Infamous Iron Man Review

Tags

Alex Maleev, Brian Michael Bendis, Doctor Doom, Infamous Iron Man, Infamous Iron Man #1, Invamous Iron Man #1 review, Iron Man, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Matt Hollingsworth, Tony Stark, Victor Von Doom

Infamous Iron Man #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Marvel’s bold Marvel Now iteration brings us Infamous Iron Man #1, the brand new ongoing series from the acclaimed Eisner Award winning team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev. Yes, there’s a new Iron Man, and his name is… Victor Von Doom! That’s right, Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s greatest villains, has decided to become something new, and to do that he must succeed where Tony Stark failed. But is there more to Doom’s plans, is he really a reformed character, and how will the world react to this new, infamous hero?

Ever since Victor Von Doom started turning up unannounced in Tony Stark’s life during the previous volume of Invincible Iron Man, the tumultuous events of Civil War II have had major consequences for Stark, and now Doom’s mysterious plan continues as he strives to reach even greater heights of power as Iron Man – but for what end?

Infamous Iron Man #1 starts off with a flashback to a shadow meeting of the dark Cabal fronted by Doom, and it’s a scene in which writer Brian Michael Bendis skilfully eschews the narrative via Doom’s POV, offering us an insightful glimpse into Victor’s inner motivations as Bendis seamlessly entwines the new status quo post Civil War II with the intriguing premise of this new series.

From there we are given a taste of the sublime blend of science, sorcery, and dry wit that will no doubt become the hallmark of this series as Victor’s character works towards assuming the mantle of Iron Man. Victor spends most of this issue keeping us, and everyone around him, unsure of his true motives, even when he performs good deeds, such as rescuing a high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D operative with contemptuous ease from a former adversary, we are left with no doubt that Doom’s actions are still firmly in his own best interests. Its this mix of uncertainty and deceptive charm that makes Victor such a compelling and complex character, the brief interlude with Stark’s former girlfriend, Doctor Amara Perera, is also of note, as it offers some tantalizing snippets about what’s happened to Tony Stark and foreshadows Victor’s interested in Amara and her work.

Alex Maleev’s artwork perfectly encapsulates the mood and tone of Infamous Iron Man, right from the first page we experience the Doom of old, before the scene shifts dramatically into the rescue mission, and it is here that Maleev really excels in these dark shadowy moments as we see Victor confront and beat down a villain with a calculated use of technology and magic. The colors by Matt Hollingsworth bring accentuated flourishes and tone to every moment, picking out striking hues of light and energy that punctuates the darkness. The scenes with Amara and Victor in the University of Cambridge seem bright and breezy by comparison, there’s an ever-loving-blue-eyed special guest appearance to watch out for, and Maleev and Hollingsworth engineer a classy build up to the inevitable moment when Doom finally gets to suit up as Iron Man.

Brian Michael Bendis keeps us guessing almost until the end of Infamous Iron Man #1 before we begin to get more insight into what has happened to Tony Stark, it’s cleverly done too, and turns out to be something that bizarrely manages to be both expected and unexpected all at the same time. If anything, the scenes that lead up to Victor donning his Iron Man armor feels almost underplayed to deliberately keep us on the back foot.

Infamous by name and infamous by nature, as first issues go, Infamous Iron Man #1 gets everything off to a good enough start. I guess maybe I was just expecting Doom’s debut as the Infamous Iron Man to be a little more exciting than it actually turned out to be. Still, that killer surprise ending certainly puts a whole new spin on things, offering up lot of potential, and hopefully the series can be infamous enough to live up to it.

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Art: Alex Maleev / Colors: Matt Hollingsworth

Letterer and Production: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover by: Alex Maleev

Follow @paul_bowler

Advertisements

Invincible Iron Man #14 Review

Tags

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

Follow @paul_bowler

Invincible Iron Man #13 Review

Tags

Brian Michael Bendis, Civil War 2, Colonel Rhodes, comics, Frank Martin, Infamous Iron Man, Inhumans, Invincible Iron Man #13, Invincible Iron Man #13 review, Iron Man, 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 #13

Review by Paul Bowler

The end of an era draws nigh in Invincible Iron Man #13 as the ramifications of Civil War II begin to impact drastically on Tony Stark’s life. Rhodey’s death has increased Tony’s rancour with Carol Danvers and the Inhumans over the precognitive new Inhuman called Ulysses. Now recent events have left Stark Tower in ruins. However, the sudden arrival of reformed super-villain Victor Von Doom with an offer to show Stark what to do next could change everything, but will this spell the end of Tony’s company and Iron Man as we know it?

When it comes to a Civil War II tie-in, writer Brian Michael Bendis certainly delivers the goods in spades with Invincible Iron Man #13 as the fallout from the destruction of Stark Tower begins to settle over the Marvel Universe. After Victor Von Doom suddenly turned up to whisk Stark halfway across the world yet again, Tony finally gets to try and apologize to Amara for faking his own death, but it a reunion fraught with tension and hurtful asides that cannot be unsaid.

This is a powerful, moving, and often deeply emotional issue at times, as Brian Michael Bendis gives us a stark portrayal of Tony as he finally addresses his grief over Rhodey’s death head on. Viewing Colonel Carol Danvers worldwide broadcast on behalf of the Ultimates, where she deftly skates around the details of her new peacekeeping campaign to prevent disasters before they happen, only serves to fuel Tony’s simmering mistrust and rage even further.

The artwork by Mike Dedato is as beautifully rich and detailed as ever. Each scene flows seamlessly into the next, with smooth, refined page layouts that complement the narrative pace of Bendis’ story perfectly. From Tony and Amara’s frosty reunion, the flashback to the moment Tony went to see Rhodey’s body after he died is skilfully interspaced with events in the present as he views Carol’s broadcast to the world. The blend of raw emotions, spanning Tony’s heartrending grief, anger, and unwavering conviction, are all sublimely portrayed here by Dedato, and it all culminates in one little panel of silence tucked away in the corner of a page that conveys more than any words could say.

The tones and hues color Artist Frank Martin uses throughout this issue are utterly superb, from the shimmering amber shades of Carol Danvers broadcast, the vivid grandeur of Rhodey‘s memorial service is masterfully juxtaposed with the gloomy scenes in Tony‘s lab, along with Mary Jane’s brief, yet poignant appearance, and the flashbacks featuring Tony and Rhodey are a wonderful example of how story, art, and color can combine to produce a sublime fusion of emotion and nostalgia in the most moving way imaginable.

Ever since this volume of Invincible Iron Man began, the reformed Victor Von Doom has gone out of his way to become part of Tony’s life, usually appearing at moments that allow Victor to capitalize on or influence a given situation. While Victor’s motives remain unclear, this issue makes significant inroads towards the reasons for Victor’s uninvited appearances, and this time it wont be something that he can simply just walk away from either.

Invincible Iron Man #13 is another strong tie-in issue with Civil War II. Although its light on Iron Man action insofar as Civil War II is concerned, this issue is really more about Tony’s and Rhodey’s friendship, and the flashbacks of them in action as Iron Man and War Machine is one of the undoubted highlight of the issue, and it all rounds off with an unexpected face off that is sure to leave someone with some serious explaining to do. Invincible Iron Man #13 is another terrific issue from Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato, with its powerful storyline and striking artwork; this is an engrossing issue that works on every level.

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 #12 Review

Tags

Brian Michael Bendis, Civil War 2, Colonel Rhodes, comics, Frank Martin, Infamous Iron Man, Inhumans, Invincible Iron Man #12, Invincible Iron Man #12 review, Iron Man, 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 #12

Review by Paul Bowler

The biggest upheaval in Iron Man’s history begins in Invincible Iron Man #12 as the events of Civil War II start to tear Tony Stark’s world apart. This issue is a major Civil War II tie-in, divisions have formed, and concerns are mounting that Tony is about to go to war with Captain Marvel because of the precognitive Inhuman known as Ulysses! But Tony’s role as Iron Man and the fate of his company will soon hang in the balance, and what has Doctor Doom been planning as all-out Civil War strikes the Marvel Universe?

From the moment you see this issue ominous looking cover by Mike Deodato, featuring a dark figure with an arc reactor stood atop a pile of rubble strewn with the Stark logo, it’s clear that some major upheaval is waiting in the wings for Tony Stark. With the recent announcements from Marvel that 15 year-old MIT student Riri Williams is all set to become the new Invincible Iron Man post Civil War II and that Victor Von Doom will also become the Infamous Iron Man, Tony Stark will soon be replaced by two brand new Iron Men!

The build up to these sweeping changers starts here in Invincible Iron Man #12, as writer Brian Michael Bendis kicks everything off with some pretty cataclysmic developments over at Stark Tower. From here we flashback to a press conference held weeks ago in the same aforementioned building, where Tony Stark apologized to his investors and employees for faking his death so that he could assist S.H.I.E.L.D and the Avengers with the international terrorist threat poised by Techno Golem Tomoe and her biohack ninjas in Japan.

I love the way that Bendis handles the scenes where Tony confronts his board of investors. The dialogue is witty and sharp, some major home truths are aired on both sides, but even with MJ and his AI Friday to back him up, it’s clear the board isn’t going to let this one go without a fight. Mary Jane Watson and Friday also make a great team here, and they certainly keep Tony on his toes! If all that wasn’t enough, Tony also has some making up to do with new love interest Amara as well, something which proves far more elusive to resolve than expected.

Mike Dedato’s brilliant artwork skilfully conveys the emotional depth and narrative of this tautly scripted issue. His work on Invincible Iron Man continues to play to Bendis’ strengths as a writer. This issue features some gorgeously detailed page layouts: the apocalyptic opening scenes amidst the swirling rubble and dust are hauntingly powerful, the press conference and scenes in the lab flow with seamless precision, our first glimpse of Riri Williams home life with her mother in Chicago are another big highlight of the issue, and the raw emotional roller coaster ride of scenes which later follow as Stark’s world begins to come tumbling down around him are magnificently depicted. Color Artist Frank Martin once again excels, velvety earthy tones and dusty greys dominate the early scenes, while the use of dusky shadows and refined hues delicately accentuate the diverse range of emotional beats of that make this issue such a compelling read.

That wonderful first meeting between Riri, her mother, and Tony is certainly a defining moment for everyone involved. It’s great to finally learn more about this 15 year old genius M.I.T student, her mother certainly seems a force to be reckoned with as well, and we also discover something rather poignant about Riri’s name too.

Invincible Iron Man #12 finishes where it begins. It is here that we actually witness the most powerful scenes, as Tony addresses Rhodey’s death – which tragically happened in Civil War II #1 – and his thoughts about Carol Danvers and the Inhumans are revealed to a somewhat shell-shocked audience amidst the ruins of his life – and it is in these moving scenes that Brian Michael Bendis’ stellar writing will leave you hanging on Tony’s every word.

This run on Invincible Iron Man by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato reaches even greater heights with this issue. While it might be light on actual Iron Man action, the drama, suspense, and impeccable characterization are elevated to a whole new level with this Civil War II tie-in, and the cliff-hanger ending looks like it has the potential to be a real game-changer for the series. Invincible Iron Man #12 branches out into the wider arc of Civil War II with assured confidence and paves the way for even bigger events to come!

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

Invincible Iron Man #2 Review

Tags

Brian Michael Bendis, comics, David Marquez, Invincible Iron Man #2, Invincible Iron Man #2 Review, Iron Man, Justin Ponsor, Madame Masque, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Tony Stark, Victor Von Doom

Invincible Iron Man #2

Review by Paul Bowler

Invincible Iron Man #2 continues this new Marvel series, spinning out from the pages of Secret Wars, this brand new era finds Tony Stark’s life taking a whole new direction, there’s new armor, new supporting characters, and some old enemies to face as well. Following Madame Masque’s raid on Castle Doom, Iron Man travels to Latveria to investigate her criminal activities, where Tony must confront the return of his old nemesis Doctor Doom, aka Victor Von Doom – his face now miraculously restored to normal…

This new Iron Man series, written by Brian Michael Bendis, with art by David Marquez, and colors by Justin Ponsor, has already introduced Tony’s new shape-changing suit of armor, which combines all the different modes and models into one new sleek, streamlined design, and there’s a new computerised female AI system called Friday to keep his life on track. The question of who are Tony’s biological parents remains, Tony even found time to go on a date with biochemical engineer Amara Perera. Now in Invincible Iron Man #2 Tony confronts the former ruler of Latveria himself, Victor Von Doom, but this new, calm, collected, and suited and booted version also has a few magical tricks up his sleeve, and his face now all better as well.

Brian Michael Bendis engineers some terrific scenes here between Tony and Victor Von Doom, their exchanges are barbed with mistrust and sly undercurrents of humour, and it makes for some highly charged moments as they descend into the castle. Madame Masque’s plan, to steal a highly-prized mystical artefact from the castle begins to take on a whole new perspective, especially when Victor Von Doom reveals what it is that she’s actually taken, but rebel factions are closing in on the castle and before we know it the wave of a magic finger sends us off on an entirely different tangent. Bendis manages to weave these plot strands together perfectly, gradually allowing the mystery of Madame Masque’s recent spate of activities to unfold, while staging a brilliant face-off between Tony Stark and Victor Von Doom that positively crackles with tension and suspicion on both sides – but has Doom really turned over a new leaf?

The stunning clarity of David Marquez’s art brings this issue to life in exquisite detail. The panel layouts bring an almost cinematic quality to events, from the initial scenes between Iron Man and Victor in the ruined castle, the drama is enhanced further as technology and magic clash in spectacular fashion. From here we move to the shadowy remains of Doom laboratory, there’s a great collage-like page that beautifully relays Tony’s “history” with Whitney Frost, and Iron Man’s sudden return to the Bronx is a quirky scene that also sneaks in a fun comment about Tony’s new suit. The colors by Justin Ponsor are really sumptuous, brining added clarity to every scene, there are some gorgeous plays with light in the laboratory, and the shape-shifting antics of the new Iron Man suit stylishly gleams with fluid movement and deep shadows between forms.

When this issue catches up with Madame Masque in Montreal she isn’t best pleased about being lied to, after wrapping up her business here with ruthless efficiency, Whitney suddenly gets a surprise visitor… These closing moments are absolutely riveting, perhaps more so because of the emotional context of the situation and relationship between the characters, and the unexpected shock ending is sure to take you by surprise.

Invincible Iron Man #2 is another strong issue in this new series. Actually, the pace of this issue seemed to flow even better than the first, and I really liked seeing the form Tony’s new armor initially took on to face Victor Von Doom. Invincible Iron Man #2 is fast-paced, featuring a great story by Brian Michael Bendis; impressive art by David Marquez, and rich colors by Justin Ponsor, this series is one Marvel’s most impressive new titles, and well worth checking out.

Publisher: Marvel

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Art: David Marquez

Color Artist: Justin Ponsor

VC’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer & Production

Follow @paul_bowler