peter. "But what happened to Uncle Ben was my fault."

"You couldn't have known what was going to happen," said MJ gently. "And I doubt your uncle would want you to torture yourself over this."

"Aunt May keeps telling me the same thing."

"She's a smart lady. You should listen to her," she said to them, instantly wrapping her arm around his. "Come on, Tiger, you're taking me out, and I'm not taking no for an answer."

Peter smiled. "How can I refuse an invitation like that?"

MJ smirked. "You can't."

At a Stark Enterprises building, Tony Stark was with a group of scientists with a redhead woman with freckles as they were some strange clay.

"This is indeed fascinating, Mr Stark," said a scientist.

"Reed Richards said the same thing," said Tony. "Apparently, this clay was used by the Puppet Master by moulding it shaped to resemble a person he was able to control them at will."

"It is certainly producing a strange form of radiation which has altered its molecular structure," the scientists agreed. "I'm surprised that Doctor Richards is allowing us to examine this clay."

"Believe it or not, Reed has a lot on his plate, exploring alternate dimensions," said Tony. "It was more than happy to allow us to examine this clay. However, he stressed that we should not use this clay for any means other than research."

"They're not Mr Stark; we're only doing examinations," the scientist assured him. "Besides, it would seem as if this clay needs to be modelled exactly to resemble the person we would wish to control. The sculpture would have to be perfect, not showing any kind of error and skilled scientists; we are artists, we are not."

"True, but that doesn't mean that someone else can manipulate it," said Tony.

"Uh, Tony, we do have other places to visit," said his secretary.

His secretary was Pepper Potts, and she was quite skilled at managing his timetable, especially when he changed it so often.

Tony nodded and looked back at the scientist. "Please keep me updated."

"Of course, Mr Stark."

Meanwhile, Crystal was making dinner at the Avengers Compound while Rick sat down and watched TV.

"You know, I never knew that Peter went through so much," said Crystal. She chopped some onions. "Losing his parents at such a young age and what happened with his uncle."

"Yeah," Rick nodded. "My dad was a drunken lout, but Peter never got to know his father. According to Eli, his parents were secret agents, and they were the ones that exposed HYDRA, though the rest of the world doesn't know that."

"How come that's a secret?" Crystal asked. "Peter's parents are like heroes."

"That's the problem with the secret agents' stuff; it becomes all confidential and hidden from the world," Rick shrugged. "I mean, what we do is a secret, so no one knows about our heroic exploits."

"Good point," Crystal nodded.

Back in New York, a redhead man, roughly 45 years old, looked down at the city from his office. His name was Norman Osborn, and he was the CEO and president of Oscorp.

"You understand what I'm asking of you?" he said.

"I do," said a feminine voice.

Standing there was a woman with silver-grey hair in a black leotard resembling a cat. She was the infamous cat burglar known as the Black Cat.

"However, you know very well that I am not some hired thug," she said, folding her arms. "I am a cat burglar, that is true, but I mostly steal jewellery and artwork. I tried to avoid sneaking in and stealing from heavily guarded places like Stark Enterprises."

"I do, and I must remind you of the generous offer that I am giving you," said Norman. "What is in Stark Enterprises at the very moment used to belong to Reed Richards until he gave it to Tony Stark."

"If you really wanted some clay, could you go to an arts and crafts store," Black Cat scoffed.

Norman narrowed his eyes. "Tread carefully, Miss Hardy; I am not a very humorous man. Besides, you know what that clay is fully capable of."

"Yes, I know it's been irradiated with cosmic radiation and can control anyone," said Black Cat, rolling her eyes. "However, from what I understand, only a true artist is able to mould it into the correct shape needed to control someone."

"That is a drawback, to be certain, but I'm very certain that with what we have here in Oscorp, we can easily overcome that drawback."

Black Cat looked at him dubiously. "But don't take this the wrong way. Tony Stark is richer and has a lot more access to certain technical techniques."

"True, but he doesn't have the stomach to push his research. I, on the other hand, will do what is necessary to strengthen the company that I built. Stark, on the other hand, has been squandering everything ever since he pulled out of the weapons business a few years back. Personally, I find him a hypocrite considering that he made a suit of armour, which is possibly the most impressive weapon he has made in a long time."

"I didn't come here to listen to your ego; I came here because you offered me something, and I want your words that you'll give to me once the job is done."

"If you follow instructions given to you in the letter, I will most certainly be on my part in the agreement."

"If you doublecrossed me, Osborn, you'll have hell to pay," Black Cat warned.

"Just try not to get too infatuated with Spider-Man if you come across him; I understand you have feelings for him."

"And I know you hate his guts," Black Cat glared.

"He has interfered with a few of my illegal activities; that much is true, and he is a nuisance. If I had the opportunity, I would take him down, but business must come before pleasure, something which I hope you remember."

"I'll do what you ask, but I do expect you to honour your part of the agreement."

She then turned on her heels and left the office, leaving Norman to look out the window and smiled.

At the Baxter Building, the Fantastic Four were having their dinner. Joining them was a young woman with strawberry blonde hair, but one look at her eyes to tell you that she was blind. Her name was Alicia Masters, and she was Ben Grimm's girlfriend.

"Tony says the research on the Puppet Master's clay is ongoing, but they have produced several interesting results," said Reed.

"Uh, Reed, how about we not discuss this with Alicia in the room?" Sue suggested.

"What?" Reed blinked and then remembered that the Puppet Master was Alicia's stepfather. "Apologies, Alicia."

"It's quite all right, Reed," said Alicia.

"If it weren't for your stepfather, we would never have met," said Ben.

"True, but I do wish that he hadn't taken control over you for us to be introduced," said Alicia.

"So, how are the Secret Warriors going, Johnny?" Sue asked.

Johnny sighed. "The last mission was a bit of a debacle. We had to be rescued by Black Widow, and Peter is taking it pretty hard."

"Hey, isn't today the day that his uncle… well, you know," said Ben awkwardly.

"That's exactly why he was off today," said Johnny.

"Poor kid," Ben sighed.

"I could tell that he wore his guilt over his sleeve," said Alicia. "He has such a tortured soul."

"How did this meal suddenly get so depressive?" Johnny asked.

"Well, both me and Reed have something to announce that will raise your spirits," Sue smiled as she stood up and placed a hand over her stomach. "I'm pregnant."

"Congratulations!" Alicia beamed.

"Way to go," Ben cheered.

"I'm going to be an uncle?" said Johnny, stunned.

Both Peter and MJ were currently sitting outside a cafe having a meal.

"You know this day was absolutely perfect," said Peter. "No major disasters, no crimes to stop… I can get used to this."

"You do realise you probably jinxed it now," MJ laughed.

"Probably, but I plan to enjoy today until the next disaster happens," Peter smiled.

"So what is it like on these secret missions?" MJ asked, leaning forward so no one could hear them.

"They're great, and so is the team," said Peter. "I admit I was a little nervous at first leaving this group, but I am rather enjoying it. Though I do plan on giving leadership to Patriot once he's ready."

"So you're not planning on stepping down?" MJ asked.

Peter paused slightly. "To be honest, I don't know. I mean, I nearly got us killed on the last mission. We're just lucky that Black Widow followed us."

MJ then placed her hand over his. "Peter, you are a great leader, and the others will put you in charge if you aren't. You just need to learn to forgive yourself."

Peter smiled. "Thanks, MJ."

He was about to move in for a kiss when suddenly they heard an explosion on the other side of the street. They spun around and saw a building on fire; from its looks, it was an apartment building.

"I got to go," said Peter.

"Go," MJ nodded.

Peter quickly ran down an alleyway and quickly changed into his costume.

Seconds later, Spider-Man swung onto the scene and honestly made his way to the apartments on the top floor. He began to carry everyone down to the ground, trying to persuade them not to take any of their belongings.

Chicago

August 27, 20:05 CDT

Eli was with his family, who were celebrating his grandfather's birthday.

"Happy birthday!" everyone cheered.

"This is wonderful," said Isaiah.

"You deserve nothing but the best, Dad," said Sarah as she began to cut the cake.

"You spoil me," Isaiah laughed.

"I'll clear the plates," said Eli.

Eli began taking the plates into the kitchen, but his grandfather must have seen the troubled look in his eyes as he followed him.

"What's the matter?" he asked. "Something appears to be on your mind."

"It's about our team leader, Spider-Man," said Eli.

"You mentioned that he was off his game on your last mission," he said. "Are you questioning his leadership skills?"

"No," said Eli, shaking his head. "I just didn't realise until today what responsibility he carried on his shoulders."

"I assume you mean apart from leading your team," Isaiah assumed.

"He blames himself for the death of his uncle," Eli explained. "Apparently, he chose not to stop a burglar, but then a few days later, that same burglar murdered his uncle. He's been blaming himself for his death ever since."

Isaiah nodded. "That is quite the burden."

"I want to help him; I just don't know how."

Isaiah placed a hand on his shoulder. "Just simply being there for him will be enough. He needs to work this out on his own, but at the same time, he needs support. Just be there when it counts."

The fire brigade arrived and began to put out the flames.

"Good thing you got it when you did, Spider-Man," said the fire chief.

"I was in the neighbourhood," Spider-Man shrugged. "But what caused the explosion?"

"We're still investigating," he said.

"Chief, we found something!" said a fireman. A fireman approached with some device. "We found this attached to a gas tank; we think this is what caused the explosion."

Spider-Man took and examined it. "Definitely an incendiary, but who would place it here?"

The chief looked at one of his men. "Get me the police; they need to know this fire was caused deliberately."

Spider-Man wanted nothing more than to hang with MJ, but something didn't add up.

"Hey, Tiger," said MJ's voice over his radio. "Just heard that this explosion was caused deliberately."

"Yeah, sorry it ruined our date," Spider-Man apologised.

"Hey, it's not like you asked anyone to blow up an apartment building."

"You try telling Jonah that."

MJ was currently in a secret base, which resembled a disused subway station in front of a computer.

"Anyway, I don't know if it's connected, but for a brief second, the security at Stark Enterprises went down," MJ reported. "The centre area also seemed to have sent some sort of dampening field across the area when it went off. I was unable to catch it because our computer was off at the time."

"You think this was a distraction?" Spider-Man asked.

"It could be nothing, but the break-in resembles that of a certain feline feminine we both know," said MJ.

"I refuse to believe that Black Cat had anything to do with the apartment building blowing up," said Spider-Man. "She may be a criminal, but she is no killer."

"But if she's working for someone, maybe they were the ones who caused the explosion," said MJ.

"Well, it's our only lead I'd better investigate," said Spider-Man.

"Shouldn't you call for some backup?" MJ asked.

"The only one I know who is definitely in the city right now is Johnny," said Spider-Man.

"What about the girl?" MJ asked.

"She did mention she did live in New York; I'll give it a shot," said Spider-Man.

Kate was currently at her apartment working on her arrows when her mother, who was bound in a wheelchair, rolled up to her.

"This came in the mail for you," she said excitedly.

"You opened it?" Kate stared and instantly took the letter from her. "Mom!"

"Just read it," she said.

Kate read it and frowned. "I've been awarded a full Stark Foundation scholarship to the Tomorrow Academy. But I didn't apply."

"It's not that kind of scholarship, you qualify, or you don't," she explained. "Tomorrow Academy is very prestigious; you should be thrilled."

Kate instead crumpled the letter and tossed it aside. "Yeah, I'm not switching schools."

Her mother grabbed the crumpled letter and then snatched one of her arrows. "You're going, or you give up the extracurriculars!"

"Mom, don't make threats you can't enforce," said Kate, taking the arrow back from her.

"Katherine?!" her mother yelled, grabbing her arm. "This is a chance to better your life!" She then slammed her hand on her wheelchair and burst into tears. "A chance I never had."

Kate knelt down and placed a hand over her wrist. "Okay, Mom. I'll go. I'll go for you."

Her mother smiled, and the two hugged each other, but it was ruined when Kate got a message on her comm.

"Hawkeye, this is Spider-Man," said Spider-Man's voice. "I've got a possible theft in progress at Stark Enterprises. You think you can come round?"

Kate looked at her mother, who nodded. "I'll be right over. I just need to change."

Black Cat had managed to sneak into the Stark Enterprises building, which had a 24/7 workforce, which meant there was always someone working.

She was aware that Osborn had created a distraction that not only diverted the police but also activated a jammer, which disrupted the security system, and another had to sneak in. However, she was appalled that he had put innocent people in danger.

Regardless, she had a job to do and continued to make her way to the lab, where she saw a few scientists working on the clay. There were a few security guards, but nothing she could handle.

Once she was in the lab, she quickly launched herself at one of the guards, knocking him out before you had the chance to react. The other guards noticed and quickly pulled out their pistols, but she quickly looked at them in the eyes.

One of the guards took a step forward and tripped over his feet. He collided with the other guard, causing them to crash into a shelf. Then, the contents of the shelf landed directly on top of them, knocking them out cold.

She quickly launched at the scientists, knocked them out, and looked at them apologetically. "Sorry about that."

She then looked at the clay and grabbed it.

Spider-Man had reached the Stark Enterprises building, but there were no signs of a break-in. That being said, he knew full well just how skilled Black Cat was, so she could already be inside.

"MJ, do you have any idea how long Johnny and Hawkeye will be?" he asked.

"Johnny should be at your position in less than a minute; he made a detour in order to pick up Hawkeye," MJ reported.

"And you still have no visual on our cat burglar?"

"Nothing on security cameras and the security grading the event happened in tampered with. I'll give Tony Stark credit. He certainly covers his basics."

"But Felicia is no slouch; she'll find a way in without tripping the security."

"On a first-name basis, are we?" MJ smirked.

"I-I, uh…" Peter suddenly saw Johnny approaching and looked like he was carrying Kate. "Look, it's Johnny and Hawkeye; they've arrived."

"Saved by the bell," MJ teased.

"Yo, Pete, surprised you called help for a break-in," said Johnny as he dropped Hawkeye.

"You really think that someone is robbing Stark Enterprises?" Hawkeye frowned. "They have to have the best security in the entire country."

"It might not be enough of this particular burglar," said Spider-Man. "I think that we're dealing with the Black Cat."

Johnny whistled. "I can see why you might need some backup."

Hawkeye frowned. "Sorry, but who exactly is the Black Cat."

"Her name is Felicia Hardy, and she's the most elusive cat burglar on the planet. I have yet to see the place where she was unable to rob. I've been trying to nab her for two years now, but she always gets away."

"How is she able to get away from you?" Hawkeye frowned.

"For starters, she's a mutant with bad luck powers," Spider-Man explained. "All she has to do is look at you in the eyes, and misfortune happens. Not only that, but she has catlike reflexes."

"Not to mention, every single time you try to nab her, she constantly flirts with you," Johnny smirked.

"She what?" Hawkeye blinked.

"She has her things for me," said Spider-Man.

"And she cut quite a figure in that catsuit of hers," said Johnny with a dreamy look.

"Is this really an important discussion now?" Hawkeye asked.

"I was about to say the same thing," said MJ over the radio.

Hawkeye's eyes widened. "Who is this?"

"Oh, that's Pete's girlfriend," said Johnny. "How's it going, Red?"

"I'm doing fine, but I think your priority should be on the potential break-in," said MJ.

"She's right," said Spider-Man. "I suggest that we stay here until we actually see her."

"Why not go in?" Hawkeye asked.

"I tried that once, and she used me to get past the security system," Spider-Man explained.

"Looks like we don't have to wait long because there she is," Johnny pointed.

They looked up and saw Black Cat had just exited the building from the roof.

"Let's get her before she gets away," said Spider-Man.

He grabbed Hawkeye and fired some webbing, pulling him towards the roof, and Johnny took off after them.

Black Cat had just exited the building and was making her way towards the ledge when Spider-Man and the others showed up.

"When you think you're going pussycat?" Spider-Man asked.

Black Cat smiled at him. "Hello, Spider. I see you bought some friends for me to play with."

Johnny looked at her hand and saw that she was holding the Puppet Master's clay. "That's the Puppet Master's clay."

"Isn't that the same clay that was used to control people?" Spider-Man asked.

"The one and the same."

Spider-Man looked at her. "Why are you doing this, Felicia? You're more into jewels and fine art, not a hump of mine controlled clay. I also find it hard to believe that you set off that fire."

"You know me too well," Black Cat smiled flirtatiously.

"This isn't a game, Felicia!" Spider-Man yelled.

"Hey, I didn't know what my employer planned. He said that he would cause a distraction. I did not know he was going to blow up an apartment building," she said.

"Which leads to the question, why are you working for them?"

"My reasons are my own," she said.

"Enough of this, let's take her down!" said Hawkeye and then fired an arrow.

However, she looked at Felicia's eyes, and suddenly, a gust of wind blew the arrow away. Black Cat then quickly dashed forward straight towards them, and Johnny quickly fired some fireballs that she was too nimble and managed to avoid.

Within moments, she was right in front of Hawkeye, and with a few quick blows, she managed to knock her down. Spider-Man quickly fired his weapon, but she somersaulted directly over him. She landed behind him, quickly grabbed his wrist, pointed it straight at Johnny, and forced him to fire some webbing.

The webbing struck Johnny, and he found himself strapped to a ventilation generator. She then tossed him over her shoulder and then pinned him to the ground, with her on top of him.

"It's always fun playing with you, Spider," she said. She then lifted his mask up to his nose and kissed him. "We should do this again someday."

Then, with a flirtatious smile, she somersaulted over the building and disappeared into the night.

"Seriously, dude," said Johnny as he burned through the webbing. "How do you get all these women to fall for you?"

"Maybe it's the mask," Spider-Man shrugged.

"She took all three of us down like we were nothing," Hawkeye groaned.

Spider-Man groaned. "How come all women in my life are challenging?"

"Oh, so I'm challenging, am I?" MJ asked.

"No… unless you want me to think that you are challenging, in which case you challenge me and all the right place," he said quickly.

"Nice save," MJ smirked.

"Yo, Romeo, you can talk to Juliet later right now; we have a cat to catch," said Hawkeye.

"I'm afraid she's already gone, but at least she didn't take this," said Spider-Man, the container that contained the clay.

"When did you get that?" Johnny stared.

"When she kissed me," Spider-Man smirked. "Think it was the best opportunity to use a little sleight of hand."

"Nice one, Tiger," said MJ, impressed. "And here I thought you were enjoying that kiss."

Black Cat was now a fair distance from the Stark Enterprises building; she noticed she was holding a metal pipe instead of the clay container.

"Nice one, Spider," she said impressively.

Spider-Man and the others were now telling Tony Stark what had happened.

"We don't know who she was working for, but it was clear that they wanted this clay," said Spider-Man, handing him the container.

"Looks like I'm going have to beef up security," said Tony. He then looked at them and smiled. "Good job getting this back. Don't worry; I'll make sure it won't happen again."

"You're right. It won't happen again," said a voice.

Everyone turned and saw Nick Fury approaching them.

"Because you will be handing that over to SHIELD right now," he said.

"I don't think so, Fury," said Tony.

"I'm afraid you don't have any choice in the matter," said Fury unbendingly. "Someone tried to steal a chunk of radioactive clay that is able to control anyone it is moulded into. That kind of item is too dangerous to be left hanging around, which is why it should be left to SHIELD."

"Sorry to contradict you, Fury, but this clay belongs to Reed," said Tony.

"I will also be having a talk with Dr Richards, but I must insist that clay remains in our possession," said Fury, holding his hand out.

Reluctantly, Tony handed him the container, and Fury then walked off.

"That could've gone better," said Spider-Man.

"Regardless of how it turned out, he did good, kid," Tony smiled.

"Thanks, and you can tell Black Widow that my head is now in the game," he said.

Meanwhile, Norman Osborn was talking to the Cabel in his office.

"I'm afraid our thief was unable to secure the objective," he said regretfully. "However, the clay is now moved out of the hands of the Avengers."

"And close into ours," said C-3. "Everything is falling into place perfectly."

Anthony Edward Stark was born in 1978 to Howard and Maria Stark. Both his parents died in a car accident caused by a business rival. Once he inherited Stark Enterprises, he expanded into the weapons business, but during a demonstration of his weapons in 2006 in Afghanistan, he was attacked by terrorists, who used his own weapons against him.

The resulting attack caused shrapnel to be lodged in his heart, but with the assistance of captive scientists, Ho Yinsen was able to create an Ark Reactor that was allowed to pull the shrapnel away from his heart. The terrorists then demanded that he make weapons for them instead.

With help from Ho Yinsen, he created a suit of armour to escape, but Ho Yinsen died during the escape attempt. Once he returned home, Tony Stark announced that he would be exiting the weapons business. He recreated his arm, named himself Iron Man to help track down his stolen tech, and became a hero.

Tony is a skilled scientist and engineer and is considered one of the smartest men on the planet.