Justin Hammer's failed attempt to replace Iron Man with his own version of the suit led to his villainous actions in Iron Man 2. Hammer's prototype craft, designed to be an Iron Man substitute, failed miserably in combat, leading to his humiliation and damaged relationship with the military. Hammer's desperation to take down Tony Stark stemmed from his own insecurities and the need for a guaranteed win, which he believed Ivan Vanko could provide.

Iron Man fans are well aware of the thorn Justin Hammer was in Tony Stark’s side in the early days of the MCU - as shown in the film Iron Man 2 - but, as it turns out, movie fans don’t know the half of it. As revealed in a prelude comic filling in the gaps between the events of Iron Man and Iron Man 2, it’s revealed that Justin Hammer tried...