Marvel Comics Iron Man # 72 By Loretta Ramirez September 15, 2003 - 13:36 Publisher(s): Marvel Comics Writer(s): Robin Laws Penciller(s): Robert Teranishi Inker(s): Eric Cannon, Rich Perrotta, Norm Rapmund Cover Artist(s): Tony Harris, Tom Feister "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. © Copyright 2002-2026 by Toon Doctor Inc. - All rights Reserved. All other texts, images, characters and trademarks are copyright their respective owners. Use of material in this document (including reproduction, modification, distribution, electronic transmission or republication) without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.