The Invincible Iron Man #16

Marvel Comics
The Invincible Iron Man #16
By Andy Frisk
August 5, 2009 - 22:59

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

Madame Masque is quite insane, and still insanely in love with Tony Stark. Osborne sent the wrong operative to bring Tony in, as Masque cares noting for Osborne’s designs. Inevitably, a showdown is on the way as Pepper Potts, Tony’s longtime secretary, confidant, and now love, has a new armored suit under her control, and she’s not going down easy. Meanwhile, Maria Hill, ex-SHIELD agent and friend to Tony, tasked with delivering a special Stark Industries tech package to Bucky, continues to fight the maddening effects of The Controller’s invasion of her mind. Natasha Romanov/The Black Widow, who Maria searched out for help in delivering the package, attempts to uncover its contents…

Tony Stark’s mind continues to deteriorate as planned. Tony still has the Hero Registration Act information in his mind and the only way to prevent Osborne from obtaining this information is for Tony to mind wipe himself. Osborne is running out of time as well, as he really picks the wrong bad guy to send after Tony. You’d think a mastermind villain would be more careful in his choice of operative. As a former and very unbalanced lover of Tony’s, did Osborne really think she’d maintain objectivity?

It’s actually painful to watch Tony desperately grasp at his waning mental faculties in order to operate his armor. Tony is one of the top brains of the Marvel Universe. He always fell back on his intellect to fight the villains and save the world, but now he’s losing his most defining characteristic and ability. That’s what has made this story arc so great. It’s a new challenge for Tony. Hopefully, it will wrap up soon though. Readers will start to miss the old Tony if this storyline continues much longer (it’s already nine months long).

Larroca and D’Armata, along with Hitch and Guice, create some of the most realistic renderings of superheroes in all of comics today. Larroca and D’Armata edge out Hitch and Guice though with their photo-realistic art and superb coloring scheme. Repulsor blasts, computer screens, and even flames all glow with realistic color and brightness.

Overall, while getting to be a long story arc, “World’s Most Wanted” has definitely been a great read. Let’s hope its climax and finale live up to all the build up.

Rating: 8.5/10