Iron Man Helmet and Armor Info Series: The Mark VII

Tony Stark, genius that he is, always updates his armors to include new features and a new look.  Such is the case with the Iron Man Mark VII.

The Mark VI takes a huge beating in The Avengers and is in dire need of replacement to face arch- nemesis Loki of Asgard.   Equipped with the most up to date technologies, the Mark VII helmet has the same iconic look as many of the others in his Armory.

A new red heads up display outlines a mode made for warfare, as in the initial attack of The Chit’auri.

 

Mark VII Iron Man Helmet and Armor: Design

 

The Mark VII Iron Man helmet design is very similar to those that came before, but with some relevant and evolutionary subtleties.

As with the Mark IV, the propulsion system is a bit more sleek than the previous model.  Additionally stabilizing flaps and a smoother look are the main updates in style.

Most obvious visually between the Mark VI and VII is the return of the round ARC reactor, which was made triangular in Iron Man 2.

Performing the same essential function, the triangular shape set the look apart from what had come before.  Those familiar with the 1980’s comic version of the Silver Centurion armor loved the triangle shape as it was a nice nod to the fans by the producers.

The reason for the design change in the chest plate going from Iron Man 2’s triangular Mark VI piece is pure aesthetics.

Director Joss Whedon wanted to return to the round ARC reactor because, as he put it so eloquently, “you’re going back to the circle because the triangle is ass’. I’m a classicist. The circle has meaning, the triangle does not.”

I guess that when you’ve been given permission to play around with some of Marvel’s most iconic characters, as is the case with The Avengers and Mr. Whedon, you’re entitled to make your opinion known not only verbally but visually.

 

Check out this video where Joss talks about the changes to the suit in the Avengers film:

 

Mark VII Iron Man Helmet and Armor: Weaponry

 

Stark managed to pack a bunch of new weapons into the Mark VII, most notably the battery of shoulder pod mounted rockets and the mini rockets in the leg portion of the armor.

These were effective in slowing down the initial invasion of earth in The Avengers.

The gauntlets still contain the cutting lasers first shown in the second film on the Mark VI armor, although they prove less effective against the plating on the large aliens than they did against Justin Hammer’s drones.

All in all, the Mark VII is a very powerful addition to Stark’s Armory.

 

Mark VII Iron Man Helmet and Armor: Wrapup

Certainly, Tony’s put a lot of time, effort and know how (not to mention money) into the evolution of his suits of armor.  Some designs, like the Mark V, are more on the side of being revolutionary in terms of appearance but there’s always that distinct look that lets you know this is Iron Man.

Mark VII brings a whole lot to the table in terms of power and maneuverability, while retaining that oh so familiar Tony Stark design plan.

The actual Mark VII Iron Man helmet is almost indistinguishable from Mark’s III, IV and VI having only a few small revisions and a shinier finish than other versions.

Thanks for reading, come back for more articles soon!

 

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