"First: a low-yield nuclear bomb rips through a crowded market in Africa, incinerating everyone in its radius, the tech residue left behind determined to have Stark written all over it. It's the awakening of Tony Stark's worst nightmares: a leaner, meaner, younger and more advanced version of his genius, tinged in pure evil. As Iron Man faces Ezekiel Stane-- the genocidal son of one of his oldest enemies-- events conspire that will change the life of loyal friend Pepper Potts forever! Then: Tony Stark has locked the registration database of super-hero secret identities in the one place nobody would think to look for it: his brain. Nobody, that is, except Norman Osborn, who as newly installed vanguard of national security sends a message to all points: 'Bring me the head of Tony Stark!' The manhunt is on for the formerly invincible Iron Man, resulting in a shock ending that could mean the downfall of Osborn's Dark Reign-- or just the beginning! Guest-starring black Widow, War Machine, Sub-Mariner and Madam Masque, it's a tale for the armored ages" -- dust jacket flap.