Tony Stark’s Guide to Celebrity
Sitting down to chat with man-about-town Tony Stark is no easy task. When he’s not running the hugely successful Stark Resilient or leading S.H.I.E.L.D., he’s gallivanting through high society. By a stroke of luck, he had a few minutes to tell the Comic Bloc how he handles super-stardom.
Comic Bloc: Hey there, Tony, thanks for speaking with me.
Tony Stark: My pleasure. Any friend of Pepper’s is a friend of mine.
CB: You’ve spent a lot of time in the spotlight, what with the work you’ve done with Stark Industries and Stark Resilient, the Superhuman Registration Act, the broadcasted fight between you and Osborn, dealing with Asgard, the fight to replace oil with Repulsor energy, etc. How do you handle all of the publicity?
TS: >chuckles< I have been quite a busy man. I find that working hard for what I’ve got helps a lot. Knowing that I’ve earned every bit of my wealth and adoration makes it easy to smile and take it for what it is.
CB: And what is it, sir?
TS: Now you sound like Jarvis. >laughs< It is just a bit of fun, really. With all of the trials this world goes through, the glamor and fame are just a bit of fun.
CB: How does it feel to be yet again named in Forbes wealthiest (fictional) characters?
TS: It feels like I’ve earned it. With some new developments with Repulsor energy, I should make my way higher on the list for this year.
CB: Can you go into more detail on these developments?
TS: No.
CB: Ah. Is it hard on your relationships with the public scrutinizing your every move?
TS: Yes, lots of things can be difficult when they’re done in the eyes of the public, but all of the attention helps to keep interest in Stark Resilient, so I can’t complain.
CB: Any new projects you can tell me about?
TS: We’re working on a way to get books 6 and 7 of the Ice and Fire series completed within the year.
CB: Really?!
TS: No, sorry. There’s nothing I can tell you about just yet – but don’t worry, a major announcement will come before you know it.
CB: Excellent! Now, for all those people out there having a hard time handling their celebrity status, do you have any advice?
TS: Definitely:
- When your name’s on the building, you can take all the credit.
- Surround yourself with smart people who you trust.
- Use a driver only if your car isn’t worth driving.
- Work hard and do what you feel is right, so that no matter what people say, you can face yourself in the mirror.
CB: That’s good advice for any of us.
TS: Also, don’t mess with the Hulk. He doesn’t handle stress well.
CB: How do you calm down after a long day in the public eye?
TS: I work out, talk with my friends, fly around the city, normal things.
CB: Speaking of which, can I try on a suit?
TS: No.
CB: What if I promise to be really careful?
TS: Still no.
CB: Thanks so much for your time, Tony. Any final words of wisdom?
TS: When playing chess with Reed Richards, take his knights. He gets really upset when you take his knights.