IRON MAN #45
"The Big Bang Theory, Conclusion"
Neutral (4/10)
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Marvel Comics
Writer: Frank Tieri
Pencils: Keron Grant
Inks: Rob Stull & "Perrotta"
Colors: Avalon Studios
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Editor: Bobbie Chase
Price: $2.25 US/$3.50 CAN |
It's been a few months since I read Iron Man, and to Tieri's credit, I had no problem jumping on board with this issue, despite the fact it's the conclusion of a story arc. I was also pleased to find some great ideas here. Tieri has tried to emphasize the fact that Tony Stark is a businessman first, and a super-hero second. Sadly, the progressive changes he makes here are gone by the issue's end.
Iron Man must face off against MODOK and the Ghost, the two responsible for a recent rash of instances of corporate sabotage. Unfortunately, both have attacks that enable them to wipe the floor with the armored Avenger. Meanwhile, Hogan Potts finally drops the charade and reveals himself to be Tony Stark, who sets about rebuilding his original Stark Enterprises financial empire.
Grant's art is dynamic, that's for sure, but his exaggerated approach just doesn't suit this character. Iron Man is about science, but it's hard to think of the character as technological when his form is always so distorted. Tieri also aims for a certain degree of real-world credibility with his references to the private sector, but Grant's angular style is in direct conflict with that tone. Furthermore, the action sequences are so visually chaotic that the reader needs the dialogue to figure out exactly what's going on.
I was quite surprised to find that Tieri had given Tony Stark a new name and a new company, allowing him to start over from scratch with a clean slate. Along with a greater emphasis on the title character's role in the technology business sector, the premise promised to offer a great deal of storytelling potential. And by the end of the issue, it's all undone. Tony is Tony again, and he sets about to retrieve his status quo. I was quite disappointed.
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