Iron Man #2 Review

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Reviewer: Andy Campbell
Story Title: Extremis (part 2 of 6)
Writer: Warren Ellis
Art: Adi Granov
Letters: VC’s Randy Gentile
Assistant Editors: Schmidt, Wiley, & Lazer
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Publisher: Dan Buckley (Marvel Comics)

When Iron Man first started, my interest was piqued by the involvement of Warren Ellis, as I am a big fan of Planetary. However, that wasn’t enough to get me to buy the book. However, upon the recommendation of Chuck Seeley, of Seeley & Kane’s Cards & Comics at Delaware & Kenmore in Buffalo, NY (cheap plug!), I picked it up. I was not disappointed.

Warren Ellis writes a great science fiction story, as all of you Planetary fans know. This story is certainly no exception. It flows smoothly as it alternates between Tony Stark and his interactions, and an extremely violent man, who is the result of “tampering.” Ellis also does a good job conveying the complexity of Tony’s situation, as he hates his inventions being used by the military, but it pays the bills.

If Warren Ellis’s superb writing isn’t enough, then perhaps the extraordinary art of Adi Granov is. Granov’s painted covers and interiors are breathtaking, and he does a marvelous job of portraying emotion. I especially enjoyed his rendering of Tony’s acquaintance, Sal, who greatly resembles Jerry Garcia. Anyway, you should check this book out if only to get a look at Granov’s work. There’s nothing else like it out there.

People have been saying that this book isn’t sticking with the continuity of Iron Man. I’m no Iron Man enthusiast, so I don’t really notice anything out of place. Even if I did, though, it probably wouldn’t bother me, because why get in the way of a good story? And make no mistake, that’s what this is.