Invincible Iron Man #11 Review

Tags

Brian Michael Bendis, Civil War 2, Civil War II, Colonel Rhodes, comics, Frank Martin, Invincible Iron Man #11, Invincible Iron Man #11 review, Iron Man, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, Mike Deodato, New Iron Man armor, The Avengers, The Road to Civil War II, The War Machines, Tokyo, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowles, War Machine

Invincible Iron Man #11

Review by Paul Bowler

Civil War II steadily advances in Invincible Iron Man #11, as Tony’s undercover mission in Osaka brings him ever closer to infiltrating the Techno Golem Tomoe’s terrorist cell of biohack ninjas. Meanwhile, as Mary Jane Watson attempts to prevent Tony’s company being taken over by the board of investors, Rhodey has been busy developing an Avenging contingency measure of his own, because Iron Man is going to need his allies more than ever as the storm clouds of Civil War II gather on the horizon of the Marvel Universe.

It all kicks off in Invincible Iron Man #11 as the Road to Civil War II marches inexorably on. Writer Brian Michael Bendis skilfully maintains the fine balance between several key plot threads that have been running parallel to each other over the course of The War Machines story-arc, now everything begins to come together, and the net result is a densely plotted issue where the drama, characterization, and action fuse seamlessly as one.

Beginning with a power walk of investors storming into Stark Headquarters to wrest control from Tony’s AI, Friday, they plan to use the criminal, Ghost, to beak into Stark’s lab and gain access to the servers. Fortunately, Friday also has an ace up her digital sleeve, namely, Mary Jane Watson, and the way MJ and Friday collectively defuse the situation with the board of directors is absolutely priceless. Events also took a startling turn last issue when Richard Franco (Tony) finally met Tomoe, and discovered she was an Inhuman with the ability to control live technology. Tony may have elaborately faked his own death to gain access to Tomoe’s organization (by utilizing some nifty facial disguise software to become Ex-S.H.I.E.L.D agent Richard Franco ), but Rhodey, S.H.I.E.LD, and the all-new all-different Avengers have formed a plan of their own – the only question is will they be going to Japan to rescue Tony Stark or to avenge him?

Engaging characterization, though-provoking dialogue, and big action set-pieces are the order of the day in Invincible Iron Man #11, as Brian Michael Bendis interspaces the narrative with some wonderfully crafted moments: primarily a clandestine meeting between Tony and Rhodey where not everything is quite as it seems, and there’s even an interlude with new armored superhero, Riri Williams, as she makes her first foray into being a superhero.

The artwork by Mike Deodato during this story-arc has been astonishingly good; indeed, Invincible Iron Man #11 is arguably one of Deodato’s finest issues on the series so far. Mike Deodato and Brian Michael Bendis make a fantastic team, Deodato intuitively bring every nuance of Bendis’ exemplary storytelling and characterization to life on the page. From the moment that Mary Jane makes that head-turning entrance in the lab, she proves what a worthy addition her character is to this series’ terrific ensemble cast. Likewise, Deodato ramps us the tension with glorious views from Tomoe’s penthouse in Osaka, as the Techno Golem and her trusted right-hand-lady, Zhane, realize that their organizations closely guarded anonymity has been compromised. Frank Martin’s colors are another big highlight of the issue, with sumptuous tones and shades heightening the atmosphere of key scenes, before exploding into vivid hues when the bombastic action kicks into overdrive as War Machine, S.H.I.E.L.D and the Avengers enter the fray.

Invincible Iron Man #11 rapidly builds towards a rousing final act, however, Tony’s undercover identity still has an important role to play, and the powerful coda certainly gives us plenty to ponder over in the final moments. Now that Civil War II is well under way, there are some events during this issue – and indeed throughout the entire arc – which now seem far more poignant and insightful in hindsight given the events of Civil War II #1.

After all the build up and mystery surrounding Tomoe and the biohack ninjas, Invincible Iron Man #11 does feel a little like its racing towards the finish line to catch up with Civil War II, but that’s only a minor quibble, and the conclusion actually proves as equally satisfying is it is ambiguous. Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato have done an amazing job with this issue, The War Machines and Road to Civil War has been a terrific Invincible Iron Man storyline, now everything is set for the next issue, and the first of the Civil War II tie-ins!

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

Follow @paul_bowler

Invincible Iron Man #10 Review

Tags

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

Follow @paul_bowler

Invincible Iron Man #7 Review

Tags

Brian Michael Bendis, Colonel Rhodes, comics, Frank Martin, Invincible Iron Man #7, Iron Man, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, Mike Deodato, ninjas, The War Machines, The War Machines Part 2, Tokyo, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowles, War Machine

Invincible Iron Man #7

Review by Paul Bowler

Tony Stark deals with the global affairs of his company and War Machine confronts Biohack Ninjas in Tokyo in Invincible Iron Man #7: The War Machines Part 2, as a new threat to the Marvel Universe begins to emerge. Calling on some unexpected assistance from Spider-Man, Iron Man and War Machine must prepare to face a deadly new menace!

Invincible Iron Man #7 continues The War Machines story arc where Tony Stark is already late for a very important meeting. When it becomes clear that Rhodey is missing in Japan, Tony’s armors AI, Friday, is soon on the case, and together with some concise observations and suggestions form new assistant Mary Jane Watson, Tony finds himself calling on an unlikely ally for assistance – Spider-Man! Meanwhile in Japan, Colonel Rhodes is up to his neck in trouble as War Machine after being captured by the Biohack Ninjas.

Brian Michael Bendis cuts right to the chase during second part of The War Machines saga, particularly when it comes to some pretty major issues for Tony Stark and his company. Indeed, the addition of Mary Jane Watson to this series is already proving an inspired move. MJ’s meeting with Tony to discuss her new role at his company is a prime example, she’s also clearly done her homework, puts loyalty to the “sisterhood” before anything else, and its clear right from the outset that Mary Jane is going to be no pushover when it comes to dealing with the eccentricities of Stark‘s way of thinking and shaking up the status-quo.

The characterization and plotting Brian Michael Bendis employs in this issue is superb. His handle on the characters is pitch perfect, the opening scenes alone between Tony, MJ, and Friday, are a sublime mix story and exposition which finely balances the overarching narrative with the action unfolding in Tokyo with War Machine. It’s also great to see Spider-Man in this issue as well. I guess it was inevitable that Tony Stark’s path would eventually cross Peter Parker’s and Parker Industries at some point, especially now they both move in the same business circles. This really allows Bendis to capitalizes on the interesting dynamic already evolving between Tony and MJ, particularly as he doesn’t know everything about her connection to Spider-Man / Peter Parker. I also really liked the scenes where Tony is surprised to learn that Mary Jane has Peter Parker’s emergency number!

The series’ new artist Mike Deodato and colorist Frank Martin continue to make their mark on this title. The impressive décor at Stark gives way to the technological splendour of Tony’s lab / workshop, as Deodato relays Tony’s and MJ’s meeting across a spread of numerous panels; which collectively forms collage-like page layouts of interlocking imagery that seamlessly blends dialogue and movement to hit every emotional mark to perfection. Mike Deodato and Brian Michael Bendis are a brilliant team for Invincible Iron Man, they instinctively know what makes the story and visual work in unison, and the results here are stunning.

Along with his impressive take on both the Iron Man and War Machine armors, Mike Deodato, to coin a phrase, also draws an amazing Spider-Man, and the sight of our friendly neighboured / globetrotting web-spinner set against the gleaming Tokyo skyline at night is absolutely breathtaking. Frank Martin’s colors also really come into their own in this issue, with the soft tones and hues inside Stark’s building giving way to the shadows and glowing instrumentation in the lab, while a subtle noir tone permeates Spidey’s web-swinging across Tokyo, and the ominous gloom of War Machines predicament feels genuinely menacing.

The humour in the issue of Invincible Iron Man is sure to raise many a wry smile or two. Bendis cleverly eschews what was once a very familiar Iron Man trope as Tony sidesteps his green-eyed animosity towards Peter Parker to get his number from MJ, so he in turn can ask Peter to get his “bodyguard” Spider-Man to begin looking for Rhodey while Tony suits up jets over to Tokyo himself. Indeed, Tony’s jibes about his father, real or otherwise, along with Peter’s phone number, and the tracking device in Rhodey’s armor are all key instances that highlight what make this Marvel series and its characters feel so real and the plot so enjoyable.

While the majority of this issue focuses on Tony and Mary Jane, and Spider-Man‘s brief cameo, when we do catch up with War Machine it seems that Rhodey might’ve underestimated the Biohack Ninjas technical capabilities! Invincible Iron Man #7 builds towards a thrilling climax, with Rhodey facing terrible danger, Iron Man flying to the rescue, and at a certain Institute of Technology; someone is busy burning the might night oil…

Invincible Iron Man #7 might be a little light on actual Iron Man action, but the time is well spent developing the new story arc and the relationships between the characters, and it all races towards a triple-edge cliff-hanger of sorts that hones the plots momentum enough to keep up eagerly awaiting the next issue to see how everything is going to knit together. With the excellent writing of Brian Michael Bendis continuing to impress on every level, combined with the superb artwork by Mike Deodato, the high quality of Invincible Iron Man #7 is a sure fire indication that Iron Man’s adventures and The War Machines story line looks set to be one hell of an exciting ride!

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

Follow @paul_bowler

Invincible Iron Man #6 Review

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

Follow @paul_bowler

 

Invincible Iron Man #5 Review

Tags

Alex Maleev, Brian Michael Bendis, comics, David Marquez, Doctor Doom, Invincible Iron Man #5, Invincible Iron Man #5 Review, Iron Man, Justin Ponsor, Madame Masque, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, The War Machines, Tony Stark, Victor Von Doom

Invincible Iron Man #5

Review by Paul Bowler

Marvel’s new Iron Man series, written by Brian Michael Bendis, with art by David Marquez, and colors by Justin Ponsor, has ushered in a new era for Tony Stark’s life, and a brand new shape-changing suit of armor with a super efficient new A.I called Friday.

Now the first big story arc concludes in Invincible Iron Man #5, as Madame Masque’s spate of world-wide thefts of magical artefacts concludes in a showdown with Iron Man and Victor Von Doom – the former ruler of Latveria now sporting a sharp suited new look, and his face also restored – in Chicago at the new Jackpot nightclub owned by Mary Jane Watson!

Brian Michael Bendis gathers all the plot threads of the first arc together in this action packed issue as Iron Man and Victor Von Doom confront Madame Masque in Chicago on the opening night of Mary Jane’s new nightclub. The battle is fast and frenetic. This team-up between Iron Man and Doom brings a unique blend of technology and magic to the fight as they square off again Whitney, who is now possessed by demonic forces, and even Mary Jane gets to play a crucial role at a critical turning point in the showdown.

The art by David Marquez is excellent throughout, its bold, the all-out-action unfolds across the dynamic page layouts with blistering speed, and the intensity of the technology and magical energies involved is exquisitely realised by color artist Justin Ponsor. The attention to detail is staggering, especially when things go all Exorcist on us, and the resolution also has a great “facial hair bros” coda as well. Perhaps most surprisingly of all this issue is how well Tony and Victor work together as a team, and it would seem the one time ruler of Latveria may indeed be about to turn over a new leaf, I guess we shall have to wait and see.

Invincible Iron Man #5 brings the first story arc to a close in fine style. I really like the new direction this series is taking, Bendis has done a great job establishing the new status-quo and Iron Man armor, there’s even a job opportunity for Mary Jane, now that will be interesting, and the closing moments set us on course for more action-packed adventures – especially with the all-new story arc The War Machines set to begin next issue!

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: David Marquez /Color Artist: Justin Ponsor

VC’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer & Production / Cover Artists David Marquez & Justin Ponsor

Follow @paul_bowler