Self-Made Man: Part Two
Fear, determination, obsession – Factors to IRON MAN
TONY STARK IRON MAN #2
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Valerio Schiti
Colorist: Edgar Delgado
Cover Artist: Alexander Lozano
Publisher: Marvel Comics
What You Need to Know:
From the junction of yesteryear’s memories to the forefront of imagination, Tony Stark always soars on the cutting edge of adventure and technology. He explains that Iron Man is an idea, always changing, always evolving…an idea without limit! While longtime fans will enjoy this fresh direction, this issue is a great starting point for new readers.
What You’ll Find Out:
In issue #1, the reader was given a fresh look on the popular, brilliant, yet reckless, Tony Stark and how he cohesively holds his fellow engineers together as the true essence of Iron Man. Tony Stark: Iron Man #2 fleshes out how the team makes the “man”. We get to follow a day in the life of Stark Unlimited through the eyes of James Rhoads, Andy Bhang, Bethany Cabe, and Jocasta Pym.
What Just Happened?
Recently back from the dead, Rhodey, (liaison to the armed forces) has been experiencing some serious self-doubts. With his “tough-guy” background, he hides the insecurities and seems to find it difficult to opening up about his conflictions. The stress from the death and resurrection has been putting a toll on Rhodey causing horrifying nightmares of jumbled images from the traumatic experience by Thanos.
Once Rhodey arrives at Stark Unlimited, he learns that Tony’s day began hours ago and invites him to some rock climbing before continuing with work. Later, when Tony has him suit up as War Machine to stop Sunset Bain’s latest super tank (build with stolen Stark Tech), Rhodey freaks out in the field and bails from his armor.
Rhodey comes through in the end by taking direct control of the super tank (Manticore). Afterward, he comes clean with his self-conflictions when confined in the armor, but rather likes feeling like a piolet again in the cockpit of the Manticore.
Meanwhile, Jocasta (Chief Robotic Ethicist) attempts to use holograms to fit in with the humans in the office, but she’s exposed by Bethany (Head of Security) in an embarrassing moment in the cafeteria. Jocasta only wants to fit in, but her boyfriend, Aaron Stack (Machine Man), is ignorantly against the idea and bullies here in accusing her of turning her back on robots.
Later, Jocasta’s first task was is to free the A.I. Friday from inside Tony’s armor, and give her own body. Then, robot Friday kind of flirts with the new guy, Andy (Robotics Engineer).
Dan Slott successfully connects the reader with real deep insight into the complex fabric of the Stark United family. Issue #2 shows us the many loose threads in the tapestry and tugs a little at each one. Slott sets the pieces up a bit slowly, but with great care. The “diet racism” exposed by Aaron was to the point and can be articulated cautiously to reality. Hopefully, Slott will devote an additional page or so in the next issue and develop a “friendship” between Jocasta and Andy.
More than ever before, comic books tackle many issues that lead ignorance and different types of discrimination. It’s a place to be cautious and mindful when showing the reader how to overcome these negative behaviors and learn how to be better by embracing the unfamiliar.
I look forward to more “real-world” related intense issues like Jocasta and Rhodey are experiencing. Hopefully, there will be more character buildup with Andy and other members that make up Iron Man.
As in issue #1, Alexander Lozano has provided another awesome cover for Tony Stark Iron Man #2.
Valerio Schiti delivers awesome visuals with a golden age feel matched with clear and expressive dynamism. I love all of the action panels and use of certain camera angles and close-ups. Schitti shows off his expertise in the details of facial expressions and the body structure that adds to the given plot.
Rating: 8/10
Final Thought: There is simplicity to this issue with much room for imagination. It seems that Slott and his creative team are building up to some major events for the rest of the arc. How did Tony come back wrong? I’m ready for Tony Stark Iron Man #3!