Iron Man 2: James Rhodes

James Rupert Rhodes is a decorated United States Air Force officer and combat veteran who is both an expert pilot and designer of advanced armor. He is one of Stark’s closest friends and is the only person outside of Tony to have ever worn the Iron Man suit. Rhodes also serves as a liaison between Stark Industries and the government. He has a strong sense of pride and honor as a member of the Armed Forces, but can be annoyed by Stark’s flippant behavior and disregard for military officials.

Rhodes first met Stark while flying a mission in Vietnam, when his helicopter was shot down by Viet Cong rocket fire. As he tried to get the aircraft airborne, Rhodes encountered Stark in his bulky prototype of powered armor. After a short battle, Rhodes and Stark worked together to defeat the enemy threat. Rhodes was then awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in the battle.

After his first outing as War Machine, Rhodes is contacted by Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. to help with the creation of a new team of Avengers. Though he initially declines, Rhodes is convinced by Fury and Maria Hill that the heroes need him as part of their group. He wears the War Machine armor when he joins the team.

Throughout the years, Rhodes has battled threats such as Thunderball and Radioactive Man and helped bring down villains like the Melter, the Iron Monger (Obadiah Stane), and the Mandarin. He also played a key role in helping the Avengers reclaim the Asgardian throne on Battleworld during the Beyonder’s Secret Wars.

As the leader of Team War Machine, Rhodes is an expert in both military strategy and advanced weaponry. He is also an excellent pilot and tactician, as shown when he and Stark used a pair of jets to take out the Extremis soldiers during their attack on Osborn’s base.

When the Bainesville Ten are captured, Rhodes uses the Rescue armor that Stark built for Pepper Hogan to power a hard drive containing a backup of his mind, which he uploads into himself. This helps him and Captain America thwart Osborn’s plan to prosecute them at the Hague.

Despite his pride and honor, Rhodes can be reckless and arrogant at times. This can put him at odds with the more grounded Stark, though he is always supportive of his best friend. He is also a proud and protective father to his son, Carter. In addition to his military allies, Rhodes counts among his close friends and teammates Stark, Fury, Maria Hill, Black Widow, Thor, Hawkeye, Vision, Carol Danvers, Sam Wilson, and Nebula. Rhodes is also a member of the West Coast Avengers alongside Mockingbird, Wonder Woman, and Tigra. He is also a longtime friend of the inventors Morley and Clytemnestra Erwin.