The life and times of Tony Stark are never simple.
After dealing with an updated version of A.I.M., Stark looks to refocus attention on projects to improve the future. This movement hasn’t sat right with some notable names in the MCU.
Primarily, Marvel’s first family would like to get some answers on Tony’s plans for the future.
IRON MAN #11 by Joshua Williamson, Luca Maresca, Matt Milla &Joe Caramagna (MARVEL COMICS) sees the Fantastic Four drop by for a much needed talk!
Let’s take a look at this meeting.
IRON MAN #10 by Joshua Williamson, Carmen Carnero, Nolan Woodard &Joe Caramagna (MARVEL COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williamson gives this issue a throwback feel in the sense of the main conflict. There isn’t any huge fight persay but just a casual dinner between old friends of the MCU. The opening plays off the familiar themes of Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm. It’s as classic as moments get between those two. The same could be said for Stark and Rhodey. Each pairing has a calm banter to their talks. All the while, everyone is keeping their true cards close to the vest.
Once the dinner begins, the mood changes fast. The friendly banter turns competitive and cutting at times. It’s played off as normal but the tone says otherwise. The writing throws some sharp digs in as Reed and Tony play their one-upmanship. It comes across somewhat polarizing as to where this all leads. The result shakes up Tony’s world in an unforeseen way. The A.I.M. also strike in mysterious directions. In its’ wake, the closing pages leave an unsettling message in the path to next issue. While moving Tony's internal struggle along, the writing shows how truly fractured he’s become.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Maresca & Milla open with a full shot of The Thing running around the Baxter Building. Panels remain playful until moving to Tony Stark. A solid two page spread shows his preparation for a night out with the Richards. Once the date commences, the art keeps looks very grounded as both couples process the others’ plans. In contrast, the A.I. M. attack is swift but effective in delivery. A nice change of pace until moving back to the dinner date.
Readers watch as the battle of egos begins. Stark and Richards’ looks tell a whole different side of their superhero lives. Tony’s facial expressions never stary too far from his confidence in his planning and assessments. A striking full page shows Tony and Reed deep diving into fantasy booking with their argument taking place. Panels show the obsurdity shining in before the dinner crashes and burns. This spins into a more steady finish with a bold statement to match.
FINAL GRADE: 8.5
A simple dinner date turns hostile as Tony Stark’s latest behavior draws unwanted attention! Williamson pens a fitting meeting of two egos with the writing. Maresca & Milla take readers on a highly tense night out. Wherever Tony Stark is, you can bank on problems and drama to find him fast.
Let me know your thoughts on IRON MAN #11 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
