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Brian Michael Bendis, Civil War 2, Colonel Rhodes, comics, Frank Martin, Infamous Iron Man, Inhumans, Invincible Iron Man #14, Invincible Iron Man #14 review, Iron Man, Ironheart, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, Mike Deodato, New Iron Man armor, Riri Williams, The Avengers, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowles, Victor Von Doom, War Machine
Invincible Iron Man #14
Review by Paul Bowler
Change is in the air in Invincible Iron Man #14 as the dust settles over the recent events of Civil War II, now a young woman, M.I.T student, Riri Williams, must prepare to take over as Iron Man! First though, Tony Stark will have to deal with his own inner turmoil in the wake of Civil War II, before Riri redefines the series as a new direction for Iron Man begins, and it’s going to be unlike anything we’ve seen before…
With the fallout of Rhodey’s death in Civil War II, his failure to make amends with Amara for faking his own death, the destruction of Stark Tower, and with Victor Von Doom doing his level best to become part of Tony Stark’s life over the course of this series, Invincible Iron Man #14 is the culmination of a remarkably intense and trying period in Tony Stark’s life as the Invincible armored Avenger – Iron Man. Though the success of Tony’s wish to find out what Victor Von Doom really wants from him remains somewhat undetermined, Brian Michael Bendis does a terrific job rounding off a number of key plot elements with this issue, deftly juggling the cataclysmic skirmishes of Civil War II whilst simultaneously paving the way for a new era to bring this volume of Invincible Iron Man to a close with a fittingly dramatic and exciting finale.
Indeed, there’s a lot of ground to cover, and some of Invincible Iron Man #14’s most poignant scenes come as Tony and Mary Jane discuss the future in the light of recent events. Tony’s clash with Carol Danvers over the Inhumans and the precognitive Inhuman called Ulysses in Civil War II – by using him to predict and counteract future dangers before they occur – has caused bitter divisions throughout the Marvel Universe. Tony now clearly feels that his demons in a bottle have found some new triggers, and with the future calling – quite literally – he needs to seek out an open meeting to work things out – a fact which is made all the more ironic as Stark is now effectively Carol Danvers sponsor.
It is at this very same open meeting that Tony finds himself faced with some especially pertinent contemporary themes. Bendis skilfully weaves these powerful issues into the narrative of Tony’s current situation, uncannily resonating with and eclipsing his experiences on every level, and in many instances making Civil War II pale into insignificance by comparison.
Ironically Tony’s wish to avoid Carol Danvers proves to be the catalyst that ultimately forces them to confront their different viewpoint head on. These scenes form the basis of this remarkable character driven issue as Tony and Carol address what it is they are really fighting for, what they believe in, Rhodey’s death, and of course Banner’s shocking demise. Some uncomfortable home truths are finally aired; where neither party likes or is really surprised by what they hear, and it’s clear that neither of them is going to back down.
Mike Deodato produces an outstanding issue with artwork that will effortlessly immerse you in the heart of the drama. From the opening collage of media reports overlaying the sombre setting of Stark’s lab, Deodato forges an intense, emotionally charged atmosphere as events unfold across compact and impressively detailed page-layouts. It’s this precise, almost casual simplicity, which makes the issue works so well and gets right in your face – so to speak. The expressions of all the characters are beautifully rendered and you will be hanging on their every word. Color artist Frank Martin’s subtle use of tone and shade also works in perfect harmony with Deodato’s art; matching every emotional beat of Bendis’ script to absolute perfection.
Tony’s final scenes in this issue is the sum total of what this arc has been building towards since the beginning, its marvellous how so much is said by saying so little, and the surprise visitor in the coda heralds a game changing development… I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this volume of Invincible Iron Man. In some ways it’s shame it has to and end as Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato have been such a great team. From the War Machines arc, to the Road to Civil War II, and these recent Civil War II tie-in’s, Bendis and Deodato have done exceptional work with this series and Tony’s character, and their run ends by setting up a very exciting future.
Invincible Iron Man #14 is a brilliant, emotional, and powerfully themed issue. It may mark the end of this run of Invincible Iron Man, with Civil War II and Tony‘s whereabouts still to be resolved, but with Brian Michael Bendis and Stefano Caselli charting Riri Williams adventures as Ironheart in Invincible Iron Man #1, and Bendis reuniting with Alex Maleeve to bring us Doom’s story over in Infamous Iron Man #1, the saga of Iron Man is about to enter a bold new era and I‘m extremely excited for what the future will bring.
Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: Mike Deodato
Color Artist: Frank Martin / VC’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer & Production
Cover Artists Dale Keown & Jason Keith
Sci-Fi Jubilee 
This sounds like a much deeper issue than the main event itself.
I’ve really enjoyed this run of Invincible Iron Man, I think its also been the strongest of the Civil War II tie-in’s as well.
I’ve enjoyed Invincible as well. Nice job not spoiling anything. Excited for what’s next
I think Invincible Iron Man has been constantly good, really enjoyed this run. Glad you enjoyed the review. Looking forward to what’s in store next for Iron Man.
I really liked this issue. Bendis always seems to do his best work when he focuses upon a single hero rather than a team. His Guardians work is a mess and his X-books were okay, but mostly lacklustre. His Iron Man books on the other hand are fantastic. Great review of a great book!
I agree, I think Bendis has done some of his best work on this volume of Invincible Iron Man. The characterization and plot has been excellent, great art work by Mike Deodato as well. Cheers, glad you enjoyed the review 🙂
While I haven’t read this issue, we’ve collectively been following Civil War II – firmly in Camp Iron Man. (Let’s just say that I’m not a very big fan of Carol Danvers right now.) I like how you took us (as the reader of your review) from the beginning of the current Iron Man series all the way up to the current issue. The best part? You created enough excitement for me to want to know who was in that final scene…enough to go buy the book. Kudos!
I’ve been following Civil War II as well, I think Iron Man has certainly been one of the strongest tie-in titles. I’m team Iron Man as well. Thank you, glad you enjoyed the review. I have fun writing them and try and cover lots of point – but not give too much away. That’s a very nice complement as well, thank you 🙂
You’re very welcome!
Thank you 🙂
Agreed Paul, this was a great finish to Bendis’ first Iron Man arc. I’m looking forward to seeing Riri Williams in action (although I still feel they should have continued the numbering instead of going back to #1 again) and I’m particularly excited about Infamous Iron Man with Von Doom. It’ll also be interesting to see how those titles play out to begin with given the delays on Civil War II.
In the end though, I hope Tony gets back in the game not too far down the line.
Yes, this run of Invincible Iron Man has been exceptionally good – fantastic writing from Bendis. Excited to see Riri taking over as Ironheart as well, sure it’ll be a great relaunch. Victor Von Doom is sure to make a big impact as the Infamous Iron Man, can’t wait to read that! Its a shame the end of Civil War II has been delayed, but I’m confident it will be well worth the wait. Hope Tony is still around in some role afterwards, or returns soon at some point as well. We will have to wait and see. Cheers for commenting and glad you enjoyed the review 🙂
Chris, interesting that you mentioned the numbering. That is one of of my biggest concerns – the idea that you don’t have comics as a singular series anymore, but – rather – you have the Volume 1, 2, 3, etc. approach.
I agree. There are so many volumes of different titles and characters now that it has got very confusing. It would be better to see a comics book series continue for longer. I wish they’d all revert back to the original numbering, but I doubt that will ever happen now. I can see why Marvel are restarting Iron Man with a new #1 again, but would have been nice for the series just to keep going in its current form and numbering when Riri takes over.
Agreed, especially in this case as Iron Man was only relaunched 12 months ago! Couldn’t Marvel just go back to the ‘point 1’ approach in procuring jumping-on points for new readers?
That would be a good idea. Still, I doubt it’d happen. It just seems to be the trend now to relaunch periodically with a swath on new 1#’s which is a shame as this series was doing so well, it seems unnecessary to do another relaunch really.
Yeah, especially since Riri Williams is going to be Ironheart and not Iron Man…no doubt being reserved for Stark’s eventual return.
Let’s hope so, we shall have to wait and see…