The Invincible Iron Man #18

Marvel Comics
The Invincible Iron Man #18
By Hervé St-Louis
September 20, 2009 - 20:46

Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Matt Fraction
Penciller(s): Salvador Larroca
Inker(s): Salvador Larroca
Colourist(s): Frank D'Armata
Letterer(s): Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist(s): Salvador Larroca
$2.99 US

Tony Stark, inventor of the Iron Man armour has travelled to the last refuge where his various armours can be found. There he rediscovers and reactivates his first Iron Man armour, the simplest model he can manoeuvre due to his deteriorating intelligence. However, Afghanis kids are after him and shoot him from the back. Will Stark fail to uncover his last armour and completely erase his mind from the secrets he gained as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.?

Again, this issue was masterful, making this reviewer wonder how can Fraction create a masterpiece month after month in this series, yet deliver less inspired work on his X-Men titles? Although Stark continues to become dumber, there is the overall feeling that he still has an ace up his sleeve and that he will defeat Norman Osborn in due time. It’s hard to explain. The continuing subplot with Maria Hill and the Black Widow has more twists and revelations that should satisfy most readers. This series continues to be impeccable and one of the best thing published by Marvel Comics.

Larroca may be credited as being the other half of this marvelous run in a few year. The work he does here, will allow him to stand on the same pedestal as that of classic comic book teams such as Chris Claremont and John Byrne, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This is what he’s delivering month after month in this series and he’s making this run on Iron Man one of the best since the armour wars from the 1980s.
Rating: 10/10