Moviegoers are finally getting an opportunity to tap into the serial, soap operatic nature of superhero comic book fandom these days, especially as Marvel Studios continues its regular rollout of information on its upcoming film and TV projects.

Today, the next major phase of the Marvel Film Universe gets underway with the release of the trailer for "Iron Man 3" which you can watch on Apple's Web site or on one of the players below.

Via Apple:

Via You Tube:

The trailer comes on the heels of yesterday's release of images and news on the feature from Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.

While "Iron Man "3 is loosely based on the 2005-2006 "Extremis" story arc by Warren Ellis and Adi Granov, it's clear that the movie makers are shaping the story of Tony Stark building up his armor capabilities alongside the U.S. military's attempts to replicate the Super-Soldier Serum to fit in with the long term plans for Marvel movies.

Aside from the reveal of the villainous Mandarin (played by Sir Ben Kingsley), the trailer also revs up plans for more armor and more intrigue as story points work in to build to "Avengers 2."

Directed by Shane Black from a script he co-wrote with Drew Pearce, "Iron Man 3" opens May 3, 2013 and stars returning cast members Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Jon Favreau, joined by Guy Pearce, Ben Kingsley, Rebecca Hall, James Badge Dale and Ashley Hamilton.

Let us know what you thought of the trailer on the CBR Forums.