War Machine first appeared in Iron Man #118, published by Marvel in 1979. That places it in the Bronze Age.
Why this issue matters
James Rhodes debuted as Tony Stark's personal pilot and closest friend, long before he'd eventually don his own suit of armour as War Machine.
Key facts
Iron Man #118
- Character: War Machine
- Publisher: Marvel
- Cover year: 1979
- Era: Bronze Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Other first appearances from 1979
- Black Cat Amazing Spider-Man #194, 1979
- Ant-Man (Scott Lang) Marvel Premiere #47, 1979
More Marvel firsts from the Bronze Age
- Phoenix X-Men #101, 1976
- Emma Frost Uncanny X-Men #129, 1980
- Mystique Ms. Marvel #16, 1978
- Wolverine Incredible Hulk #181, 1974
- Wolverine (cameo) Incredible Hulk #180, 1974
- Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler Giant-Size X-Men #1, 1975
- Punisher Amazing Spider-Man #129, 1974
- Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze) Marvel Spotlight #5, 1972
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.