If there is one thing that defines Tony Stark’s tenure as Iron Man, it is his desire to tone past sins, except for being a self-proclaimed “a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist.” Tony became Iron Man due to the damage caused by the weapon. He fought alcoholism. And now, in Iron Man #5, the shadow of his loyalty with the Shield roosts as he fights Lucia von Bardas, the former prime minister of Latveria.
To be fair, Tony never actually fought von Bardas. Iron Heart, the guest starring in this issue, crossed the road with her. The Shield is when Nick Fury launches an attack on her the whole time in the secret war miniseries. However, as von Bardas revealed, Ironman took part in her downfall. He created the tools Shield used in his campaign against her. “When it comes to order machines, the best weapons don’t fire. She says, when you hit Iron Man with a variety of weapons, they capture, preserve and assimilate.”
This doesn’t just provide a great title drop for the current Story Arc, but it highlights the good points Spencer Ackerman will consider first. All of Tony’s technology is being used and held responsible for not only his previous weapon work and armor, but also by others. It is this character’s insight that set Ackerman’s run in Iron Man, and I hope that will continue in future issues (von Bardas’ appearance here becomes even more fitting, especially as the title is set to tie into one world under Doom).
Amazing
Javier Pina also deserves his flower to provide many action sequences. The book’s biggest figure is von Bardas who is well worthy. The entire page is dedicated to providing a variety of energy-based attacks that either cut through the sky like a knife or overwhelm Iron Man’s armor. Pina also pulls her face closer. It begins to peel and peel, revealing the cybernetic machine beneath it, creating a Terminator-esque nightmare. Similarly, the presence of the giant Stark Sentinel and Iron Heart’s plan to dismantle it is big.
What makes these pages feel so big is the spectacular use of colour by Alex Sinclair. The entire panel is filled with bright red energy or crackling blue light, which helps separate the hero from the villain. Von Valdas’ powers are red to suit her shining eyes, while Iron Man’s bright blue energy passes through improvised armor and his repetition. (Yes, we finally have his ju umpire geared armor and greatsword names, and they are amazing.)
Iron Man #5 balances the blockbuster battle scenes with character dismantling, bringing a unique mix. In five issues, it is clear that Spencer Ackerman is aiming to build another kind of Iron Man, and I like the outcome.
“Iron Man” #5 dismantles repeated runs surrounding the armored Avenger
Iron Man #5
Iron Man #5 balances the blockbuster battle scenes with character dismantling, bringing a unique mix. In five issues, it is clear that Spencer Ackerman is aiming to build another kind of Iron Man, and I like the outcome.
Ackerman shows his desire to dismantle Iron Man’s battle with ghosts from his past and move the character forward.
Pina’s artwork can have a greater effect than life in many ways.
Sinclair’s colour separates heroes from the villain in an eye-catching way.
I hope it will continue to be in the future world under Doom Tie Inn.
