Audi and Iron Man 3 create Steer the Story contest

Audi has heavily invested its awesome R8 supercar in the Iron Man series, making themselves one of the iconic vehicles driven by super-rich playboy by day, superhero by night Tony Stark - Iron Man's not-so-secret identity. Now, a new contest allows fans of the comic and film to participate in a crowd-sourced e-comic for a chance to win prizes, including a trip to Comic Con in San Diego for an art review by a top Marvel editor.

The contest has officially launched and asks fans to create and vote on entries for the final panel of the comic book story to explain what happens to Tony Stark in the Audi-sponsored comic. Contest judges are Marvel's Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso and editors Jeanine Shaefer and Bill Rosemann. Both drawings and photographs are accepted into the contest, which is taking place at SteerTheStory.com where the first and second chapter of the crowd-sourced Iron Man electronic comic book can be seen. A video explaining the rules of entry and voting is also on the site.

Instructional videos for drawing the Audi R8 and Iron Man's helmet are forthcoming from Audi this week, helping participants learn how to get involved, even if they aren't top graphic artists themselves. The third chapter of the comic unveils on April 22 as well as the second round of voting's results for entries. At that point, final panel submissions will begin for a chance to win one of several prizes from Audi and Marvel.

All those who enter will be given credit at the end of the final release of the comic book, with a byline on the last page - whether they won or not. The contest is open to all U.S. residents. Finalists and the grand prize winner will be announced on May 10 and all participants will be given a complimentary copy of the completed e-comic on May 24.

The first two Iron Man films co-starred the Audi R8 as Tony Stark's playboy car of choice. Iron Man 3 features the Audi R8 e-Tron electric supercar.

(Photo courtesy of Marvel Comics and Audi)