Post by jugglingman on Jun 6, 2008 9:01:29 GMT -4
Fresh on the heels of Iron Man blowing people's minds in the theater comes a brand new Iron Man title (actually there are two but from what I hear the other isn't that great.) The Invincible Iron Man (written by Matt Fraction penciled by Salvador Larroca) competes to win over fans of the movie and get them initiated to the Marvel Universe. Goodness knows there's nothing wrong with that! The more fans the merrier I say. The good news is: If they pick up this book we've got 'em hooked!
The first two issues show Matt in great form. He offers up a very well-rounded reading experience that does not rely solely on action scenes or hooks or any other over-used devices. Not that it's lacking in action. In fact this is fast-paced storytelling. I'm impressed how Fraction writes such a pivotal player in the Marvel U in a straight forward and very accessible way while simultaneously hinting at other interesting layers containing interesting political intrigues and other meaty elements. Not only that, we're already seeing cameos by other major characters in issue #2. So yeah, many aspects of the Iron Man world are given attention but very succinctly so as to not bog down the star of the book, Tony Stark himself.
The art is heavily photo referenced which makes the characters look "real", not cartoon-y. It's not really my thing (I prefer more evocative and sketch-y pencil work) but I have to say it's probably the best choice for the target audience. The page layouts are always appropriate to the scenes. Dynamic without being over-the-top or confusing. It's an easy-to-look-at book. There is also good coloring work, especially on Iron Man's armor. However, I find that everyone's skin looks like it was shrink wrapped which is kind of weird and annoying. Maybe it's just me?
Both covers, and the upcoming ones previewed on the Marvel site seem generic and interchangeable but they are nice to look at and appealing.
Despite my somewhat lukewarm reaction to the art I highly recommend the book. I'm confident this will be a solid title for a good while still. It has a very complex and compelling framework making it a perfect segue from the movie going experience to the world of Marvel comics. Pick up this book and while you're at it pick up an extra copy or two and kick start your friends on comics. They'll thank you for it!
Until next time!