Writer – Brian Michael Bendis
Artist – David Marquez
Color – Justin Ponsor
Some comic books have really good characters, or good dialogue, good action or advance the overall plot of a universe really well. Invincible Iron Man #1 manages to do all of these things in a single issue. That’s a rare combination when a book can deliver on every aspect of what makes a good comic book. The art by David Marquez is top notch throughout the book, able to show us both the mundane world of a Tony Stark’s workshop, to the globe spanning story with visually distinct locations to fantastic images of Iron Man in flight, to Madame Masque in action, to a stunning final panel. The coloring by Justin Ponsor adds a rich, lush feel to the world that breathes life into the pages. We often don’t give the artist enough credit for the “acting” that takes place in a comic book, but Marquez’s art shows us a wide range visually distinct faces expressing emotion, thought and surprise. This is all in service to some great writing by Brian Michael Bendis.
Bendis’s writing in this issue is strong, showing he can write drama, comedy, action and great dialogue and characterization in the space of a few panels, deftly moving between each tonal note. Tony Stark has always been an egotistical genius, but I have felt that since Civil War he has moved too far from an actual hero to root for, but I think here the right mix between arrogance and heroic has been reached. I was particularly struck by the choice of surrounding him with strong female characters who are not pushovers for Stark – This helps tremendously I felt. We are introduced to a scientific equal and romantic interest – Dr. Amara Perara who is a fascinating character with world changing knowledge. I enjoyed that when Tony learned this, he immediately revealed an understanding of a larger world and dangers and threats Dr. Perara had never even considered. I felt this helps to establish Stark as an extremely capable and experienced man while showing his desire to assist.
I was particularly impressed by the dinner scene, which is essentially 10 pages of dialogue, intercut with some breaks to panels of Madame Masque’s globetrotting spree of theft and murder, which helps to introduce the characters and move them through engaging and revealing dialogue. There is even a two panel Thor joke that made me literally laugh out loud. Too much dialogue in unskilled hands can become ponderous and tedious to read, but Bendis keeps the conversation engaging and on point, making it by far my favorite part of the book. We also get a really intriguing last page reveal that produced an audible gasp and left me wanting to know and read more.
That, to me is what makes a great book – an interesting story with characters I care about that demands I know what happens next. Invincible Iron Man #1 delivers all of that.