Who is Tony Stark, really? Since learning that he was adopted as a baby, this question has cast a shadow over Stark's life. Now, it is time to uncover what his legacy truly is, a journey that will carry Tony into new directions as a man and as a super hero. Alongside his strange new quasi-ally Doctor Doom, Iron Man will discover new things about the Marvel Universe he didn't know existed before! A character deconstruction from Bendis and Maleev along the lines of their award-winning DAREDEVIL run!
Rated T+
Bendis and Maleev are kicking off what could be a very key run documenting Tony Stark's status quo after the fairly recent storyline where it was revealed that Howard and Maria Stark are not his birth parents. If you like the development of character and backstory more than wall-to-wall battles, this could be the book for you. At a minimum, if you have been a fan of any of Bendis & Maleev's other collaborations, I'm guessing you'll be on board for this one too. I am. Read Full Review
I was really surprised by how much I liked this issue. There isn’t too much happening just yet, but we know that a lot is on its way—the exposition assures us that. If you’re into Iron Man at all, you can’t pass this series up. Read Full Review
The series has Tony's "voice" down pat - and the issue manages to evoke an origin-like feel without actually recapping Iron Man's origin. Read Full Review
Overall,International Iron Man more than justifies it's existence in this issue, and in fact, I'd say it's much better than Incivible Iron Man and that this should be the one fans are picking up. Read Full Review
International Iron Man is shaping up to be a very different book from its sister series, which is mostly a good thing. It would have been nice to see a little more of Tony's present-day struggles in this first issue, not to mention an appearance from Doom, but the extended flashback illuminates a lesser-known period in the characters life and establishes a solid bond with the latest woman in his life. Fans of Bendis and Maleev's previous collaborations likely won't be disappointed. Read Full Review
So is “International Iron Man” good, with it's “realism” and what not? Maybe. I know that's a lame answer to give but “International Iron Man” #1 promises a lot of great things and establishes a solid mood, it's just a question of how slow future issues were going to be with it. That might be unfair, but it's Bendis we're dealing with here. While the dialogue isn't all over the place like it's been in some of his previous work, there is the possibility that future stories will get distracted by Cute Teen Tony. And the flashforward/flashback structure the book's in (where the flashback in 90%) of the story feels like the type of thing Bendis is going to use to all of his decompressed ability. Read Full Review
It's interesting how some characters can naturally have multiple comic titles while others almost feel questionable. At first I wondered if Iron Man needed another title. Brian Michael Bendis makes a convincing argument that he does. This book feels completely different from Invincible Iron Man. Joined once again by Alex Maleev, you'll be intrigued by this look at Tony Stark and events from his past. There is now a mystery over the identity of his birth parents. Once you start reading, you'll definitely want to know more. It might not be clear where this book will fully take us, but we're off to a good start. You will want to find out more. This isn't the Iron Man book you might have expected, and that's a great thing. Read Full Review
Again, this issue is almost entirely backstory so there's not a lot of room to review plot or even conflict, but given the quality of what's on the pages and the reputation of the creative team, this book is perfectly executed and is highly recommended. Read Full Review
Those looking for high-class hijinks of Tony and Victor in a James Bond kind of vibe won't find that here, but what they will get is an intriguing first issue that sets up a lot for the arc moving forward and reveals an aspect of the main character that has been surprisingly neglected in his history. Read Full Review
I haven't kept up with current Iron Man series or events as well as I should have lately, but this series doesn't appear to be dependent on any prior reading so it's a great jumping on point. Bendis and Maleev are collaborating once again and they produced a solid first issue to kick off the series, but I have a feeling it's going to be an uphill battle trying to prove the necessity for an additional Iron Man story. So far I like what I'm seeing though. Read Full Review
Overall, this is a wonderful Iron Man tale, a very interesting and exciting beginning to another chapter in Stark's history. Bendis takes a big ambitious stab at altering the image and makeup of Iron Man, and I for one cannot wait to see how it unfolds. Read Full Review
International Iron Man takes us back to a vulnerable moment in Tony Stark's life. He was affectionate, determined. Then his life changed. Now he must look to the past in hopes of locating his birth parents.Yet another title from Marvel's heavy hitter, Brian Michael Bendis, International Iron Man #1 is worth a pick-up, but not essential reading. Read Full Review
"International Iron Man" #1 also has the slight problem of positioning its debut around Tony Stark's search for his real parents, but -- at the moment -- it doesn't feel like strong enough of a premise to build a series on it. Again, maybe future issues will make this series feel more robust, but it's just not coming together as something particularly gripping. For the moment, "International Iron Man" has a beautiful first issue thanks to Maleev and Mounts, but Bendis' script isn't on the same level just yet. Read Full Review
The future of this comic is something that many fans will be eager to see. The groundworkhas been set for what could be a cool new twist on Tony's mythology, even if it feels a little unneeded at times. Until then, Bendis, Maleev, and company need to offer a little more to serve such an exciting character justice. Read Full Review
I'll be sure to ask someone how this series is shaking out in a few months, but I do not see this being on my personal pull anytime soon. Read Full Review
A little too much talky-talky and far too much like a Daredevil story for my tastes. Not effective as a first issue... Read Full Review
More than anything else, International Iron Man #1 is a trailer for a much larger story involving Tony's heritage. While some trailers end up being better than the movies they tease, this one offers more promise than most. It's like the difference between the Deadpool trailer and the trailer for the last Fantastic Four movie: one promises great entertainment value, one promises to ignite outrage on message boards. International Iron Man is still building up its entertainment value, but it shouldn't ignite any message boards just yet. Read Full Review
International Iron Man #1 may look great, but I need just a little more to go on before I can fully endorse its narrative going forward. Read Full Review
This dbut issue was a disappointment; it fails to captivate and to have the readership coming back for next months release. Yes, its to be expected that exposition will be a big component early on in a series, but its still possible to make those beats enthralling. Having Tony Stark try to court a young woman could be interesting, but this issue comes off as just one note. Considering the minds behind this title, it does deserve a second chance with a couple more issues. The cover may be beautiful and alluring, but beware that all is not as it seems. Remember the old adage: Never judge a book by its cover. Read Full Review
But when it comes to down to the hard math of comic book storytelling, you wind up realizing that creators like Maleev are known quantities - their style is consistent and expected, and when you know the artist isn't green enough to be making unforced errors, you recognize that their talent is a given. They're going to produce quality artwork, even if the story underneath isn't quality at all. But the formula for iconic work is simple: a great script plus great artwork equals a fantastic issue. But when the script is as inconsistent, underdeveloped and just plain out-of-left-field as Invincible Iron Man #1, it's going to be very difficult for all but the most diehard Bendis super-fans to justify sticking around. Read Full Review
From the printing to the writing to the pace to the art, this book was an extreme letdown. Read Full Review
It reminds me of Alias-era Bendis. I really enjoyed it. However, If I were a hardcore Iron Man fan, I would be disappointed with how little Iron Man is actually in this issue. Needs a new title.
I very much enjoyed the plot and dialog in this issue. The art needs some improvement. I've enjoyed Maleev on other books, but it's very difficult to read any of the facial expressions in silent panels that are clearly supposed to indicate some sort of reaction. When you can't tell what emotion the characters is supposed to be conveying, it hurts the narrative.
I really don't care for Maleev's art style in this book. It feels like they are trying to make this book like Alias. The content of the book was very interesting though. Not much action, there is very little of Tony Stark in an Iron Man suit and the majority of the content is a flashback.
There are a couple of things that irked me this comic. First, let's get things out of the way, the art and color of Maleev and Mounts is stupendous. Maleev has always been a quality artist and Mounts has proven himself so, my beef isn't with them. Bendis just didn't hit the mark. This would be a great filler issue for Iron Man but this doesn't warrant a new series. The whole google remark just made me feel blah when you read it you'll know why. I don't know I think I'll be skipping this series.