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The Stark Tower Complex was built as a world-class financial and business facility to complement the Midtown Manhattan business district. The building was completed as a gleaming beacon of [[modern architecture]] after four years of excavation and construction. It is located in the vicinity of Manhattan's [[Columbus Circle]] approximately 10 blocks north of the [[Baxter Building]], headquarters of the superhero team the [[Fantastic Four]].
The Stark Tower Complex was built as a world-class financial and business facility to complement the Midtown Manhattan business district. The building was completed as a gleaming beacon of [[modern architecture]] after four years of excavation and construction. It is located in the vicinity of Manhattan's [[Columbus Circle]] approximately 10 blocks north of the [[Baxter Building]], headquarters of the superhero team the [[Fantastic Four]].


While initially intending to use the top three floors of the Main Tower as his state-of-the-art bachelor pad, Stark gave them over to the Avengers as their base of operations after their former base, [[Avengers Mansion]], was destroyed.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/every-avengers-headquarters-list | title=Every Avengers Headquarters (So Far) }}</ref> Longtime caretaker of the Avengers Mansion [[Edwin Jarvis]] was asked to resume his duties in the new location. Later, when the Sentry became a member of the Avengers, his long-hidden Watchtower appeared, integrating itself atop the Main Tower,<ref>New Avengers #10</ref> fully integrated into the building's existing architecture. Serving as both Sentry's headquarters and as the private residences of Robert Reynolds and his wife Lindy, the 20-story watchtower is operated and maintained by CLOC (Centrally Located Organic Computer), a near-sentient computer of Sentry's own design. The lower levels of the Main Tower, along with both the South and North Buildings, are largely occupied with Stark's subsidiaries and non-profit organizations.
While initially intending to use the top three floors of the Main Tower as his state-of-the-art bachelor pad, Stark gave them over to the Avengers as their base of operations after their former base, [[Avengers Mansion]], was destroyed.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/every-avengers-headquarters-list | title=Every Avengers Headquarters (So Far) }}</ref> Longtime Mansion caretaker [[Edwin Jarvis]] was asked to resume his duties in the new location. Later, when the Sentry became a member of the Avengers, his long-hidden Watchtower appeared, integrating itself atop the Main Tower and the building's existing architecture.<ref>New Avengers #10</ref> Serving as both Sentry's headquarters and as the private residences of Robert Reynolds and his wife Lindy, the 20-story watchtower is operated and maintained by CLOC (Centrally Located Organic Computer), a near-sentient computer of Sentry's own design. The lower levels of the Main Tower, along with both the South and North Buildings, are largely occupied with Stark's subsidiaries and non-profit organizations.


After the passing of the [[Superhuman Registration Act]] (SRA), Iron Man was tapped to head the task force charged with enforcing the Act. Subsequently, Stark Tower became the base of operations of the task force. The controversy surrounding the SRA broke the Avengers team apart leaving Tony Stark to form a new team, the [[The Mighty Avengers|Mighty Avengers]], who continue to occupy the Main Tower's higher levels. When the Tower became the headquarters of the SRA task force, it was assigned by the government a squad of [[Cape-Killer]] guards with the call sign "Force Unit 9".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.jinxworld.com/SCRIPTS/NEWAVENGERS25.doc | title = New Avengers #25 Script (jinxworld.com) | access-date = 2007-12-17 |format=DOC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = Brian Michael Bendis | Penciller = Jim Cheung | Inker = Livesay | Story = New Avengers Disassembled | Title = New Avengers | Issue = #25 |date= December 2006 | Publisher = Marvel Comics}}</ref>
After the passing of the [[Superhuman Registration Act]] (SRA), Iron Man was tapped to head the task force charged with enforcing the Act. Subsequently, Stark Tower became the base of operations of the task force. The controversy surrounding the SRA broke the Avengers team apart leaving Tony Stark to form a new team, the [[The Mighty Avengers|Mighty Avengers]], who continue to occupy the Main Tower's higher levels. When the Tower became the headquarters of the SRA task force, it was assigned by the government a squad of [[Cape-Killer]] guards with the call sign "Force Unit 9".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.jinxworld.com/SCRIPTS/NEWAVENGERS25.doc | title = New Avengers #25 Script (jinxworld.com) | access-date = 2007-12-17 |format=DOC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = Brian Michael Bendis | Penciller = Jim Cheung | Inker = Livesay | Story = New Avengers Disassembled | Title = New Avengers | Issue = #25 |date= December 2006 | Publisher = Marvel Comics}}</ref>


During the events of [[World War Hulk]], a violent battle between [[Hulk|The Hulk]] and Iron Man nearly caused the collapse of Stark Tower.<ref>''World War Hulk'' #1 (August 2007)</ref> The tower was rebuilt by Stark under his [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] organization, making it S.H.I.E.L.D. property.
In ''[[World War Hulk]]'', a violent battle between the [[Hulk]] and Iron Man nearly destroyed Stark Tower.<ref>''World War Hulk'' #1 (August 2007)</ref> The tower was rebuilt by Stark under his [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] organization, making it S.H.I.E.L.D. property.


Stark Tower becomes the setting for a multi-issue conflict between humans and a murderous Skrull hunting them for sport. During ''[[Secret Invasion]]'', many non-powered New York citizens, including ''[[Daily Bugle]]'' reporter Ben Urich, end up at Stark Tower. Unfortunately, it had become the hunting ground for a [[Skrull]]. He is shown killing most of the members of a design firm that had rented space in the building. Ben Urich regains control of the security shutters and the Skrull is tricked into throwing itself out a high window. It dies on impact.<ref>''Secret Invasion: Front Line'' 1–5</ref>
Stark Tower becomes the setting for a multi-issue conflict between humans and a murderous [[Skrull]] hunting them for sport. During ''[[Secret Invasion]]'', many non-powered New York citizens, including ''[[Daily Bugle]]'' reporter Ben Urich, end up at Stark Tower. Unfortunately, it had become the hunting ground for a Skrull. He is shown killing most of the members of a design firm that had rented space in the building. Ben Urich regains control of the security shutters and the Skrull is tricked into throwing itself out a high window. It dies on impact.<ref>''Secret Invasion: Front Line'' 1–5</ref>


When [[Norman Osborn]] took over S.H.I.E.L.D., and renamed it [[H.A.M.M.E.R.]], he also took ownership of the tower.<ref>Dark Avengers #1</ref> After Osborn is removed from power following the [[Siege (comics)|Siege of Asgard]], the tower is returned to Stark. With the Sentry's death, his watch tower disappeared from the rooftop where it is replaced by Heimdall's observatory as sign of solidarity between Earth and [[Asgard (comics)|Asgard]].<ref>''Siege'' #4 (2010)</ref>
When [[Norman Osborn]] took over S.H.I.E.L.D. and renamed it [[H.A.M.M.E.R.]], he also took ownership of the tower.<ref>Dark Avengers #1</ref> After Osborn is removed from power following the [[Siege (comics)|Siege of Asgard]], the tower is returned to Stark. With the Sentry's death, his watch tower disappeared from the rooftop where it is replaced by Heimdall's observatory as sign of solidarity between Earth and [[Asgard (comics)|Asgard]].<ref>''Siege'' #4 (2010)</ref>


During the events of the ''[[Fear Itself (comics)|Fear Itself]]'' storyline, [[Thing (comics)|Thing]] acquired a hammer. This transformed him into a being with Asgardian-like power called Angir: Breaker of Souls. [[Thunderbolt Ross|Red Hulk]] started to fight him to protect the innocents, but got batted away by Thing. Red Hulk survived though and to try and remedy it, Thing tossed his hammer through Avengers Tower, bringing it down onto Red Hulk.<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 4) #14</ref>
In ''[[Fear Itself (comics)|Fear Itself]]'', the [[Ben Grimm|Thing]] becomes Angir, the Breaker of Souls, after acquiring an Asgardian hammer and destroys the Tower.<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 4) #14</ref> A new tower was later built on the site of the original.<ref>''Avengers Assemble'' #1</ref>

A new Stark Tower was later built on the site of the original. The structure also acted as the headquarters of the Avengers.<ref>''Avengers Assemble'' #1</ref>


When the Avengers fell under S.H.I.E.L.D.'s authority, S.H.I.E.L.D. took over the Stark Tower, and made it their Golgotha station.<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 5) #35</ref>
When the Avengers fell under S.H.I.E.L.D.'s authority, S.H.I.E.L.D. took over the Stark Tower, and made it their Golgotha station.<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 5) #35</ref>
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During the ''[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]'' storyline, Stark Tower is destroyed by the Children of Tomorrow during the incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-1610.<ref>''Secret Wars'' (vol. 2) #1</ref>
During the ''[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]'' storyline, Stark Tower is destroyed by the Children of Tomorrow during the incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-1610.<ref>''Secret Wars'' (vol. 2) #1</ref>


Following an eight-month [[ellipsis (narrative device)|ellipsis]], Tony, who is suffering financial difficulties at the time, is forced to sell the rebuilt Stark Tower to a Chinese company called Qeng Enterprises.<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 6) #0</ref> Tony and the rest of the Avengers relocate to another Stark Tower which had been built near Time Square.<ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = Brian Michael Bendis | Penciller = David Marquez | Inker = David Marquez | Story = | Title = Invincible Iron Man (vol. 2) | Issue = #1 |date= October 2015 | Publisher = Marvel Comics}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://brevoortformspring.tumblr.com/post/130798789698/tom-in-avengers-0-vision-says-that-tony-sold | title = New Brevoort Formspring | access-date = 2015-10-11 }}</ref>
Following an eight-month [[ellipsis (narrative device)|ellipsis]], Tony, who is suffering financial difficulties at the time, is forced to sell the rebuilt Stark Tower to a Chinese company called Qeng Enterprises.<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 6) #0</ref> Tony and the rest of the Avengers relocate to another Stark Tower near Time Square.<ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = Brian Michael Bendis | Penciller = David Marquez | Inker = David Marquez | Story = | Title = Invincible Iron Man (vol. 2) | Issue = #1 |date= October 2015 | Publisher = Marvel Comics}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://brevoortformspring.tumblr.com/post/130798789698/tom-in-avengers-0-vision-says-that-tony-sold | title = New Brevoort Formspring | access-date = 2015-10-11 }}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==


=== Critical response ===
=== Critical response ===
George Marston of ''[[Newsarama]]'' included the Avengers Tower in their "Best Superhero Headquarters And Hideouts Of All Time" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marston |first=George |date=2023-01-14 |title=The best superhero headquarters and hideouts of all time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-superhero-hideouts-headquarters-hq/ |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=[[Newsarama]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' ranked the Avengers Tower 1st in their "10 Most Iconic Superhero Hideouts In Marvel Comics" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Avina |first=Anthony |date=2019-09-06 |title=10 Most Iconic Superhero Hideouts In Marvel Comics, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-comics-superhero-hideouts-most-iconic-greatest-ranked/ |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref> and ranked the Stark Tower 6th in their "Avengers 10 Best Headquarters" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allan |first=Scoot |date=2020-03-02 |title=The Avengers 10 Best Headquarters, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/avengers-best-headquarters/ |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref>
George Marston of ''[[Newsarama]]'' included the Avengers Tower in their "Best Superhero Headquarters And Hideouts Of All Time" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marston |first=George |date=January 14, 2023 |title=The best superhero headquarters and hideouts of all time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-superhero-hideouts-headquarters-hq/ |access-date=March 26, 2023 |website=[[Newsarama]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' ranked the Avengers Tower 1st in their "10 Most Iconic Superhero Hideouts In Marvel Comics" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Avina |first=Anthony |date=September 6, 2019 |title=10 Most Iconic Superhero Hideouts In Marvel Comics, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-comics-superhero-hideouts-most-iconic-greatest-ranked/ |access-date=January 9, 2023 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref> and ranked the Stark Tower 6th in their "Avengers 10 Best Headquarters" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allan |first=Scoot |date=March 2, 2020 |title=The Avengers 10 Best Headquarters, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/avengers-best-headquarters/ |access-date=January 9, 2023 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref>


==Other versions==
==Other versions==
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===Television===
===Television===
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'', though it is only seen in a few episodes since the team is based out of the [[Avengers Mansion]] in the series. It is prominently featured in the episode "Alone Against A.I.M." when A.I.M.'s Scientist Supreme leads a raid on Stark Tower and unleashes Technovore to target Tony Stark.
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'', though it is only seen in a few episodes since the team is primarily based in the [[Avengers Mansion]]. It is prominently featured in the episode "Alone Against A.I.M.", where [[Advanced Idea Mechanics|A.I.M.]] raids the Tower and unleashes [[Technovore]] to target Tony Stark.
* Avengers Tower appears in the 2012 animated series ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]''.
* Avengers Tower appears in ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]''.
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[Iron Man: Armored Adventures]]''.
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[Iron Man: Armored Adventures]]''.
* Stark Tower, modeled after the Marvel Cinematic Universe incarnation, appears in ''[[Avengers Assemble (TV series)|Avengers Assemble]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=March 8, 2013 |title=Disney XD Sets Premieres for Marvel-ous New Avengers and Hulk Animated Series |url=http://tvline.com/2013/03/08/disney-xd-premiere-dates-avengers-hulk |publisher=[[TVLine]]}}</ref> This version acts as the Avengers' headquarters after the destruction of the Avengers Mansion in the pilot episode "The Avengers Protocol". In the episode "Avengers Disassembled", part of the tower is destroyed after Iron Man destroys his arc reactor to stop [[Ultron]] from taking over his satellites.
* Stark Tower, modeled after the Marvel Cinematic Universe incarnation, appears in ''[[Avengers Assemble (TV series)|Avengers Assemble]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=March 8, 2013 |title=Disney XD Sets Premieres for Marvel-ous New Avengers and Hulk Animated Series |url=http://tvline.com/2013/03/08/disney-xd-premiere-dates-avengers-hulk |publisher=[[TVLine]]}}</ref> This version acts as the Avengers' headquarters after the destruction of the Avengers Mansion in the pilot episode "The Avengers Protocol". In the episode "Avengers Disassembled", part of the tower is destroyed after Iron Man destroys his arc reactor to stop [[Ultron]] from taking over his satellites.
Stark Tower appears in the ''[[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]]'' episodes "Pilot" and "The Dirty Half Dozen".
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]]''.
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers]]''.
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers]]''.
* Avengers Tower appears in a motion poster advertisements for ''[[Daredevil (TV series)|Daredevil]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Fischer |first=Russ |date=March 19, 2015 |title=New 'Daredevil' Motion Poster Has Avengers Tower and Glimpse of a New Costume |url=http://www.slashfilm.com/daredevil-motion-poster/ |publisher=[[/Film]]}}</ref> ''[[Jessica Jones (TV series)|Jessica Jones]]'', ''[[Luke Cage (TV series)|Luke Cage]]'' and ''[[Iron Fist (TV series)|Iron Fist]]''. However, in all four shows, the [[MetLife Building]], which actually exists there, appears instead.
* Avengers Tower appears in advertisements for ''[[Daredevil (TV series)|Daredevil]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Fischer |first=Russ |date=March 19, 2015 |title=New 'Daredevil' Motion Poster Has Avengers Tower and Glimpse of a New Costume |url=http://www.slashfilm.com/daredevil-motion-poster/ |publisher=[[/Film]]}}</ref> ''[[Jessica Jones (TV series)|Jessica Jones]]'', ''[[Luke Cage (TV series)|Luke Cage]]'' and ''[[Iron Fist (TV series)|Iron Fist]]''. However, in all four shows, the [[MetLife Building]], which actually exists there, appears instead.
* Avengers Tower appears in the 2017 animated series ''[[Spider-Man (2017 TV series)|Spider-Man]]''.
* Avengers Tower appears in ''[[Spider-Man (2017 TV series)|Spider-Man]]''.
* Avengers Tower serves as the Avengers' headquarters in ''[[Marvel Future Avengers]]''.
* Avengers Tower serves as the Avengers' headquarters in ''[[Marvel Future Avengers]]''.
* An alternate version of the Tower, named Qeng Tower, makes a cameo appearance in the ''[[Loki (TV series)|Loki]]'' (2021) episode "[[Journey into Mystery (Loki)|Journey into Mystery]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Burton |first1=Jamie |date=July 7, 2021 |title="Loki" Episode 5 was filled with Easter eggs to please hardcore Marvel fans |url=https://www.newsweek.com/loki-episode-5-recap-mcu-easter-eggs-revealed-1607556 |website=[[Newsweek]]}}</ref>
* An alternate version of the Tower, named '''Qeng Tower''', makes a cameo appearance in the ''[[Loki (TV series)|Loki]]'' (2021) episode "[[Journey into Mystery (Loki)|Journey into Mystery]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Burton |first1=Jamie |date=July 7, 2021 |title="Loki" Episode 5 was filled with Easter eggs to please hardcore Marvel fans |url=https://www.newsweek.com/loki-episode-5-recap-mcu-easter-eggs-revealed-1607556 |website=[[Newsweek]]}}</ref>
* Avengers Tower appears in the ''[[M.O.D.O.K. (TV series)|M.O.D.O.K.]]'' episodes "If Bureaucracy Be... Thy Death!", "What Menace Doth the Mailman Deliver!", and "Days of Future M.O.D.O.K.s!".
* Avengers Tower appears in ''[[M.O.D.O.K. (TV series)|M.O.D.O.K.]]''.


===Film===
===Film===
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}}Stark Tower, and later renamed Avengers Tower, appears in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]]:
}}Stark Tower, and later renamed Avengers Tower, appears in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]]:


*Introduced in ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]'',<ref>"What we learned from The Avengers trailer" by James Hunt, [http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/1089128/what_we_learned_from_the_avengers_trailer.html] DenofGeek.com. Published on Oct 12, 2011</ref> this version is located in [[Midtown Manhattan]] and powered by its own independent arc reactor, capable of sustaining itself for a year without any cost to the city. The tower's unique power sustainability leads [[Loki (Marvel Comics)|Loki]] to use it to harness the [[Cosmic Cube|Tesseract]] and transport the [[Chitauri]] army to Earth. After the battle between Loki's forces and the Avengers, the upper levels of the tower are destroyed. However, Stark and [[Pepper Potts]] are later seen planning to rebuild and revise it. Furthermore, the tower sits on top of the [[MetLife Building]], with Stark purchasing the building and [[Deconstruction (building)|deconstructing]] its upper half to accommodate the construction of Stark Tower.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boucher |first=Geoff |date=May 24, 2013 |title='Avengers' deconstructed: Helicarrier, Stark Tower design secrets |newspaper=[[The Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/avengers-deconstructed-helicarrier-stark-tower-design-secrets/ |access-date=May 26, 2013}}</ref>
*Introduced in ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]'',<ref>"What we learned from The Avengers trailer" by James Hunt, [http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/1089128/what_we_learned_from_the_avengers_trailer.html] DenofGeek.com. Published on Oct 12, 2011</ref> this version is located in [[Midtown Manhattan]] and powered by its own independent arc reactor, capable of sustaining itself for a year without any cost to the city. The tower's unique power sustainability leads [[Loki (Marvel Comics)|Loki]] to use it to harness the [[Cosmic Cube|Tesseract]] and transport the [[Chitauri]] army to Earth. After the battle between Loki's forces and the Avengers, the upper levels of the tower are destroyed. However, Stark and [[Pepper Potts]] are later seen planning to rebuild and revise it. Furthermore, the tower sits on top of the [[MetLife Building]], with Stark purchasing the building and [[Deconstruction (building)|deconstructing]] its upper half to accommodate the construction of Stark Tower.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boucher |first=Geoff |date=May 24, 2013 |title='Avengers' deconstructed: Helicarrier, Stark Tower design secrets |newspaper=[[The Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/avengers-deconstructed-helicarrier-stark-tower-design-secrets/ |access-date=May 26, 2013}}</ref>
* A refurbished image of the Tower is seen in ''[[Captain America: The Winter Soldier]]'', including an aircraft hangar and the Avengers "A" logo.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lussier |first=Germain |date=March 14, 2014 |title=Exclusive: Tony Stark's Avengers Tower Debuts As Easter Egg In 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' |work=[[/Film]] |url=http://www.slashfilm.com/avengers-tower-tony-stark/ |access-date=March 14, 2014}}</ref>
* A refurbished image of the Tower is seen in ''[[Captain America: The Winter Soldier]]'', including an aircraft hangar and the Avengers "A" logo.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lussier |first=Germain |date=March 14, 2014 |title=Exclusive: Tony Stark's Avengers Tower Debuts As Easter Egg In 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' |work=[[/Film]] |url=http://www.slashfilm.com/avengers-tower-tony-stark/ |access-date=March 14, 2014}}</ref>
* In ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Tilly |first=Chris |date=July 16, 2014 |title=Marvel's Kevin Feige Discusses Avengers Tower And Hulkbuster Armor In Age Of Ultron |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/16/marvels-kevin-feige-discusses-avengers-tower-and-hulkbuster-armour-in-age-of-ultron |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717160742/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/16/marvels-kevin-feige-discusses-avengers-tower-and-hulkbuster-armour-in-age-of-ultron |archive-date=July 17, 2014 |access-date=July 16, 2014 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=}}</ref> the Tower is the Avengers' main base and features a lounge area, three laboratory areas, a machine room, a gym, a relaxation area, and a locker room. There, Stark and [[Bruce Banner (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Bruce Banner]] work on a project and create [[Ultron (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Ultron]]. The Avengers host a celebratory party there where Rogers invites [[Sam Wilson (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Sam Wilson]] to attend and Stark invites [[James Rhodes (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|James Rhodes]]. After the party, Ultron reveals himself and attacks the Avengers. Later, the Avengers return to the Tower along with new recruits [[Wanda Maximoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Wanda Maximoff]] and [[Pietro Maximoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Pietro Maximoff]],<ref>{{cite web |last=White |first=Brett |date=March 25, 2015 |title="Avengers" Fun Facts Reveal New Scarlet Witch, Hulkbuster Details |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/avengers-fun-facts-reveal-new-scarlet-witch-hulkbuster-details |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327141908/http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/avengers-fun-facts-reveal-new-scarlet-witch-hulkbuster-details |archive-date=March 27, 2015 |access-date=March 25, 2015 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |publisher=}}</ref> where the android [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]] is created.
* In ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Tilly |first=Chris |date=July 16, 2014 |title=Marvel's Kevin Feige Discusses Avengers Tower And Hulkbuster Armor In Age Of Ultron |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/16/marvels-kevin-feige-discusses-avengers-tower-and-hulkbuster-armour-in-age-of-ultron |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717160742/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/16/marvels-kevin-feige-discusses-avengers-tower-and-hulkbuster-armour-in-age-of-ultron |archive-date=July 17, 2014 |access-date=July 16, 2014 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=}}</ref> the Tower is the Avengers' main base and features a lounge area, three laboratory areas, a machine room, a gym, a relaxation area, and a locker room. There, Stark and [[Bruce Banner (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Bruce Banner]] work on a project and create [[Ultron (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Ultron]]. The Avengers host a celebratory party there, where Rogers invites [[Sam Wilson (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Sam Wilson]] to attend and Stark invites [[James Rhodes (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|James Rhodes]]. After the party, Ultron reveals himself and attacks the Avengers. Later, the Avengers return to the Tower along with new recruits [[Wanda Maximoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Wanda Maximoff]] and [[Pietro Maximoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Pietro Maximoff]],<ref>{{cite web |last=White |first=Brett |date=March 25, 2015 |title="Avengers" Fun Facts Reveal New Scarlet Witch, Hulkbuster Details |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/avengers-fun-facts-reveal-new-scarlet-witch-hulkbuster-details |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327141908/http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/avengers-fun-facts-reveal-new-scarlet-witch-hulkbuster-details |archive-date=March 27, 2015 |access-date=March 25, 2015 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |publisher=}}</ref> where the android [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]] is created.
*In ''[[Captain America: Civil War]],'' the Tower is briefly seen in an [[establishing shot]].
*In ''[[Captain America: Civil War]],'' the Tower is briefly seen in an [[establishing shot]].
* In ''[[Doctor Strange (2016 film)|Doctor Strange]]'', the Tower is seen in an establishing shot before [[Doctor Strange|Stephen Strange]]'s car accident and again during Strange's battle with [[Kaecilius (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Kaecilius]]' Zealots in the Mirror Dimension.
* In ''[[Doctor Strange (2016 film)|Doctor Strange]]'', the Tower is seen in an establishing shot before [[Doctor Strange|Stephen Strange]]'s car accident and again during Strange's battle with [[Kaecilius (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Kaecilius]]' Zealots in the Mirror Dimension.
* In ''[[Spider-Man: Homecoming]]'', [[Happy Hogan (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Happy Hogan]] is inside the Tower getting the last of the Avengers' items transported onto a cargo plane, as the Tower is being sold.
* In ''[[Spider-Man: Homecoming]]'', [[Happy Hogan (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Happy Hogan]] is inside the Tower getting the last of the Avengers' items transported onto a cargo plane, as the Tower is being sold.
* In ''[[Avengers: Infinity War]]'', the Tower is briefly seen when the [[Black Order (comics)|Black Order]] arrives in New York.
* In ''[[Avengers: Infinity War]]'', the Tower is briefly seen when the [[Black Order (comics)|Black Order]] arrives in New York.
* In ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'', an alternate version of the Tower appears when Stark, Rogers, and [[Scott Lang (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Scott Lang]] quantum time travel to an alternate 2012 timeline to retrieve the [[Infinity Stones|Space and Mind Stones]]. Rogers ends up dueling his alternate self in the Tower.
* In ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'', an alternate version of the Tower appears when Stark, Rogers, and [[Scott Lang (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Scott Lang]] travel to an alternate timeline to retrieve the [[Infinity Stones|Space and Mind Stones]].
* In ''[[Spider-Man: Far From Home]]'', the Tower, now newly redesigned (with a hole in the middle as a terrace), is seen when [[Peter Parker (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Peter Parker]] swings past it.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hood |first=Cooper |date=July 8, 2019 |title=Avengers Tower Has Changed In Spider-Man: Far From Home - But For Who? |url=https://screenrant.com/spiderman-far-home-avengers-tower-owner-oscorp-baxter/ |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref>
* In ''[[Spider-Man: Far From Home]]'', the Tower, now newly redesigned (with a hole in the middle as a terrace), is seen when [[Peter Parker (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Peter Parker]] swings past it.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hood |first=Cooper |date=July 8, 2019 |title=Avengers Tower Has Changed In Spider-Man: Far From Home - But For Who? |url=https://screenrant.com/spiderman-far-home-avengers-tower-owner-oscorp-baxter/ |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref>


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* Stark Tower appears as a level in ''[[The Punisher (2005 video game)|The Punisher]]''.
* Stark Tower appears as a level in ''[[The Punisher (2005 video game)|The Punisher]]''.
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (2008 video game)|The Incredible Hulk]]''. This version is stated to be the second-tallest building on Manhattan, between the [[Empire State Building]] and [[Chrysler Building]].
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (2008 video game)|The Incredible Hulk]]''. This version is stated to be the second-tallest building on Manhattan, between the [[Empire State Building]] and [[Chrysler Building]].
* Stark Tower is featured in ''[[Spider-Man: Web of Shadows]]''. This version serves as a rescue shelter and a temporary hospital during the [[Symbiote (comics)|symbiote]] invasion, housing S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, caravans, airships and un-infected civilians, as well as electric barricades to keep symbiotes out.
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[Spider-Man: Web of Shadows]]''. This version serves as a rescue shelter and a temporary hospital during the [[Symbiote (comics)|symbiote]] invasion, housing S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, caravans, airships and un-infected civilians, as well as electric barricades to repel symbiotes.
* Stark Tower appears as a hub level in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2]]''.
* Stark Tower appears as a hub level in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2]]''.
* Avengers Tower appears as a hub level in ''[[Marvel Heroes (video game)|Marvel Heroes]]''. Both playable and non-playable heroes, as well as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents can be seen at the tower.
* Avengers Tower appears as a hub level in ''[[Marvel Heroes (video game)|Marvel Heroes]]''. Both playable and non-playable heroes, as well as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents can be seen at the tower.
Line 114: Line 112:
* Avengers Tower appears as a landmark and hub level in ''[[Lego Marvel's Avengers]]''.
* Avengers Tower appears as a landmark and hub level in ''[[Lego Marvel's Avengers]]''.
* Avengers Tower appears as a stage in ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite]]''. In the game's story, it is relocated to New Metro City following the merging of the worlds, and serves as the headquarters for the allied heroes.
* Avengers Tower appears as a stage in ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite]]''. In the game's story, it is relocated to New Metro City following the merging of the worlds, and serves as the headquarters for the allied heroes.
* Avengers Tower appears as a landmark in [[Insomniac Games]]' ''[[Spider-Man (video game series)|Spider-Man]]'' series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paterson |first=Ewan |date=2018-09-07 |title=Spider-Man PS4: 32 Secrets, References And Easter Eggs You Must Find |url=https://whatculture.com/gaming/spider-man-ps4-32-secrets-references-and-easter-eggs-you-must-find |access-date=2022-08-14 |website=[[WhatCulture]] |language=en}}</ref>
* Avengers Tower appears as a landmark in [[Insomniac Games]]' ''[[Spider-Man (video game series)|Spider-Man]]'' series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paterson |first=Ewan |date=September 7, 2018 |title=Spider-Man PS4: 32 Secrets, References And Easter Eggs You Must Find |url=https://whatculture.com/gaming/spider-man-ps4-32-secrets-references-and-easter-eggs-you-must-find |access-date=August 14, 2022 |website=[[WhatCulture]] |language=en}}</ref>
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 3]]''.
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 3]]''.
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[Marvel Snap]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thwaites |first=Sarah |date=2022-11-17 |title=Every Marvel Snap location (and what they do) |url=https://www.polygon.com/guides/23463426/marvel-snap-full-location-list-zones-abilities |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Danielson |first=Matthew |date=2022-10-30 |title=Every Location in Marvel Snap (& How They Work) |url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-snap-location-uses-effects/ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref>
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[Marvel Snap]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thwaites |first=Sarah |date=November 17, 2022 |title=Every Marvel Snap location (and what they do) |url=https://www.polygon.com/guides/23463426/marvel-snap-full-location-list-zones-abilities |access-date=August 4, 2023 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Danielson |first=Matthew |date=October 30, 2022 |title=Every Location in Marvel Snap (& How They Work) |url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-snap-location-uses-effects/ |access-date=August 4, 2023 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref>


===Toys===
===Merchandise===
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[VS System]]''.
* Stark Tower appears in ''[[VS System]]''.
* Avengers Tower appears in [[Lego Super Heroes]].
* Avengers Tower appears in [[Lego Super Heroes]].

Latest revision as of 14:46, 19 August 2024

Stark Tower
The Main Tower of the Stark Tower Complex when Sentry's Watchtower was still attached.
First appearanceThe New Avengers #3 (February 2005)
In-universe information
Other name(s)Avengers Tower
TypeBuilding
LocationsManhattan, New York City
CharactersMighty Avengers
Dark Avengers
New Avengers
Avengers
Iron Man
PublisherMarvel Comics

The Stark Tower Complex is a high-rise building complex appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA, the complex is named after its owner Tony Stark, who is the alter ego of the superhero Iron Man. The structure is composed of a 93-story Main Tower flanked by a 35-story South Building and 55-story North Building. Located at the top of the Main Tower was the Watchtower of the superhero The Sentry, but it has been replaced by Heimdall's observatory.

The Main Tower is informally known as Avengers Tower, as it serves as the headquarters of the superhero team, the Avengers, similar to the Avengers Mansion. Currently, the main Stark Tower is located in Broadway, occupying the space where the Condé Nast Building is in the real world.

The Stark Tower, eventually changed to Avengers Tower, has been shown in various films set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with The Avengers (2012).

Fictional history

[edit]

The Stark Tower Complex was built as a world-class financial and business facility to complement the Midtown Manhattan business district. The building was completed as a gleaming beacon of modern architecture after four years of excavation and construction. It is located in the vicinity of Manhattan's Columbus Circle approximately 10 blocks north of the Baxter Building, headquarters of the superhero team the Fantastic Four.

While initially intending to use the top three floors of the Main Tower as his state-of-the-art bachelor pad, Stark gave them over to the Avengers as their base of operations after their former base, Avengers Mansion, was destroyed.[1] Longtime Mansion caretaker Edwin Jarvis was asked to resume his duties in the new location. Later, when the Sentry became a member of the Avengers, his long-hidden Watchtower appeared, integrating itself atop the Main Tower and the building's existing architecture.[2] Serving as both Sentry's headquarters and as the private residences of Robert Reynolds and his wife Lindy, the 20-story watchtower is operated and maintained by CLOC (Centrally Located Organic Computer), a near-sentient computer of Sentry's own design. The lower levels of the Main Tower, along with both the South and North Buildings, are largely occupied with Stark's subsidiaries and non-profit organizations.

After the passing of the Superhuman Registration Act (SRA), Iron Man was tapped to head the task force charged with enforcing the Act. Subsequently, Stark Tower became the base of operations of the task force. The controversy surrounding the SRA broke the Avengers team apart leaving Tony Stark to form a new team, the Mighty Avengers, who continue to occupy the Main Tower's higher levels. When the Tower became the headquarters of the SRA task force, it was assigned by the government a squad of Cape-Killer guards with the call sign "Force Unit 9".[3][4]

In World War Hulk, a violent battle between the Hulk and Iron Man nearly destroyed Stark Tower.[5] The tower was rebuilt by Stark under his S.H.I.E.L.D. organization, making it S.H.I.E.L.D. property.

Stark Tower becomes the setting for a multi-issue conflict between humans and a murderous Skrull hunting them for sport. During Secret Invasion, many non-powered New York citizens, including Daily Bugle reporter Ben Urich, end up at Stark Tower. Unfortunately, it had become the hunting ground for a Skrull. He is shown killing most of the members of a design firm that had rented space in the building. Ben Urich regains control of the security shutters and the Skrull is tricked into throwing itself out a high window. It dies on impact.[6]

When Norman Osborn took over S.H.I.E.L.D. and renamed it H.A.M.M.E.R., he also took ownership of the tower.[7] After Osborn is removed from power following the Siege of Asgard, the tower is returned to Stark. With the Sentry's death, his watch tower disappeared from the rooftop where it is replaced by Heimdall's observatory as sign of solidarity between Earth and Asgard.[8]

In Fear Itself, the Thing becomes Angir, the Breaker of Souls, after acquiring an Asgardian hammer and destroys the Tower.[9] A new tower was later built on the site of the original.[10]

When the Avengers fell under S.H.I.E.L.D.'s authority, S.H.I.E.L.D. took over the Stark Tower, and made it their Golgotha station.[11]

During the Secret Wars storyline, Stark Tower is destroyed by the Children of Tomorrow during the incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-1610.[12]

Following an eight-month ellipsis, Tony, who is suffering financial difficulties at the time, is forced to sell the rebuilt Stark Tower to a Chinese company called Qeng Enterprises.[13] Tony and the rest of the Avengers relocate to another Stark Tower near Time Square.[14][15]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

George Marston of Newsarama included the Avengers Tower in their "Best Superhero Headquarters And Hideouts Of All Time" list.[16] Comic Book Resources ranked the Avengers Tower 1st in their "10 Most Iconic Superhero Hideouts In Marvel Comics" list,[17] and ranked the Stark Tower 6th in their "Avengers 10 Best Headquarters" list.[18]

Other versions

[edit]

Marvel Adventures

[edit]

An alternate version of the Stark Tower appears in Marvel Adventures: The Avengers. It serves as the Avengers' base. The roster who live in it are Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk, Spider-Man, Giant Girl, Wolverine, and Storm.

Ultimate Universe

[edit]

An alternate version of the Stark Tower appears in the Ultimate Universe as the corporate headquarters of Stark/Stane, one of the largest companies of the technocratic North American Union, a power bloc that includes the former United States territories after its central government was dissolved in 1969. It served as an office of Howard Stark and Obadiah Stane as both jointly were responsible for running the corporation as business parners, with Stark heading research and development and operating as Iron Man while Stane served as its public face.[19]

After Obadiah Stane is killed during a assault on a international event in Latveria and Howard Stark disappears inside the City, the Maker's Council takes advantage of the resulting power vacuum and Tony Stark's rebellion against their rule over Earth, conducting a false flag attack on the Tower by making use of a Stark/Stane satellite, framing Tony and his allies as terrorists.[20]

In other media

[edit]

Television

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Avengers Tower as depicted in Marvel Studios' Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Stark Tower, and later renamed Avengers Tower, appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe:

Video games

[edit]

Merchandise

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Every Avengers Headquarters (So Far)".
  2. ^ New Avengers #10
  3. ^ "New Avengers #25 Script (jinxworld.com)" (DOC). Retrieved 2007-12-17.
  4. ^ Brian Michael Bendis (w), Jim Cheung (p), Livesay (i). "New Avengers Disassembled" New Avengers, no. 25 (December 2006). Marvel Comics.
  5. ^ World War Hulk #1 (August 2007)
  6. ^ Secret Invasion: Front Line 1–5
  7. ^ Dark Avengers #1
  8. ^ Siege #4 (2010)
  9. ^ Avengers (vol. 4) #14
  10. ^ Avengers Assemble #1
  11. ^ Avengers (vol. 5) #35
  12. ^ Secret Wars (vol. 2) #1
  13. ^ Avengers (vol. 6) #0
  14. ^ Brian Michael Bendis (w), David Marquez (p), David Marquez (i). Invincible Iron Man (vol. 2), no. 1 (October 2015). Marvel Comics.
  15. ^ "New Brevoort Formspring". Retrieved 2015-10-11.
  16. ^ Marston, George (January 14, 2023). "The best superhero headquarters and hideouts of all time". Newsarama. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  17. ^ Avina, Anthony (September 6, 2019). "10 Most Iconic Superhero Hideouts In Marvel Comics, Ranked". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  18. ^ Allan, Scoot (March 2, 2020). "The Avengers 10 Best Headquarters, Ranked". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  19. ^ Ultimate Invasion #2. Marvel Comics.
  20. ^ Ultimate Universe #1. Marvel Comics.
  21. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (March 8, 2013). "Disney XD Sets Premieres for Marvel-ous New Avengers and Hulk Animated Series". TVLine.
  22. ^ Fischer, Russ (March 19, 2015). "New 'Daredevil' Motion Poster Has Avengers Tower and Glimpse of a New Costume". /Film.
  23. ^ Burton, Jamie (July 7, 2021). ""Loki" Episode 5 was filled with Easter eggs to please hardcore Marvel fans". Newsweek.
  24. ^ "What we learned from The Avengers trailer" by James Hunt, [1] DenofGeek.com. Published on Oct 12, 2011
  25. ^ Boucher, Geoff (May 24, 2013). "'Avengers' deconstructed: Helicarrier, Stark Tower design secrets". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  26. ^ Lussier, Germain (March 14, 2014). "Exclusive: Tony Stark's Avengers Tower Debuts As Easter Egg In 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier'". /Film. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  27. ^ Tilly, Chris (July 16, 2014). "Marvel's Kevin Feige Discusses Avengers Tower And Hulkbuster Armor In Age Of Ultron". IGN. Archived from the original on July 17, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  28. ^ White, Brett (March 25, 2015). ""Avengers" Fun Facts Reveal New Scarlet Witch, Hulkbuster Details". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on March 27, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  29. ^ Hood, Cooper (July 8, 2019). "Avengers Tower Has Changed In Spider-Man: Far From Home - But For Who?". Screen Rant.
  30. ^ Paterson, Ewan (September 7, 2018). "Spider-Man PS4: 32 Secrets, References And Easter Eggs You Must Find". WhatCulture. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  31. ^ Thwaites, Sarah (November 17, 2022). "Every Marvel Snap location (and what they do)". Polygon. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  32. ^ Danielson, Matthew (October 30, 2022). "Every Location in Marvel Snap (& How They Work)". Screen Rant. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
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