Matt Fraction is nominated for an award. But why?

A short while ago Matt Fraction was nominated for an Eisner award for his work on Iron Man when he took over the new series. Now, I don't think Fraction is bad or anything, but I have to ask: why was he nominated?

I wasn’t thrilled with the Five Nightmares story arc. I thought it had potential but I was a bit disappointed the way it went. Hunted has been getting a lot of acclaim, but frankly I don't see why.

What has happened in the Hunted arc so far? Stark is on the run, tells use ten times an issue how his brain is degrading, someone employed by Osborn finds him, he escapes and flees again. Rinse and repeat for about five issues now. The most recent issue, #15 was the first to really break from this mold. For all that has happened in this arc, nothing has really happened. The only thing real memorable thus far is the fight with Namor, every else has seemed kind of like filler and not worth remembering.

My biggest beef with Fraction right now is that multiple times an issue he has Tony telling the reader that his brain is going. Yes, we know, we get it. Don’t tell us, show us! That to me is what Fraction is doing wrong. He keeps telling us things when he should be showing it to us. Dialogue can get the point across quick and easy, but is doesn’t always have the impact of an action or moment. I have yet to see a moment where it caused the reader to say to himself “wow, Stark really is losing it!” Almost shooting Pepper was the closest, but I think we all know he wasn’t going to fire on her. The outcome was predictable.

Another thing I don't like about Fraction is “the Iron Man.” Please, stop putting “the” in front of it, it’s annoying. In addition, it really makes it seem like they are two separate entities, rather than a man who wears a suit. It’s reminiscent of when Rhodey had the Warwear which was its own living creature rather than just armor. I don’t like that detached feeling for Iron Man. Granted that is the way it’s supposed to be with a secret identity, but it’s not really a secret anymore is it?

So what I’m getting at is, I’m not sure why Fraction is being nominated when his work on Iron Man has failed to really make an impact on me and others in any way. I just don't see it.