Tags
Biohack Ninjas, Brian Michael Bendis, Colonel Rhodes, Frank Martin, Invincible Iron Man, Invincible Iron Man #6, Iron Man, Madame Masque, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, Mike Deodato, The War Machines, Tokyo, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowles, Victor Von Doom
Invincible Iron Man #6
Review by Paul Bowler
Invincible Iron Man #6 marks the start of a brand new story line: The War Machines. There’s something afoot in Stark’s global organization, Tony Stark must investigate Madame Masque’s recent spate of worldwide thefts, and establish the connection with the Biohack Ninjas that were following her. Iron Man and War Machine will soon face a deadly new threat, and we get our first hint at some of the major developments ahead for the Marvel Universe!
Marvel’s new Invincible Iron Man title has already seem the debut of Tony Stark’s new shape-changing Iron Man armor with its advanced AI, Friday, as well as an unlikely team-up with a reformed Victor Von Doom to defeat the demonically possessed Madame Masque, and the introduction of Mary Jane Watson into Tony’s life. Now a new chapter begins; one that holds some big game-changing developments for Iron Man!
Invincible Iron Man #6 kicks off The War Machines story arc with Tony’s ongoing investigating into Madame Masque’s break in at the Star Tower in Japan, where it seems the security footage has been inexplicably compromised. However, Tony is in the middle of a very important… project at the moment, so it’s up to Rhodey to be his eyes and ears in the field in Tokyo. As Tony’s relationship with biochemical biologist Amara Perera continues to blossom in the States with breakfast, and waffles at a Diner, a former Alexandre Drumas-style mask-wearing super-villain interrupts to address some potential demonic loose ends concerning Madame Masque, and Colonel Rhodes goes all 007 in Tokyo as he investigates an underground nightclub.
Brian Michael Bendis establishes several new plot lines here while bunching together numerous elements from the first five issues, entwining everything into an intriguing new direction for the series. Each scene that is steeped in mystery is nicely counterbalanced by the lighter, more humorous moments that Bendis always orchestrates so well. Tony’s new relationship with Amara is also developing well, there are some great scenes between them, and we also lean that her research into Alzheimer’s disease has already had extremely promising results. The scenes in the Diner are another big highlight of the issue, especially when their breakfast is unexpectedly interrupted. It’s always fun to see Tony and Rhodey working together, the banter between them is brilliant, and I like how Tony’s AI Friday can also be shared with the War Machine armor.
The War Machines story line also brings the addition of a new artist, Mike Deodato, and colorist Frank Martin, who now join writer Brian Michael Bendis on this title. Mike Deodato has worked with Brian Michael Bendis many times before, and they make a great team for Invincible Iron Man. Brian Michael Bendis intuitively builds the characters and entwines their story arcs, which in turn plays to Mike Deodato’s strengths as an artist, and together they ensure the momentum of the plot gradually unfolds at a natural pace before we get the payoff with some truly epic pages of intense action!
Mike Deodato’s art is excellent throughout, from the gleaming skyline of Tokyo, to the more down to earth scenes in the Diner, and the shadowy world of the underground club, every page encapsulates the mood and pace of the story perfectly, and the atmospheric colors by Frank Martin are stunning! The expressions of the characters are also superb, their emotions are effortlessly conveyed, and Deodato’s take on the War Machine armor is also very impressive.
Although Tony and Rhodey don’t actually use their armor suits all that much over the course of this issue of Invincible Iron Man, their suits are never far from the action, especially in Tony’s case, but when War Machine does swoop into action its all breathtaking high-flying stuff; and it all builds to a highly unexpected ending that could make you lose your head with excitement over the wait to see what happens next issue!
Invincible Iron Man #6 quickly establishes the new story line, events move at a slightly slower pace initially, which really allows the characters to shine, and the cliff-hanger ending is one of the best so far in this new Marvel series. With the assured writing of Brian Michael Bendis this title continues to go from strength to strength, and together with the addition of Mike Deodato striking artwork, it not only makes this issue of Invincible Iron Man a perfect jumping on point for new readers, but an absolute must have for fans of shell-head’s adventures too!
Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: Mike Deodato
Color Artist: Frank Martin / Letterer & Production VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover Artists Mike Deodato & Frank Martin
Sci-Fi Jubilee 
I can’t believe how much I have been loving this book. 🙂
Me too, Invincible Iron Man has got off to a great start, and this new story line looks really exciting as well. Its quickly becoming one of my favourite Marvel titles 🙂
This sounds like a great storyline to pick up the comics with! Set in Japan, and Von Doom in play…. 😀 Works perfect for me!
Yes, this is a great issue of Invincible Iron Man, and a good one to get into the storyline with. I really like the story and art as well, and the scenes in Japan look stunning 🙂
Great review as always Paul. This, issue whilst a little dialogue heavy (they can’t all be all-out action to be fair) sets up the ‘War Machines’ arc nicely. It’s a shame Marquez has left to do Civil War II but I do like Deadato’s art and hope he sticks around if Marquez doesn’t return.
Thank you! I thought this was a really good start to the War Machines arc as well. There was a lot going on in this issue, and has some great moments of characterization as well. I like Deadato’s artwork as well, especially his take on the War Machine armor. Can’t wait to see more next issue 🙂
Absolutely, and looking forward to International Iron Man launching next month!
Me too, can’t wait to read International Iron Man as well!
so behind….ugh. may have to trade wait on this one.
The new War Machines story arc has gotten off to a great start. Even if you’ve missed the early issue in this new series, this is a great jumping on point. Either way, its certainly a title I’d recommend, the story is very exciting and the art is fantastic! 🙂
good to know. thanks!
You’re welcome, hope you enjoy reading it when you get a chance. Its great to see iron Man and War Machine in the same story 🙂