“War Machine” writer Greg Pak drops a lot of hints about what’s coming up next for Jim Rhodes in an interview with Comic Book Resources. Here’s an excerpt:

“War Machine” #6 kicks off the series’ second arc, a story called “Homeland.” “It’s the highest stakes fight of Rhodey’s life, and the worst nightmare a patriotic soldier could find himself in,” Pak said. “We’re talking Rhodey versus the United States of America. Or, to coin a phrase, World War War Machine? Rhodey’s discovered that the greatest threat to the safety of millions has found safe haven right here at home. But before he hits his target, he’ll have to face Jason Strongbow, a.k.a. American Eagle. And, possibly even more terrifying, his own mother. That’s right, Mother Rhodes plays a huge role starting with issue #6, and she’s awesome.”

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And pick up “War Machine” #5 at your local comic shop on April 29.

Marvel.com has posted a new interview with writer Greg Pak about his “War Machine” series. Here’s an excerpt:

At the center of that question stands James Rhodes, the man in the high tech armor. How he copes with his actions promises to be a driving force in the title as it moves forward.
“There’s a major emotional and dramatic story arc for Jim Rhodes over the course of the first 12 issues or so that will become clearer as we move along,” Pak reveals. “On an individual level, we’re exploring what it means to be a soldier and the terrible price that’s often exacted from those who serve.”
Ares, the God of War offers a contrast to this sober perspective as Rhodes’ co-star in the first arc of WAR MACHINE. As opposed to War Machine, who seems to struggle with his conscience, Ares embraces his actions wholeheartedly. Pak, however, sees their relationship as a bit more complicated than simple opposites.
“Ares is a big blowhard, which means he can be entertainingly over the top, which is a blast when you’re telling a super powered action story,” the writers explains. “But at the same time, Ares has unplumbed depths related to his mythological past and his role as the God of War. In WAR MACHINE I’ve loved having the chance to explore the reasons Ares might be interested in Rhodey. One of my favorite pages in WAR MACHINE #4 includes a few panels the brilliant Leonardo Manco drew of Ares just staring out over the desert, then looking back at us in a moment of stillness. The chance to show Ares in a moment of honest reflection with a fellow warrior was something pretty special.”

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IGN has posted a review of “War Machine” #4, which hit comic book stores on Wednesday. Here’s an excerpt:

I’ll hand it to Pak. It’s tough to see Ares plastered on the cover and not assume his presence is merely of the cash-cow variety. But his presence really does serve the story, and he too causes Rhodey to reflect on a life ruled by war and killing. The more introspective this series becomes, the more it reminds me of Garth Ennis’ Punisher MAX, which is only a good thing.

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“War Machine” #4 was written by Greg Pak with art by Leonardo Manco.

Andy Serwin has posted a rave review of “War Machine” #3 at WizardUniverse.com. Here’s an excerpt:

My favorite new ongoing Marvel series continues to impress. Greg Pak’s tech-heavy thriller keeps the action pumping faster and more furious than rounds from a .50 caliber Gatling gun, as James Rhodes continues his one-man crusade against military aggression from private security force Eaglestar, a black ops outfit that makes Blackwater look like the Boy Scouts…. With all these shady players on the board, it’s hard to know who to root for, but I don’t mind one bit, because Pak’s powerful plots keep me guessing at every turn. Meanwhile, I’m in constant awe of Manco’s visuals here, which seem to be drawing on Richard Corben’s exaggerated realism to potent effect. If Pak and Manco continue to mine gold from Marvel’s grittier corners, consider me on board for the motherlode.

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“War Machine” #3 hit comic book stores on Wednesday. The book was written by Greg Pak with art by Leonardo Manco.

Here’s the blurb:

Whatever similarities Rhodey might have with his buddy Iron Man/Tony Stark when it comes to armored wardrobe, the comparisons end when it comes to his lethalness, artillery and humanity. War Machine packs way more heat that Iron Man. And as the pages of his current series reveal, he’s a lot less human. In a recent issue of War Machine, Rhodey is blown in half in a war zone, and when the enemy thinks he’s dead, he proceeds to connect his blown-off torso to a tank, and run after the guys who blew him up. Sounds like Black Lightning could use this guy in Suicide Slums. (I smell crossover.)

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Comic Book Resources has posted a five page lettered preview of “War Machine” #3, written by Greg Pak with art by Leonardo Manco. Click here to view the pages.
“War Machine” #3 hits comic book stores on February 25.

“War Machine” #2, written by Greg Pak with art by Leonardo Manco, has sold out. Marvel will release a second printing featuring interior art by Manco of Rhodey in his “centaur tank” form on March 25.
Click here to read the official press release.

Kiel Phegley has interviewed “War Machine” writer Greg Pak and “Iron Man” writer Matt Fraction about their respective books for Marvel.com. Here’s an excerpt:

Marvel.com: One thing that the two books seem to share is the idea that since both Iron Man and War Machine were always together for 20 years at least, now that they’re apart they’re each developing a new supporting cast. How do those new players help you develop your characters and story line in the absence of that best friend?
Matt Fraction: For me, it’s all about Mariah Hill, who I think [writer Brian] Bendis and I may be the only two people working in the Marvel Universe who like her. I’ve been very fond of Mariah Hill, and with Rhodey gone, I asked Brian, “Do you have plans for Hill?” and he said, “No. Do you want her? And I said, “Absolutely I do.” Then we both went, “Yaaaaaay!” which is sad but true. So Hill has filled the Rhodey-shaped hole in my book, but I’ve had the added advantage of having them sleep together, which Tony and Rhodey wouldn’t get into unfortunately. So I’ve lost a Rhodey, but I’ve gained a love interest—or at least a sex interest.
Greg Pak: [Laughs] People always talk about continuity being a bear to work with, and it can kind of drive you crazy with characters who have 40 or 50-year histories. But the awesome thing about continuity is that, like with the history of Rhodey, it’s like a real human being, and we all have great, strange little things going on in our pasts. And any new story may tap into those old stories in ways that illuminate things in a whole new way. In terms of Rhodey and his supporting cast, I’d always been struck by a few characters including Parnell Jacobs who is an arms dealer who is also one of Rhodey’s oldest friends. I think he was the very oldest friend that had ever been revealed. Actually, Parnell’s wife Glenda Sandoval may be Rhodey’s oldest friend because he knew her even before he knew Parnell. These are characters who appear in just a few issues, but they were so interesting to me because Parnell was a great foil for Rhodey since they both came from the same military background, but Parnell went one direction and Rhodey went another. Parnell became a mercenary and an arms dealer, but at one point Rhodey walked away from that life as he didn’t approve of the moral choices Parnell was making. Parnell was a great character to bring back because Rhodey was going down a much more morally dangerous road, and if Parnell thinks something is crazy…boy, it’s got to be really crazy.

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And dontcha dare miss “War Machine” #3, which hits comic book stores on February 25.