IRON MAN: DIRECTOR OF SHIELD #29 ADVANCE REVIEW

[Blake Petit]

Review by: Blake M. Petit Blake@comixtreme.com
Quick Rating: Very Good
Title: With Iron Hands Part One
Rating: T+

A new terror threat wells from Tony’s past.

Writer: Stuart Moore
Pencils: Roberto de la Torre & Carlo Pagulayan
Inks: Roberto de la Torre & Jeffrey Huet
Colors: Dean White
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Editor: Nicole Boose
Cover Art: Adi Granov
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Tony leads a squad of armored SHIELD agents into the air above the Republic of Kirikhstan, sent to sniff out bombs that the former Soviets are afraid linger in the small country. What Tony finds, however, is someone with a personal grudge against the SHIELD director.

Based on the first issue of the now-officially-rechristened title, it seems that Marvel is deliberately creating a different flavor in this title than in Invincible Iron Man. While the latter, based at least on the first issue, seems like more of a sci-fi adventure series, this issue – as the name implies – is much more of a spy drama. I think this is probably a good move. There’s no point to having two ongoing series for one character if they feel like the same book, and Iron Man is a character that has two distinct facets now: the superhero and the spy. Some people will like one or the other, some will enjoy both.

In addition to a strong script by Moore, the art team is very good as well. Dean White’s colors give the book a consistent look throughout, making the transition from de la Torre’s work to the Pagulayan/Huet team virtually unnoticeable.

This is a solid issue, and a good jumping-on point for all the folks who just recently fell in love with Iron Man thanks to Robert Downey, Jr.

Rating:


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[Ben Lehnsherr]

Based on the first issue of the now-officially-rechristened title, it seems that Marvel is deliberately creating a different flavor in this title than in Invincible Iron Man. While the latter, based at least on the first issue, seems like more of a sci-fi adventure series, this issue – as the name implies – is much more of a spy drama. I think this is probably a good move.

Actually this book was already like this with the tone and feel of a spy drama/political thriller hybrid long before the new book was even solicited. But yeah, you're right that for the two of these books to flourish, they need to be two sides to a coin, and have distinctly different flavors.

This issue was really, really good IMO. Stuart Moore's script was on par with what the Knaufs have been doing and you don't even notice a writing shirt, or a change in quality. And the current art team continues to be very strong as well.

[Blake Petit]

Originally Posted by Ben Lehnsherr

Actually this book was already like this with the tone and feel of a spy drama/political thriller hybrid long before the new book was even solicited. But yeah, you're right that for the two of these books to flourish, they need to be two sides to a coin, and have distinctly different flavors.

It's true, this title was already more or less a spy book rather than a superhero book, but having both flavors available now makes it more obvious, I think.

[Gabriel Diaz]

I might have to give this book a second look...

[Ben Lehnsherr]

Originally Posted by Blake Petit

It's true, this title was already more or less a spy book rather than a superhero book, but having both flavors available now makes it more obvious, Ithink.

Definitely. It stands out a lot more than it did before. Its a good testament to having two "versions" of a guy without either breaking character. The writing quality is key, though. If either series falters in that regard, the two Iron Man books thing won't look like such a good idea.

[gregorv]

this was REALLY good...it kept up with the quality of the Knauf's issues. I'm really looking forwards to next issue...

I liked the art much better this time around as well...if it werent from the cover, I would not be able to tell that there were 2 artists on this one :S

[Ammar Al Subahi]

One of the most boring issues I've ever read in my entire life.