Sunday, December 22, 2013

Review- IRON MAN: ARMORED VENGEANCE


IRON MAN: ARMORED VENGEANCE (Marvel, 2013; Softcover)

Collects Iron Man Nos. 258.1-258.4 (cover dates July, 2013)

Writers: David Michelinie and Bob Layton

Artists: DaveRoss and Bob Layton

Colorist: Chris Sotomayer

Set outside of continuity, Iron Man: Armored Vengeance is more of a what if the creative team behind the classic Armor Wars arc did Armor Wars II? This arc was originally planned as a mini-series called Iron Man Forever. It was completed two years ago but was shelved when those Forever titles were axed. While there was an Armor Wars II, this arc is quite different than the excellent Armor Wars II. Justin Hammer had infected Tony Stark with nanites earlier on. Tony Stark had surgery on his spine around the time of the original issue 258 in 1990 and had a biochip implanted in it. The nanites have merged with the biochip and formed The Entity, which is set on taking over all computers and nuclear warheads and therefore the world.

It was nice to see old school creators bring their craft up to modern standards. I was thrilled to see old school touches like third party narration without being overly written. I enjoyed seeing Layton's artwork with modern coloring and with more room to breathe. This is the best of both worlds, and if you are a fan of their original runs or just want a cool Iron Man story then I would recommend this book.
Junk Food For Thought rating: 4 out of 5.

The OCD zone- This is one of those “buy it now or forget it” type of books. I doubt that the print run on this book was very large, nor do I believe that this material will be reissued in a hardcover or recompiled in some other collection in the near future.
DVD-style Extras included in this book: Iron Man #258.1 variant cover by Bob Layton and Marie Javins.
Paper rating: 4.5 out of 5. Decent weight semi-glossy coated stock.
Binding rating: 4.25 out of 5. Perfect bound trade paperback. These thinner trades feel like a fat periodical, which is cool.
Cardstock cover coating rating: 5 out of 5. Thick waxlike lamination which is resistant to scuffing with reasonable handling.


http://www.instocktrades.com/TP/Marvel/IRON-MAN-TP-ARMORED-VENGEANCE/JUL130716

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