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Brian Michael Bendis, Civil War 2, Colonel Rhodes, comics, Frank Martin, Invincible Iron Man #10, Invincible Iron Man #10 review, Iron Man, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, Mike Deodato, New Iron Man armor, Spider-Man, The War Machines, Tokyo, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowles, War Machine
Invincible Iron Man #10
Review by Paul Bowler
The road to Civil War II continues in Invincible Iron Man #10, with Tony working undercover in Osaka alongside Rhodey to deal with the deadly threat posed by the biohack ninjas, Iron Man needs his allies now more than ever as Civil War ominously encroaches on the horizon of the Marvel Universe. Get ready for an emotional and action-packed issue of Invincible Iron Man as Tony Stark’s world is shaken to the core.
The War Machines story-arc and the Road to Civil War II converge inexorably in Invincible Iron Man #10, as writer Brian Michael Bendis effortlessly builds the suspense, and numerous plot strands are drawn together as Tony’s plan to infiltrate the biohack ninjas led by Techno Golem, Tomoe, enters its next phase. So, when the biohack ninjas come knocking on Mister Richard Franco’s (AKA Tony Stark’s undercover identity recently assumed with the help of some advanced facial disguise software) door in Osaka, it begins to look like Tony might’ve bitten off more than he can chew. Fortunately he‘s got Rhodey to watch his back. Meanwhile, Tony’s A.I, Friday, is managing his company in his absence. But with the board of directors attempting to seize control following news of Stark‘s apparent demise, it now falls to Mary Jane Watson, who recently turned down the job offer to become Tony’s assistant, to make the toughest decision of all.
This is another impressive tightly plotted issue from Brian Michael Bendis. From Tony’s / Franco’s abduction, tinged with hints of colourful language and a hilarious “stinky” mask thrown in just to add insult to injury, the wry humour and banter with Rhodey soon gives way to the brooding menace of Tony’s confrontation with Techno Golem, Tomoe. Its ingenious how Bendis makes the scenes with MJ in New York proved such an equally powerful and poignant contrast with Tony’s mission in Japan, as billboards, a web-swinging cameo, and an unexpected request for help bring MJ to reflect on both her life and career. The AI, Friday, is another character that really shines in this issue, as her role becomes more pivotal than ever.
Mike Deodato’s art work for Invincible Iron continues to impress on every level. With some concise page layouts that are both elegantly structure and packed with detail, the plot unfolds rapidly between Japan and New York, each resonating with the drama and emotional beats of the other in perfect unison. Mike Deodato and Brian Michael Bendis have infused this issue with a mesmerising blend of action and suspense, as story and art fuse seamlessly as one. Gloriously realized two-page spreads punctuate key moment with vivid clarity, as the meeting in Tomoe’s stunning penthouse and a dazzling test of skill and endurance against the biohack ninjas make our jaws hit the floor with the sheer intoxication of their spectacle, while color artist Frank Martin’s exquisite use of tone and shade throughout immerses your imagination in every scene.
The issue juggles a lot of plot threads and delivers just as many revelations as it does unanswered questions. I particularly liked how MJ’s arc is leading the character towards a much stronger role in this series. Mike Deodato and Frank Martin’s fun cover for Invincible Iron Man #10 had me expecting something more frivolous, however, the emotional impact of Mary Jane’s scenes in this issue are handled perfectly, and it is those same quiet, reflective moments – where things remain unspoken and introspective sideways glances melt your heart – which actually reveal far more than words mere could ever hope to describe.
There’s also a brief interlude with new armored superhero, Riri Williams, Tony uncovers a surprising secret about his captors, and Rhodey is standing by jut in case Tony’s plan to infiltrate the techno-terrorists goes pear shaped. Invincible Iron Man #10 is another incredibly strong issue from Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato, with its plethora exciting plot developments, stunning visuals, and awesome surprise final page, this is one issue on the road to Civil War II that you certainly wont want to miss!
Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis /
Art: Mike Deodato / Color Artist: Frank Martin
VC’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer & Production /
Cover Artists Mike Deodato & Frank Martin
