Comics / Comic Reviews / Marvel Comics

Iron Man # 72

By Loretta Ramirez
September 15, 2003 - 13:36

"And what do I want? To finally be free of it all. Restlessness. Distrust. Doubt. You know-feeling in general." In the conclusion of "Vegas Bleeds Neon," by Robin Laws and Robert Ternaishi, Tony Stark again faces the temptation to lose himself in "sweet nothingness" as a nano-virus slowly transforms him into an emotionless man-machine-something he's often desired.

Laws poignantly explores Stark's core problem-a sense of inadequacy. "I won't need this false skin of steel anymore-it'll make me a real man of iron." But, as with his alcoholism, Stark quickly realizes that heroes don't hide from reality or, more importantly, from themselves. Thus, Laws ends his tenure as Iron Man writer with more evidence that he understands Stark-the tormented hero who's too clever to be down for long.

Much of Stark's temptation to abandon reality imbues the Teranishi's art. When the virus first infects Stark, his sense of wooziness and intoxication is reflected through odd angles, extreme close-ups, and ambiguous action. This artistic attempt to share Stark's chaos with the readers can be appreciated in concept. Yet, the confusion is too excessive, resulting in a frustrating visual experience.

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 - 16:51