Arc Reactor

The **Arc Reactor** is an item from the film *Iron Man* (2008).

## Description

The Arc Reactor is an energy generator which creates arcs of large energy quantities. Traditionally, this was powered by the radioactive element palladium though this was later replaced for a non-dangerous material.

## History

### Creation

The first Arc Reactor was a hulking machine created in the 1970s by Howard Stark of Stark Industries. Stark showed off the reactor at the Stark Expo in 1974 Flushing Meadows, New York City.

### Iron Man

When Howard's son and successor Tony Stark was injured and taken captive in South Asia, he required an electromagnetic implant to keep shrapnel from destroying his heart. In order to escape and power a makeshift suit of armour, Tony Stark was able to build the world's first miniature arc reactor, in a cave, with a box of scraps.

Upon returning to America, Tony removed this arc reactor and replaced it with a better model. His original arc reactor was put on display by Pepper Potts with the inscription, "Proof that Tony Stark has a heart". Tony began using his new arc reactor to power improved Iron Man armour and act as a superhero.

### Later uses

Around 2010, Tony began using Arc Reactors to power his flying vehicles, the Iron Wings. Also in the 2010s, he upgraded the Stark Tower in New York to be powered by an Arc Reactor, then constructed the largest Arc Reactor yet to power the Stark Tower in Hong Kong. This reactor became targeted by Arnim Zola of the Nazi organization HYDRA who used robots to lead an attack on Hong Kong, and try to steal the Arc Reactor. This plan failed thanks to Iron Man and guests piloting an Iron Wing with Stark's robotic butler, JARVIS.

In the aftermath of the attack on Stark Expo, Tony decided to create superhero outposts across the world as a preventative measure as part of the, "Global Avengers Initiative". One of these outposts was *Avengers Campus California,* started in 2019, where Tony constructed a giant Arc Reactor in the ground of the entrance. During this period, use of Arc Reactors became used less in favour of Vibranium engines.

At some point, Tony teamed up with the nation of Wakanda to design a new arc reactor unveiled at a Stark Expo in Paris which used vibranium tech.

## Appearances

### Avengers Campus (DCA)

On the floor of the entryway to Avengers Campus is a giant Arc Reactor.

#### Web Suppliers

This shop sells beakers gimmicked around containing Palladium with the icon of an Arc Reactor.

### Iron Man Experience

There are various references to Arc Reactors throughout this attraction and its queue. The central plot revolves around HYDRA attempting to steal the giant Arc Reactor from the top of Stark Tower. There is also an arc reactor visible at the attraction's entrance, Tony's original arc reactor on display, and an arc reactor inside of the Iron Wing.

### Avengers Campus (WDSP)

#### Avengers Assemble: Flight Force

The Hypersonique has an Arc Reactor at its front.

#### Stark Factory

The blueprints for the Arc Reactor are framed on the wall.

### Marvel Super Hero Academy

An arc reactor appears on one of the crests for this school.

### Stark Expo: Make Way for a Better Tomorrow!

In this show, Iron Man announces a new Arc reactor built by himself and the nation of Wakanda.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2021/05/29/avengers-campus-and-web-slingers-merchandise-arrives-at-the-disneyland-backlot-premiere-shop/
2. ↑ https://wdwnt.com/2021/06/photos-every-piece-of-new-avengers-campus-merchandise-and-prices-now-available-at-disneyland-resort-backlot-premiere-shop/
3. ↑ https://wdwnt.com/2022/07/review-great-theming-but-mediocre-food-from-stark-factory-in-avengers-campus-at-walt-disney-studios-park/