In the final stages of the war of the super-villains, Iron Man takes on Mad Thinker and defeats him, just in time to deal with the arrival of Yellow Claw. Unbeknownst to either of them, Firebrand is also observing, having come to the Mad Thinker's lair looking for a way to track Iron Man. When a tired and beaten Iron Man finally defeats the Yellow Claw, Firebrand steps in and defeats Iron Man. The Black Lama is impressed, declaring Firebrand the victor, and giving his the golden globe of power that was the prize for the contest. This "prize" soon brings the Black Lama and Firebrand through a portal back to the Black Lama's home dimension, and Iron Man pursues them, hoping to bring Roxanne's brother safely home,