Tony Stark Iron Man #5: 20/20 Vision

This issue has almost no action; however, there is some gruesomeness depicted in vivid detail and a whole lot of intellectual AWESOMENESS! Each issue thus far, Dan Slott strategically places intriguing tidbits that the story arc claims; “Self-Made Man”. Tony Stark Iron Man #5 focuses on Arno Stark as a distinctive individual who not only fought through a genetic medical condition, he taught himself to become a recognizable entrepreneur for special situations. But, I am getting ahead of myself.

You may think, “Well, I already know Arno Stark. He’s Tony’s half-brother and foe.” WAIT, read this issue before placing any judgment! Slott is engaging into more than we have ever seen before. He is placing stronger “visual acuity” on Arno that will lead into a more distinct storyline.

Arno Stark can be perceived as a humanitarian as he focuses on ways to promote the welfare of others. If not cautious, the operations are at great cost to the customer and I am not referring to the generous donation of money to complete the given task. Like his father, Howard Stark, Arno provides medical science way ahead of current time. He is described as a miracle worker as Arno introduces ways of agriculture in the desert to feed the local villages. Arno cleans up an arm of the sea by activating artificially engineered bacteria that “only” consume man-made garbage. The meat of the story revolves around a cattle farm. Arno visits a farm of genetically engineered livestock to produce a more ethical way of raising cattle. However, things are a bit off as these grotesque creatures are acting wildly.

Without spoiling too much more, Tony Stark Iron Man #5 is an interesting self-contained book as every thread is tied up by the end. Slott shifts the focus away from Tony and the issues at Stark Unlimited to devote some time creating an intriguing character in Arno Stark. There are layers to this character and when the reader discovers the questionable things that he does in this course of his mission, it adds additional drama to the story. It will be enthralling to see how the dynamic between the two brothers change and grow throughout this arc. The only constructive criticism I have at the moment is if slot increased the medical and science-related jargon would have added additional WOW to this issue.

I really like the art style of both Max Dunbar and Gang Hyuk Lim as they placed great details on the characters. Most panels popped off the page enhanced with great usage of colors by Dono Sanchez-Almara. The only confliction I have is with the following page. I would have really liked to see a whole page with more gruesome art and darker colors on the herd chowing down on Mr. Butterfield. A farmer’s name like that is bound to be finger-licking good, lol.