More pre SDCC 2012 hype here, as to get fans excited for their big panel next weekend, Marvel Studios has released the first piece of concept art from the forthcoming threequel, Iron Man 3.

Drawn by artist Ryan Meinerding (who designed the prior movie armors), the image showcases our friend Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) as he’s surrounded by armed men, but is…partially armored?

Rumor has been that the film would take cues from the “Extremis” storyline from the comics, so one could assume that this may hint toward an organic armor.

Either way, a poster of this image will be given out for free next weekend.

Iron Man 3 is set to hit theaters on May 3, 2013.