REVIEW: Secret Invasion - 4

So we've hit the halfway point with Secret Invasion. But is it still the roller-coaster ride of previous months? Or is it starting to peter out a little?

***HEFTY SPOILER ALERT***

As you might expect after the cliffhanger ending of issue three (Nick Fury's entrance / Spider-Woman messing with Iron Man's mind) - the action picks up almost immediately, taking a quick moment out to link in some moments from the tie in books (The Sentry fleeing earth, Ms Marvel leaving a Skrull in space, Agent Brand in earth's atmosphere, etc), before throwing us into the heat of the battle in Times Square.

Nick's Commandos start kicking some ass and taking some names, and Phobos helps turn the tide of battle by turning the Skrulls against themselves. Not before Nick Fury blasts Ms Marvel into Skrull territory however.

Back in the Savage Land, Tony is still on the receiving end of Jessica Drew's mind-games, which are doing their job in making him believe that he could be a Skrull. The Black Widow provides a timely intervention in the shape of an injection of adrenaline, but Spider-Woman appears to escape...

Over in Times Square, a flash of lightening can be seen, and from the heavens the outline of Thor descends - all watched by Captain America from a distance... But which Captain America?

Happily - Bendis and Yu show no signs of letting up with Secret Invasion, once again delivering a golden example of good storytelling and excellent artwork. Every month that goes by is a testament to the sheer brilliance of this double-act, which I hope (perhaps vainly) will continue far beyond this series.

On a slight downer - I couldn't help but think that maybe it was time for the battle to change location. People are still fighting in Times Square and the Savage Land, and although this is only a few hours (or probably less) for everyone involved - its been nearly four months for us...

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(ongoing battle or no - still an excellent comic - recommended)

REVIEW: Iron Man: Legacy Of Doom - 3 of 4

Now here's an interesting one. I was pretty critical of the last Legacy Of Doom installment, fearing that the mini-series was nothing more than a poor cash in on the Iron Man movie hype. But this issue... Well, it seems to have corrected most of the mistakes...

***SPOILER ALERT***

Before I tell you about the good stuff however - I've got to get a mini-rant out of my system. I almost missed this book. It isn't on my pull list, so I just grab it when I'm in the comic shop.

Now you know what doesn't help me find a book? When each cover looks exactly like the last one. If I didn't have my wits about me - I would have completely missed issue three in amongst other books. I actually walked past it twice before I twigged.

But anyway, that aside, David Michelinie's script is a big improvement over issue two, now including some genuinely funny moments, such as Merlin in lederhosen or the awful pun-based cliffhanger (I challenge you not to smile when you read the title for issue four).

In addition to David's good work, Ron Lim seems to be finding his stride with the book, showing a truly awe inspiring mystical Iron Man armour on the penultimate page that conjures up images of everything from Ronin to Usagi Yojimbo.

I really wish the book had been infused with the energy of this issue back when it started. If it had, I'd probably be calling for a follow up right about now.

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(a nice upbeat issue, filled full of wonderful set pieces which is worth getting - although you'll want to read the first two issues beforehand)

REVIEW: The Invincible Iron Man - 2

So - if you read my review of the first Invincible Iron Man comic - you'll already know that I thought pretty highly of it. But does issue two match up to it?

***SPOILER ALERT***

Well, yes... But also no.

Issue one was something pretty special. Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca had managed to pull together a wonderfully emotive first issue, truly making people feel the significance of Iron Man 2.0 suicide bombers, by putting us in the shoes of a victim.

Something that created one of the most poignant openings in recent memory.

Issue two, continues this storyline pretty well, reminding people of the terror unleashed on the world with the invent of Iron Man 2.0. 'Monks' attack The Triumph Division (a Philippine super-team), wiping them and the surrounding crowd out in the process. Hundreds dead - without rhyme or reason.

Sounds interesting right? Damn right. So why isn't this at the start of the book? What need is there to have Iron Man 'battle' `M.O.D.O.G.', other than a good excuse for some 'action'? Honestly - there really isn't one. One of the most interesting things about issue one, was how well Tony was portrayed as being helpless.

A superhero, dressed in his battle suit, unable to do anything - utterly dazed and uncertain of what to do.

Now, taking this into account, it's a shame that in issue two Tony has been written as someone who is impassioned - but incredibly arrogant. Someone more like Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark, than Marvel Comics Tony Stark.

And so, even though this issue does have some good points, when it's compared to the last one...

Pete's Score: 3 out of 5
(still worth picking up - but could have been better)

REVIEW: Iron Man: Legacy Of Doom - 2 of 4

Meh.

And the worries continue. Those of you who read my previous review of issue 1, will probably already know that Legacy Of Doom is one of four Iron Man books on the stands at the moment - and quite possibly the biggest 'cash-in' of them all, containing a story that would most likely have never been told - had it not been for that big old movie that everyone's talking about.

So - with those impressions all garnered from the first issue - does the second do anything to change opinions?

***SPOILER ALERT***

In short - not really.

The book picks up directly where it left off, with Iron Man trapped in hell by Doom, fighting off hordes of Mephisto's gloopy demons. As you might expect - Tony manages to escape (in this instance by using his father's arm to jury-rig a shield and then the missing elements of a transportation device [it's a long story, and one not particularly worth repeating]), and find his way back to a now Excalibur-enabled Doom (enabled by none other than Morgana Le Fay).

Ron Lim's pencils are crisp and sharp throughout, taking us back to a time when the Iron Man armor wasn't a sleek and stylised technological marvel, but rather a bulky and impressive display of force (which, admittedly, was still a technological marvel), and showcasing it effortlessly.

But I'm sad to say that it's David Michelinie's script that falls somewhat short of the mark. An artist can only do so much with what he's given - and either this was a mis-match from the start, of Ron needed something a little less out of the ordinary to work with.

Pete's Score: 3 out of 5
(not worth it if you're not a fan - try Iron Man: Viva Las Vegas issue 1 instead)

REVIEW: The Invincible Iron Man - 1

It's nice to be able to review a new series of a long running character. Nice, on multiple different levels, but for me - this time around - mainly on a 'about time too' level.

As Iron Man has been featured prominently throughout the Marvel U since Civil War (and just before), it's only right that the character be recognised as worthy of having 'dual book' status.

But what's the first issue of The Invincible Iron Man actually like?

***SPOILER ALERT***

Well, I'm fantastically pleased to report that it's a supreme issue.

I looked very carefully at the book as I read through, and two things struck me throughout. Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca's sheer quality.

I'm not going to lie, I was expecting to pan this book - almost certain that it would be nothing more than a movie cash in. It's so much more than that.

This book could easily contain the beginnings of a chapter in Iron Man's history just as important, if not more than, The Extremis Saga.

From the opening, and truly poingant, suicide bombing to the closing 'Iron Man 2.0' revelation - this issue is an experience to savour.

Pete's Score: 5 out of 5
(rarely do mainstream books come out with as much quality as this issue - buy it or you'll regret it)

REVIEW: Iron Man: Viva Las Vegas - 1

So - here we have an interesting little comic book. It's obviously been designed to link in with the Iron Man movie more than the current Marvel universe, which is no surprise when you see its been written by the director and lead designer (Jon Favreau and Adi Granov).

***SPOILER ALERT***

This issue lays down the groundwork for the rest of the series, in showing us Tony Stark's trip to Las Vegas and a strange golden dragon apparently awaking from its slumber - then calling lizards from miles around. As you might expect with Adi Granov's involvement - readers are treated to some of the finest digital art available, making Iron Man's suit, the dragon scales and the dust in the desert look truly spectacular.

Unfortunately, because the book is obviously setting up the backstory, aside from a terrorist siege on a plane, there isn't a whole host of action dragging you into the book, and spurring you on. But having said that - the book is in no way boring, just more 'intriguing' currently.

Pete's Score: 3 out of 5
(if it weren't for the utterly jaw dropping artwork, I'd say this was one for the fans - but I'll recommend this book for Adi Granov's work alone) 

REVIEW: Iron Man: Legacy Of Doom - 1 of 4

Ack.

I was becoming worried a little while back that the new Iron Man movie might spark something a little like I mentioned in my Doctor Who no. 1 review - crapcomicbookitis (which - Doctor Who no. 1 has most definitely not succumbed to).

And - I hate to say it - but this comic book certainly hasn't done anything to stem those worries. The book itself is an adequate story, and after the recent Iron Man / Doom face off in the Mighty Avengers, it's even good timing for it to come out, movie or no movie.

I can't help thinking that without the film however... This book probably wouldn't have got off the ground.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Firstly, the artwork from Ron Lim is great, and would look fantastic in this book, or on a wall somewhere (preferably, in my house).

But, while the script from David Michelinie is perfectly good, it's a little... 'Seen it before'?

To give a very brief synopsis - Tony Stark is recycling his old suit (which is useless now that he has the Extremis armor), starts copying over the memory logs, doesn't recognise an entry from when he was supposedly on holiday, and can't remember why Doom pops up on the suit video in front of him...

Essentially - Tony appears to have been mindwiped of this encounter with Doom for one reason or another, which will no doubt become apparent before the end of the series.

If you're an Iron Man fan - and a completist - you'll enjoy this book, as it will no doubt provide an extra story in Tony's past career.

But if you're just looking for a good mini-series...

I'd say avoid it. It'll almost certainly come out in trade, and almost certainly at a knock-down price.

Pete's Score: 3 out of 5

(if you like Iron Man and collect the main series, you won't go wrong with this book - but if you don't - try issue 1 of Echo instead)

Was this review useful to you? Leave a comment below!

REVIEW: Iron Man - 28

***SPOILER ALERT***

This summer - Iron Man is going to be big. Having looked at the trailer six or seven hundred times online, I'm pretty hooked already. I'm also pretty worried.

Traditionally, one of two things happen to comic books when a big movie adaptation comes out.

1. Movie is great - comic books flood the market, the industry suffers because of poor writing / shoddy artwork / etc.
2. Movie is terrible - comic books still flood the market, great comic books come out to go with the movie to try and sell cinema tickets

Now I'm kind of hoping it's that rarest of rare options - 3 - great movie, and great comics to go with it.

I am however, a little worried about it this time - especially as Iron Man has a second book coming out in the near future.

Luckily, for the most part - recent Iron Man comic books have been good. Consistently fun to read, and drip feeding a whole bunch of interesting little sub-plots around extremis. This book brings together the latest storyline, giving a nice showdown between Iron Man and The Mandarin.

A nice showdown without the extremis armor on Tony's side.

This comic is definitely worth a read, but it sadly isn't all that much above the average. Recommended, if you're a Marvel / Iron Man fan.

Pete's Score: 3 out of 5

(not bad, a nice ending to the storyline - but how does it link in with Secret Invasion?)

REVIEW: Ultimate Iron Man II – 4 of 5

Fantastic!

After only three reviews – I've come across a nice four-star book...

***SPOILER ALERT***

The first Ultimate Iron Man series was something of a curiosity for me. I've always enjoyed reading about Iron Man since I was a kid. Looking back, I now realise that I enjoyed the books so much, because Tony Stark was, and still is, one of the most realistic characters in comics (making a superhero an alcoholic back in 1968 was nothing short of a stroke of genius). So, I was fairly intrigued when my brother suggested that I read Ultimate Iron Man.

Having read The Ultimates a month or so before his suggestion, I was fairly sure that I knew what I would be getting before I read it - an offshoot / mini-series of Millar's story. Consequently, I didn't read the book a chance for nearly six months.

Looking back – this was a colossal mistake.

The first Ultimate Iron Man series qualifies (in my humble opinion) as a four star (and almost five star) graphic novel / mini-series. It was nothing like I expected it to be - leaving me gagging for more with its 'not over yet / cliffhanger' ending.

So as you can expect – when I saw Ultimate Iron Man II was coming, it immediately went onto my pull list. 

And you know what? So far - I like it just as much as the first one. The storyline has picked up well from the previous series – and this issue in particular is a good example of how things can twist and turn within the story of young Ultimate Tony Stark.

I won't go into great detail (as it will thoroughly ruin it for you) – but if I said to you in this issue alone that you'd see, a nuclear bomb on an unmanned plane, a limb-wrenching explosion and the suggestion of a familiar (but very unlikely) enemy – I'd hope that I'd said enough to pique your interest.

Buy this book. Read it, bag it, board it and store it carefully. Then buy it again so you can read it whenever you want to.

Pete's score: 4 out of 5

(quality through and through – excellent writing from Orson Scott and wonderful artwork from Pasqual Ferry)