Iron "extras"

There are a few lines of dialogue and references in the new summer movie blockbuster “Iron Man” that may go over the heads of casual audiences … or those who aren’t familiar with the comic book that inspired it.

For example, there is a terrorist cabal in the film that’s called the the 10 Rings. It’s an obvious reference to an Iron Man villain named the Mandarin, who has 10 “power rings” on his hands.

Also, when U.S. Air Force pilot James “Rhodey” Rhodes, played by Terrence Howard, jokingly says “next time” when he sees the silver version of the Iron Man armor, it’s in reference to the armored hero War Machine. (And yes, Rhodes does become War Machine in the comics.)

The SHIELD spy organization that both Clark Gregg and Samuel L. Jackson’s characters belong to exists in the Marvel Comics universe. And that “Avenger Initiative” that Jackson’s character brings up refers to the Avengers, a superhero team that has featured Iron Man among its founders and members.

It’s rumored that both Downey and Jackson both filmed brief bits for the upcoming “Incredible Hulk” movie, by the way. And if you notice any other “Easter eggs” in the film I may not have noticed, let me know.