In this week’s column, contributor Lawrence Marable is joining the main Marvel Rundown rotation, flexing his boosters, jetpacks, iron-armors, and more in a full review of Iron Man #4!
Iron Man #4 Cover
Iron Man #4
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Jan Bazaldua & Carmen Carnero
Colorist: Nolan Woodard
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramanga
Continuing off of Tony Stark’s precarious situation in the last issue, Iron Man #4, written by Joshua Williamson and with art done by the tag-team of Carmen Carnero and Jan Bazaldua, showcases what makes Adam Ware a strong man, and continues the theme of Tony Stark’s dilemma of not having created anything new. While also hammering down the arc’s theme of “the next Tony Stark.”
Iron Man #4 Preview
The issue features stunning panel direction and artwork from Carnero and Bazaldua, and plays well with facial expressions, unique directions, and fight scenes. Which is really impressive, considering most, if not all, of the issues are conversations between two characters in static places, which Williamson writes with great skill. Tony’s character is perfect. And Adam really differentiates himself from Tony in his more humble dialogue. The actual prison break sequence does a great job of showing just how ingenious Tony and Adam are and how they can inspire each other. But it isn’t without its flaws. My gripe with it is that the escape seemed almost too easy. Tony and Adam essentially break everyone out in a few pages, and while the plan works, you’d think A.I.M would have a lot more security measures in place.
My biggest issue with this issue is the ease with which Tony resolves the drama from the last part. I’d love more time spent in the A.I.M prison, getting to really know Adam and the other prisoners, and seeing how Tony really deals with the issue he essentially created. Getting to see parts of himself and maybe even parts of his flaws in the other candidates. And given how the issue ends, getting to know the rest of the “potential Tony Starks” would have been great—really big missed opportunity. All this to say that the set-up for the next issue looks like it’s going to be a real blast. And I do find it funny how easily Iron-Man suits are made in this run, I feel like Tony gets one every second.
I will say that some pages in this issue feel unnecessary. Without going into big spoilers, everyone’s favorite Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man appears, for at least a page. Even if it is personally my favorite page, it’s entirely unnecessary, and Williamson could have spent that page on anything else. Same with the ongoing subplot with the new Citizen V. That’s clearly going to go somewhere, I hope, but it’s a subplot that drags us away from the more interesting battle between A.I.M and Tony.
If you’re already reading this latest run of Iron Man, this issue is probably already on your pull list, which is great, because missing this one is definitely going to be a bit confusing for future reads. But if the series hasn’t given you the pull you need to get into it, I’d say this is a STRONG BROWSE. Won’t change your mind on the series, but definitely a fine read from start to finish. I wonder if the big moment at the end is going to stick.
Iron Man #4 Preview
Can’t wait for next week’s books? Catch up with past editions of the Rundown!
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