Post by goldenfist on Apr 17, 2008 9:12:53 GMT -5
Here's what Ign.com reviewed on Iron Man #28.
As much as I've been impressed by the direction and execution of Iron Man lately, Charlie and Daniel Knauf still seem able to surprise me now and again with with a real winner of an issue. After reading issue #28, I think the Knaufs have outdone themselves and delivered what is easily the best issue of their entire run so far. In fact, this lone issue rivals anything Ed Brubaker has done on the similarly focused Captain America. With strong political intrigue, a pitch-perfect take on Tony Stark, and some absolutely (and literally) killer art, this is one issue you'd be downright stupid not to check out for yourself.
With this double-sized issue, the Knaufs are forced (either willingly or unwillingly) to wrap up the winding and twisting Mandarin saga that has been built up ever since Civil War. I say forced because the conclusion feels a bit rushed considering the methodical pace of previous arcs. That's about my only complaint with the entire issue, luckily. It's a huge thrill to see Iron Man face off with Mandarin after so many months of build up. Even better is seeing Stark don my favorite classic armor - The Silver Centurion suit. The resulting fight is absolutely beautiful and brutal to behold. Roberto de la Torre turns in the best work of his tenure on the book. Not only is it detailed and intricate, the fluidity of Iron Man and Mandarin's movements is almost like ballet. And then when you see how dirty Iron Man is willing to fight when he gets desperate... yikes.
Rushed conclusion or not, this is an exciting and rewarding finale to a long storyline. We learn the ultimate fate of Jack Kooning, we see a new twist in the tumultuous relationship between Tony and Maya, and we get a real sense that Tony is falling into his role as director of S.H.I.E.L.D. I can only hope Nick Fury's imminent return doesn't mean Tony gets the sack, because it's clear there's much more potential to mine. Even the ending and the ultimate fate of Mandarin rings true.
I've read a lot of comics this week, and I have no qualms in saying that Iron Man #28 is the best of them. I hope that statement is enough to convince more people to run out and buy the trades. With so much focus on Iron Man the superhero this spring, I fear the Knauf's vision of Iron Man as a scientist, a politician, and a darned cool secret agent may be numbered.
Review Score: 9.4 Outstanding
As much as I've been impressed by the direction and execution of Iron Man lately, Charlie and Daniel Knauf still seem able to surprise me now and again with with a real winner of an issue. After reading issue #28, I think the Knaufs have outdone themselves and delivered what is easily the best issue of their entire run so far. In fact, this lone issue rivals anything Ed Brubaker has done on the similarly focused Captain America. With strong political intrigue, a pitch-perfect take on Tony Stark, and some absolutely (and literally) killer art, this is one issue you'd be downright stupid not to check out for yourself.
With this double-sized issue, the Knaufs are forced (either willingly or unwillingly) to wrap up the winding and twisting Mandarin saga that has been built up ever since Civil War. I say forced because the conclusion feels a bit rushed considering the methodical pace of previous arcs. That's about my only complaint with the entire issue, luckily. It's a huge thrill to see Iron Man face off with Mandarin after so many months of build up. Even better is seeing Stark don my favorite classic armor - The Silver Centurion suit. The resulting fight is absolutely beautiful and brutal to behold. Roberto de la Torre turns in the best work of his tenure on the book. Not only is it detailed and intricate, the fluidity of Iron Man and Mandarin's movements is almost like ballet. And then when you see how dirty Iron Man is willing to fight when he gets desperate... yikes.
Rushed conclusion or not, this is an exciting and rewarding finale to a long storyline. We learn the ultimate fate of Jack Kooning, we see a new twist in the tumultuous relationship between Tony and Maya, and we get a real sense that Tony is falling into his role as director of S.H.I.E.L.D. I can only hope Nick Fury's imminent return doesn't mean Tony gets the sack, because it's clear there's much more potential to mine. Even the ending and the ultimate fate of Mandarin rings true.
I've read a lot of comics this week, and I have no qualms in saying that Iron Man #28 is the best of them. I hope that statement is enough to convince more people to run out and buy the trades. With so much focus on Iron Man the superhero this spring, I fear the Knauf's vision of Iron Man as a scientist, a politician, and a darned cool secret agent may be numbered.
Review Score: 9.4 Outstanding