The first issue of this limited series wasn't nearly as strong as I'd hoped, and the snail's pace at which it's being released is quite disappointing. However, Card redeems himself and the characters with a wonderfully well-executed second issue, full of moments of humor and courage. He humanizes Tony and Howard Stark quite effectively, and he presents Obadiah Stane as a truly corrupt villain, one the audience can love to hate, rather than the ambitious but ultimately pathetic figure we met in the first issue. Kubert brings out the characters strong personalities with his artwork, and he demonstrates that he doesn't need flashy super-hero action to strut his stuff.
Howard Stark has lost everything -- his company and his love of his life, all in one day, and he stands defeated... or so his business rival believes. In reality, Stark's inventions -- and notably, the bio-armor -- remain his, as does his son, whose live he saves. Stark rushes the newly born Antonio out of the hospital and sets out to build a new life, to hide from Obadiah Stane and to keep his secrets. But Stane isn't without resources or methods to extract information from Stark's friends.
The most important contribution Kubert makes to this story is showing us the determination on Howard Stark's face as he marches into the room where his wife has just died and rushes to newborn Tony's aid. The grim look on his face doesn't stem from pain, but from purpose. Kubert also captures Tony's childhood energy and personality incredibly well, not to mention Nero's shattered, lonely nature after Stane was through with him. The cover is a striking one, making excellent use of white space, but it really has nothing to do with the story to be found within.
In the first issue, Howard Stark came off as a rather obsessed but clueless individual. It seemed as though he was blind to the threats that surrounded him. That impression was disspelled by this second issue. The character comes off as incredibly together and clever, as resourceful, not just scientifically brilliant. His devotion to family eclipses his ambition and his drive toward scientific discovery. He comes off as kind but also as ruthless... at least to those who would threaten those he cares about.
Tony's personality as a child is just as strong. His trust and faith in his father's abilities and his love pack a real impact, and his sense of humor and love for life make him thoroughly likeable. It's certainly a welcome change of pace. The adult character we've seen in The Ultimates comes off as spoiled and egocentric; Card wisely brings the character down to earth by examinaing a more innocent time in his life. 9/10
