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Thus far, there has been a lot of secrecy and speculation around the nature of Whiplash, the villain in the forthcoming Iron Man sequel played by Mickey Rourke. But as far as we can tell, he’s (a) Russian and (b) a badass. And according to what I’m reading over on Marvel.com today, he is a character in need of a back story — a back story that might not exist in Iron Man 2.

In order to get fans up to speed on the origin of Whiplash (aka Ivan Vanko), Marvel will be releasing a four part comic series called Iron Man vs. Whiplash starting in November of this year. It will not only give us an idea of what Whiplash is all about, it will also allegedly melt your face off, according to Marvel editors.

“Before he flays the metal off of Tony Stark’s hide in ‘Iron Man 2,’ this is every True Believer’s chance to crawl inside the twisted head of the wicked Whiplash,” boasts super-excitable Editor Bill Rosemann. “If it’s jet-setting, globe-trotting, eye-popping action you crave, IRON MAN VS. WHIPLASH will make you believe that Tony Stark is indeed a cool exec with a heart of steel…and Whiplash is the fiend that will break it!”

Now that’s excitement! Anyway, the reason we’re talking about this is because along with the announcement comes a few little pieces of art, which can be seen below. From where I’m sitting, I dig the suit. Who knows if that’s going to be Whiplash’s actual garb in the movie, but if so you won’t get any complaints from me. For more information about the comic, head over to Marvel.com.

Iron Man 2 is in theaters May 7, 2010.