Post by goldenfist on Aug 7, 2008 7:35:11 GMT -5
Ign.com reviews Invincible Iron Man #4.
With the announcement that the well-loved but under the radar Iron Man: Director Of S.H.I.E.L.D. is being turned into a War Machine book post-Secret Invasion, Matt Fraction's Invincible Iron Man is poised to take on the responsibility of being the only Shellhead ongoing in a few months' time. If this issue blend of the various aspects of Tony Stark's life is any indication, however, fans have little to worry about.
It's a little ironic that the book's new high status heralded its most low-key issue yet. It seems Fraction is taking a breather between Zeke Stane blowing innocent people up, and this issue sees the writer indulging in all the mind-bending technological toys that writing a Tony Stark book allows for (as opposed to, say, writing a Danny Rand book). Along the way, the scenes run the gamut of Tony's personal life, with cameos from Reed Richards, Maria Hill, and naturally Pepper Potts. Depending on how you've felt about Invincible up to this point, you'll either love the relatively mellow change in tone, or find it a slightly awkward break between explosions and high concepts. But either way, it's still a well-written and enjoyable read.
Salvador Larroca's art has always been polarizing on this book, but this is the first time its flaws have lessened the final product for me. As always, Larroca's rendering of the Iron Man suit is awesome, and he draws a fine Tony Stark. But questionable celebrity references have begun to crop up, to the point where they're actually distracting. Brad Pitt for Reed Richards, really? Nicole Kidman for Pepper, really? Jessica Alba for Maria Hill, really? To be honest, I was almost waiting for this issue to be a hoax, where the final pages revealed it was actually an Iron Man movie being filmed or something. Baffling art choices.
Art aside, Invincible Iron Man continues to be a solid read. From the first issue Matt Fraction has demonstrated a mastery over all aspects of being Tony Stark while keeping the pages turning, and the book doesn't seem to show signs of letting up any time soon.
Review Score: 8.3 Impressive
With the announcement that the well-loved but under the radar Iron Man: Director Of S.H.I.E.L.D. is being turned into a War Machine book post-Secret Invasion, Matt Fraction's Invincible Iron Man is poised to take on the responsibility of being the only Shellhead ongoing in a few months' time. If this issue blend of the various aspects of Tony Stark's life is any indication, however, fans have little to worry about.
It's a little ironic that the book's new high status heralded its most low-key issue yet. It seems Fraction is taking a breather between Zeke Stane blowing innocent people up, and this issue sees the writer indulging in all the mind-bending technological toys that writing a Tony Stark book allows for (as opposed to, say, writing a Danny Rand book). Along the way, the scenes run the gamut of Tony's personal life, with cameos from Reed Richards, Maria Hill, and naturally Pepper Potts. Depending on how you've felt about Invincible up to this point, you'll either love the relatively mellow change in tone, or find it a slightly awkward break between explosions and high concepts. But either way, it's still a well-written and enjoyable read.
Salvador Larroca's art has always been polarizing on this book, but this is the first time its flaws have lessened the final product for me. As always, Larroca's rendering of the Iron Man suit is awesome, and he draws a fine Tony Stark. But questionable celebrity references have begun to crop up, to the point where they're actually distracting. Brad Pitt for Reed Richards, really? Nicole Kidman for Pepper, really? Jessica Alba for Maria Hill, really? To be honest, I was almost waiting for this issue to be a hoax, where the final pages revealed it was actually an Iron Man movie being filmed or something. Baffling art choices.
Art aside, Invincible Iron Man continues to be a solid read. From the first issue Matt Fraction has demonstrated a mastery over all aspects of being Tony Stark while keeping the pages turning, and the book doesn't seem to show signs of letting up any time soon.
Review Score: 8.3 Impressive