I’ve always been a fan of the alternate dimensions/realities that comic books use. It gives us readers a chance to see our favorite characters in a different light if the world had turned out different. We may not always like how they are portrayed, but if nothing else it’s a nice change of pace. And another good thing: a new costume.
Well, some of the time a least.
See, this is what I don’t get. If you have an alternate reality, and you’re doing it to make things different, why the hell would you use the same costume? Case in point is Ultimate Spiderman. Same damn thing. In many alternate realities, Magneto has the same costume. What’s the point of doing that?
I get that some costumes are iconic, or just well liked. But when you’re doing something different with the character, why keep the same costume? It’s like writers use it as a safety net where they can say “well if you didn’t like the story, at least we had the same costume.” It’s just weak. This is your chance to go wild because it isn’t the mainstream. It makes the whole effort seem wasted.
So yeah, this is kind of a pet peeve of mine. If you’re doing something different with the character, especially if it’s changing their personality, change the costume too. Give us something different too look at.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Will be Returning Shortly
Due to family matters and the subsequent death of my laptop, I have been unable to post recently (not to mention lost the articles I had ready). I will be back to regular updates soon.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Onslaught Reborn
While perusing Borders this past weekend armed with a 30% off coupon, I happened come across the Onslaught Reborn TPB. For $15 bucks I figured what the hell I’ll go for it. That and I completely forgot to pick up when it was released in single issues, but that’s not the point.
It was a team up of some of the Heroes Reborn think tank in Jeff Loeb and Rob Liefield, revisiting the Reborn saga as a ten year anniversary. I for one actually liked the Heroes Reborn saga, if nothing else it was a change of pace (not to mention it was after that whole Crossing mess we would all like to forget).
The story starts with a narration from Bucky (the Heroes Reborn female Bucky that is) and Onslaught returning and coming after Franklin Richards, the son of Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman should you not already know that. In an attempt to escape he uses some green globe thing (I don’t really remember what it is) and comes back to the Reborn universe, where all the heroes are. In his attempts to capture Franklin, Onslaught begins to inhabit the bodies of the different heroes, and pits them against one another in an attempt to find the strongest body that he can then take over that universe with. And so the fighting begins.
I’m not going to lie, I prefer action over drama, and while not the strongest plot if you like action this was a good series. I don’t think the plot was weak per se, but it definitely was geared to a more action packed series than a deep and meaningful one.
Liefield’s art, something many have problems with because he exaggerates the features and has a very scratchy detail style, was more toned down. You could still tell it was him, and there were some frames that definitely needed to be lightened on the details, but for the most part I thought he did a good job.
The fighting I thought was good. The frames were clear and you could easily tell what was going on. I liked the coloring too, pretty bright and vibrant, something you don’t seem to see much of nowadays.
I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but there are some twists in this, some good, and some make you scratch your head. You have to wonder if one or two things were intended to be done in the original series and they just never got around to it, or if Loeb and Liefield just decided to have fun with the idea.
All in all I thought the series was pretty good. Though a quick read I did enjoy it and it is definitely good for those who prefer action.
It was a team up of some of the Heroes Reborn think tank in Jeff Loeb and Rob Liefield, revisiting the Reborn saga as a ten year anniversary. I for one actually liked the Heroes Reborn saga, if nothing else it was a change of pace (not to mention it was after that whole Crossing mess we would all like to forget).
The story starts with a narration from Bucky (the Heroes Reborn female Bucky that is) and Onslaught returning and coming after Franklin Richards, the son of Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman should you not already know that. In an attempt to escape he uses some green globe thing (I don’t really remember what it is) and comes back to the Reborn universe, where all the heroes are. In his attempts to capture Franklin, Onslaught begins to inhabit the bodies of the different heroes, and pits them against one another in an attempt to find the strongest body that he can then take over that universe with. And so the fighting begins.
I’m not going to lie, I prefer action over drama, and while not the strongest plot if you like action this was a good series. I don’t think the plot was weak per se, but it definitely was geared to a more action packed series than a deep and meaningful one.
Liefield’s art, something many have problems with because he exaggerates the features and has a very scratchy detail style, was more toned down. You could still tell it was him, and there were some frames that definitely needed to be lightened on the details, but for the most part I thought he did a good job.
The fighting I thought was good. The frames were clear and you could easily tell what was going on. I liked the coloring too, pretty bright and vibrant, something you don’t seem to see much of nowadays.
I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but there are some twists in this, some good, and some make you scratch your head. You have to wonder if one or two things were intended to be done in the original series and they just never got around to it, or if Loeb and Liefield just decided to have fun with the idea.
All in all I thought the series was pretty good. Though a quick read I did enjoy it and it is definitely good for those who prefer action.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
What Happened to Stark Industries?
Since he took over as Director of Shield, there is something I’ve been wondering about the Iron Man titles: where is Stark Industries? I honestly can’t say the last time I even heard this mentioned in one of the books was.
I understand that being the director of Shield isn’t a paltry job, but Tony always ran his company and was directly involved in much of it. But now Stark Industries seems like it has just disappeared. Sure we see Stark Tower all the time, but how often anything that actually does on there?
Since he took over as head of Shield I’ve been feeling a bit disconnect from the character, in the sense that something just seemed off. Other than the whole Biased Political Commentary (a.k.a. Civil War) fiasco things with Stark just haven't seemed right. And while its not one single thing, I think this is a good chunk of it.
Stark was always at his company, be it Industries, Enterprises or Solutions, and it was always a priority to him, especially because he cared for the people under him. Now it’s like it’s not even on his radar, and only heard in passing. I miss the days of Bob & Dave and Kaminski where we got a healthy dose of the company along with the hero.
With the Director of Shield title ending, I think we are going to see Stark returning to his company and Shield back in the hands of Nick Fury. But only time will tell.
I understand that being the director of Shield isn’t a paltry job, but Tony always ran his company and was directly involved in much of it. But now Stark Industries seems like it has just disappeared. Sure we see Stark Tower all the time, but how often anything that actually does on there?
Since he took over as head of Shield I’ve been feeling a bit disconnect from the character, in the sense that something just seemed off. Other than the whole Biased Political Commentary (a.k.a. Civil War) fiasco things with Stark just haven't seemed right. And while its not one single thing, I think this is a good chunk of it.
Stark was always at his company, be it Industries, Enterprises or Solutions, and it was always a priority to him, especially because he cared for the people under him. Now it’s like it’s not even on his radar, and only heard in passing. I miss the days of Bob & Dave and Kaminski where we got a healthy dose of the company along with the hero.
With the Director of Shield title ending, I think we are going to see Stark returning to his company and Shield back in the hands of Nick Fury. But only time will tell.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Director of Shield Title Cancelled
Marvel has announced (well, did a few weeks ago) that the Director of Shield title will be coming to an end, and the Invincible Iron Man title will now be the main book, continuing with the team of Matt Fraction and Salvador Larocca. The title is going to be replaced with a new ongoing War Machine title.
I have some mixed feelings on this. Stark as the head of Shield had potential, but it was really never used; more so how Stark was used with his companies as plot support. We never see much of how he really operates Shield beyond just barking orders and a few changes here and there and to me that is a waste. Part of it might have been the Knaufs (whose leaving the title makes more sense now) never intended it and had to write it into their Mandarin arc, which would mean it take a back seat. Though the title of Director of Shield was there, did we really ever feel like it was part of the character? For me it wasnt.
On one hand though I am kind of happy it's gone as I never really felt it was suited to Stark. I just couldnt really buy in to him being the head of an organization like Shield. Not that he couldnt be, but espionage and counter terrorism arent exactly his specialties, and definitely isnt the same as running a corporation. I've always liked the more independent Stark and I think it will lead to more character specific adventures like before (as in he's by himself and doesnt always have the Hellicarrier close behind). Which brings me to my next point.
If the DOS title is gone, Nick Fury has resurfaced and Maria Hill has been proven to not be a Skrull, I think its pretty clear Tony's days as the head of Shield are done. Maybe Stark's time there will leave a lasting effect, but I doubt it with the impact Secret Invasion is bound to have on the Marvel U.
Finally, the War Machine monthly title. To say the least, I'm skeptical. Back in the 90's when Iron Man's popularity was at one of it's highest, and Rhodes was still a major supporting character in the Iron Man book War Machine only lasted a few years. Is there enough to a character that hasnt even been built up much lately to try and carry his own title again? Plus there is that thing where Rhodey now appears to be half cyborg or something. If you havent been reading the Initiative title it was revealed Rhodes is part bionic (half his face included) though we're not sure why yet. I REALLY hate that direction, and hope to hell Marvel plans on it being a temporary plot device and to get rid of it sooner rather than later. Rhodey as a cyborg is just... wrong.
I have some mixed feelings on this. Stark as the head of Shield had potential, but it was really never used; more so how Stark was used with his companies as plot support. We never see much of how he really operates Shield beyond just barking orders and a few changes here and there and to me that is a waste. Part of it might have been the Knaufs (whose leaving the title makes more sense now) never intended it and had to write it into their Mandarin arc, which would mean it take a back seat. Though the title of Director of Shield was there, did we really ever feel like it was part of the character? For me it wasnt.
On one hand though I am kind of happy it's gone as I never really felt it was suited to Stark. I just couldnt really buy in to him being the head of an organization like Shield. Not that he couldnt be, but espionage and counter terrorism arent exactly his specialties, and definitely isnt the same as running a corporation. I've always liked the more independent Stark and I think it will lead to more character specific adventures like before (as in he's by himself and doesnt always have the Hellicarrier close behind). Which brings me to my next point.
If the DOS title is gone, Nick Fury has resurfaced and Maria Hill has been proven to not be a Skrull, I think its pretty clear Tony's days as the head of Shield are done. Maybe Stark's time there will leave a lasting effect, but I doubt it with the impact Secret Invasion is bound to have on the Marvel U.
Finally, the War Machine monthly title. To say the least, I'm skeptical. Back in the 90's when Iron Man's popularity was at one of it's highest, and Rhodes was still a major supporting character in the Iron Man book War Machine only lasted a few years. Is there enough to a character that hasnt even been built up much lately to try and carry his own title again? Plus there is that thing where Rhodey now appears to be half cyborg or something. If you havent been reading the Initiative title it was revealed Rhodes is part bionic (half his face included) though we're not sure why yet. I REALLY hate that direction, and hope to hell Marvel plans on it being a temporary plot device and to get rid of it sooner rather than later. Rhodey as a cyborg is just... wrong.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Review of Marvel's Top Ten Iron Man Armors
I meant to do this before the launch of the movie, but honestly forgot to. Still, I think it is something worth covering.
When celebrating Iron Man month as a means to build hype for the movie, Marvel posted their top ten Iron Man armors. Now, I understand no one will ever fully agree on a subject such as this for anything, but some of the things here were just piss poor in my opinion. I’ll list the rank, the armor and then my thoughts on Marvel’s rank.
you can find the original article here: http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.3417.Take_10~colon~_Iron_Man~apos~s_Armory
10) Mark IV Red and Gold
Marvel’s Take: Iron Man's most recent armor before going Extremis laid the groundwork for both his current look and the character's big screen appearance. A clean, modern-looking design that came into prominence in particular when rendered by digital painter Adi Granov, this armor propelled the Golden Avenger into the present.
Chaos Take: First let me say Marvel has by far the worst model designations of anyone I have ever seen, and yet they created the character. Sorry, the red and gold armors don’t by Red and Gold Mark whatever. Secondly, there was nothing special of this armor at all. It’s low tech looking and has a 50’s scifi faceplate. If by “clean and modern” looking they meant “plated with a bunch of ridges and looking slightly more sophisticated than medieval knight armor” than yes, I agree with them. As for bringing him into the present, well here are some armors that predate this one that look much more advanced: War Machine, Modular, Heroes Reborn, Heroes Return, Grell armor (first version).
9) Ultimate Iron Man
Marvel’s Take: It would have been easy for artist Bryan Hitch to at least stick to the basic template when bringing Iron Man over to the Ultimate Universe, but his decision to reinvent the wheel—or repulsor ray—made for an impressive and bold visual feast. The bulky and intricate look reflected how a suit of battle armor might look in the real world and set Ultimate Iron Man apart from any other incarnation of Shellhead
Chaos Take: It was at this time (mind you the second armor into the list) I realized Marvel had decided to merely put the more recent armors in the top ten list to A) pat themselves on the back for their perceiving a job well done and B) promote any current or recent armor. I think many Iron Man fans will agree the Ultimate armor is in fact one of, if not the worst armor design ever. Even for being in an alternate dimension it sucks. They had a chance to be creative and break from the norm of the designs and go wild (which despite their claim they didn’t really), instead they created some crappy robot thing. To put this armor in anything but the ten worst list is mind boggling to me. If that armor is a visual feast, this is me visually throwing up.
8) Original Grey
Marvel’s Take: So Tony Stark's a dude who gets critically injured in a war-torn area, becomes a P.O.W. and is forced to use his giant brain to make a giant weapon for giant jerks. Giving them the proverbial finger, he creates a badass suit of über-destructive armor out of scraps and detritus, puts it on, stomping and shooting his way to freedom. The classic grey armor—or Mark I, if you will—may seem a little hokey by today's standards, but it's a testament to Tony Stark's genius and indomitable will. Plus, the old-school robot look never goes out of style
Chaos Take: It’s hard to argue with the original. It’s cold, robotic Frankenstein look was perfect for the time, hell even now because there is nothing fancy about it. It’s big, bulky, low tech and gets the job done.
7) Hulk Buster Mark I
Marvel’s Take: Despite being used exactly one time—and not even used successfully—the original Hulkbuster suit has been immortalized in both action figure and video game form in the years since its 1994 curtain call. Why the appeal? Well, it's a gigantic friggin' Iron Man armor that can go toe-to-toe with the Hulk—what more do you need?"
Chaos Take: Um, hate to break to this to you Hulk fanboys at Marvel, the fight was, at worst, a stalemate and at best Stark winning. They stopped fighting to talk it out, it had nothing to do with either getting a major upper hand. But like I said, that’s what happens when fanboys run the show. Anyways, they are actually right in the fact that despite being used once it immediately found its way into our “things in comics that are awesome” category and we all still love it and have been hoping for its return (and not like that monstrosity in Marvel’s Hulk Hard-on event).
6) Stealth Armor
Marvel’s Take: In the history of Iron Man, there aren't many more radical departures from his classic look than the first Stealth Armor, but there aren't many cooler departures either. Besides the fact that it's jet black, automatically raising its awesome quotient, the Stealth Armor also serves has actual reasonable science—or at least pseudo-science—behind how it works thanks to the wizardry of David Michelinie and Bob Layton."
Chaos Take: I wouldn’t call it a radical departure in terms of looks, because other than sharper boots and gauntlets and a new paint job there wasn't a whole lot different visually. It is neat, especially since it made Tony fight even more with his brains than fists because it lacked weapon systems. As for the pseudo science, if they give Bob and Dave credit they sure as hell should give Kaminsky credit because of all the Iron Man writers he has displayed a level of technological knowledge greater than any others. But I have no problem with this armor being on the list.
5) Extremis Armor
Marvel’s Take: Unlike any other Iron Man suit, the Extremis virus allows its user to store armor in the hollow of his bones and instantaneously utilize it at any time. The Extremis armor responds more quickly to user commands and provides interface with all external communications systems, from cellular phones to satellites. Extremis also boats increased repulsor technology for both energy projection and flight as well as greatly enhanced healing capabilities.
Chaos Take: (cough)bullshit (cough) Sorry about that, had something in my throat. For all those advantages they listed, we have yet to see any single one actually be improved outside maybe propulsion. In fact, given how the suits are displayed in the comics, I would say nothing after the Silver Centurion would have a problem kicking the crap out of this thing. This is definitely Marvel being all gushy on themselves on something they think is a great accomplishment when it’s anything but. This armor doesn’t even know if it wants to be high or low tech looking. It’s supposed to be smoothed and streamlined yet is plated all over the torso, plus has extra components on the legs and arms that stick out. Terrible choice.
4) Red and Gold Mark II
Marvel’s Take: The nice thing about this late '80s revamp of the standard red and gold armor Iron Man had worn for years prior was that it really looked of the times. It retained the classic elements and basic design of the long-tenured suit, but streamlined stuff that no longer fit such as the lined underoos and giant hip discs. This armor allowed fans to have their cake and eat it too, with an Iron Man who looked familiar, but not dated
Chaos Take: It’s actually the Neo Classic armor after the Silver Centurion. Apparently Marvel has failed to realize there were variations before what we now know as the Classic Red and Gold got to its final incarnation. But hey, why would the guys in charge of Iron Man’s history k now that? Anyways, this went back to a more recognizable design, being a modern (for the time) version of the Classic after the big departure that was the Silver Centurion. It had a simple yet advanced look and lasted quite a while so I don’t have a problem with its choice.
3) Classic Red and Gold
Marvel’s Take: This may not have been the first armor and it may not be sported by Tony any time soon, but you can't deny that every armor since then has been influenced by this beauty. Sleek lines and a forward-thinking look made for one of the most iconic costumes in comic book history. It's also impressive that this costume doesn't make Iron Man look like a robot—it's clearly a man in armor, which makes it apparent that Iron Man isn't defined just by the armor. It's the man inside who truly powers this hero."
Chaos Take: It’s the classic, what would you really want me to say that you aren’t thinking? It really did start the advance look, even more so than the previous red and gold armors which really looked flimsy at times.
2) Silver Centurion
Marvel’s Take: Shaking up the red and gold standard with this variation was controversial at the time, but it's amazing how all that venom has been replaced by fond nostalgia these days. This is easily one of the sleekest, cleanest looking armors that Iron Man ever sported, with a color scheme that still looks wildly different from his other incarnations, but awesome in its own right."
Chaos Take: Face it, we all love the Silver Centurion. A radical departure from what became the norm, it wasn't just the looks that differed but also the systems. It was the biggest leap in power from one suit to another, as it manhandled many enemies that once gave the classic armor a lot of trouble. It looked great and you really got a sense of power and advanced technology from it.
1) War Machine
Marvel’s Take: Really, is there a much 'cooler' looking armor than this one? From the shocking amount of weaponry to the very basic color scheme, this suit screams 'you're in trouble' to evildoers everywhere. Not only is it part of a great story with Tony being replaced with Rhodey, it's also the armor that we associate with the awesome character known as War Machine! Sure, other armors may be more powerful, sleeker and a tad less ridiculous when it comes to all the visible deadly weapons, but there's no denying that this is the one suit that you know means business.
Chaos Take: I wouldn’t say “you’re in trouble” so much as “you’re @&#$ed” as to what it screams. The War Machine is great because it shows if Stark wants to just beat the crap out of you he can and will. It’s more menacing face plate and cold color scheme along with the weapons gave it an incredibly intimidating look. I’m surprised Marvel was able to get this one right. But maybe its just that obvious.
When celebrating Iron Man month as a means to build hype for the movie, Marvel posted their top ten Iron Man armors. Now, I understand no one will ever fully agree on a subject such as this for anything, but some of the things here were just piss poor in my opinion. I’ll list the rank, the armor and then my thoughts on Marvel’s rank.
you can find the original article here: http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.3417.Take_10~colon~_Iron_Man~apos~s_Armory
10) Mark IV Red and Gold
Marvel’s Take: Iron Man's most recent armor before going Extremis laid the groundwork for both his current look and the character's big screen appearance. A clean, modern-looking design that came into prominence in particular when rendered by digital painter Adi Granov, this armor propelled the Golden Avenger into the present.
Chaos Take: First let me say Marvel has by far the worst model designations of anyone I have ever seen, and yet they created the character. Sorry, the red and gold armors don’t by Red and Gold Mark whatever. Secondly, there was nothing special of this armor at all. It’s low tech looking and has a 50’s scifi faceplate. If by “clean and modern” looking they meant “plated with a bunch of ridges and looking slightly more sophisticated than medieval knight armor” than yes, I agree with them. As for bringing him into the present, well here are some armors that predate this one that look much more advanced: War Machine, Modular, Heroes Reborn, Heroes Return, Grell armor (first version).
9) Ultimate Iron Man
Marvel’s Take: It would have been easy for artist Bryan Hitch to at least stick to the basic template when bringing Iron Man over to the Ultimate Universe, but his decision to reinvent the wheel—or repulsor ray—made for an impressive and bold visual feast. The bulky and intricate look reflected how a suit of battle armor might look in the real world and set Ultimate Iron Man apart from any other incarnation of Shellhead
Chaos Take: It was at this time (mind you the second armor into the list) I realized Marvel had decided to merely put the more recent armors in the top ten list to A) pat themselves on the back for their perceiving a job well done and B) promote any current or recent armor. I think many Iron Man fans will agree the Ultimate armor is in fact one of, if not the worst armor design ever. Even for being in an alternate dimension it sucks. They had a chance to be creative and break from the norm of the designs and go wild (which despite their claim they didn’t really), instead they created some crappy robot thing. To put this armor in anything but the ten worst list is mind boggling to me. If that armor is a visual feast, this is me visually throwing up.
8) Original Grey
Marvel’s Take: So Tony Stark's a dude who gets critically injured in a war-torn area, becomes a P.O.W. and is forced to use his giant brain to make a giant weapon for giant jerks. Giving them the proverbial finger, he creates a badass suit of über-destructive armor out of scraps and detritus, puts it on, stomping and shooting his way to freedom. The classic grey armor—or Mark I, if you will—may seem a little hokey by today's standards, but it's a testament to Tony Stark's genius and indomitable will. Plus, the old-school robot look never goes out of style
Chaos Take: It’s hard to argue with the original. It’s cold, robotic Frankenstein look was perfect for the time, hell even now because there is nothing fancy about it. It’s big, bulky, low tech and gets the job done.
7) Hulk Buster Mark I
Marvel’s Take: Despite being used exactly one time—and not even used successfully—the original Hulkbuster suit has been immortalized in both action figure and video game form in the years since its 1994 curtain call. Why the appeal? Well, it's a gigantic friggin' Iron Man armor that can go toe-to-toe with the Hulk—what more do you need?"
Chaos Take: Um, hate to break to this to you Hulk fanboys at Marvel, the fight was, at worst, a stalemate and at best Stark winning. They stopped fighting to talk it out, it had nothing to do with either getting a major upper hand. But like I said, that’s what happens when fanboys run the show. Anyways, they are actually right in the fact that despite being used once it immediately found its way into our “things in comics that are awesome” category and we all still love it and have been hoping for its return (and not like that monstrosity in Marvel’s Hulk Hard-on event).
6) Stealth Armor
Marvel’s Take: In the history of Iron Man, there aren't many more radical departures from his classic look than the first Stealth Armor, but there aren't many cooler departures either. Besides the fact that it's jet black, automatically raising its awesome quotient, the Stealth Armor also serves has actual reasonable science—or at least pseudo-science—behind how it works thanks to the wizardry of David Michelinie and Bob Layton."
Chaos Take: I wouldn’t call it a radical departure in terms of looks, because other than sharper boots and gauntlets and a new paint job there wasn't a whole lot different visually. It is neat, especially since it made Tony fight even more with his brains than fists because it lacked weapon systems. As for the pseudo science, if they give Bob and Dave credit they sure as hell should give Kaminsky credit because of all the Iron Man writers he has displayed a level of technological knowledge greater than any others. But I have no problem with this armor being on the list.
5) Extremis Armor
Marvel’s Take: Unlike any other Iron Man suit, the Extremis virus allows its user to store armor in the hollow of his bones and instantaneously utilize it at any time. The Extremis armor responds more quickly to user commands and provides interface with all external communications systems, from cellular phones to satellites. Extremis also boats increased repulsor technology for both energy projection and flight as well as greatly enhanced healing capabilities.
Chaos Take: (cough)
4) Red and Gold Mark II
Marvel’s Take: The nice thing about this late '80s revamp of the standard red and gold armor Iron Man had worn for years prior was that it really looked of the times. It retained the classic elements and basic design of the long-tenured suit, but streamlined stuff that no longer fit such as the lined underoos and giant hip discs. This armor allowed fans to have their cake and eat it too, with an Iron Man who looked familiar, but not dated
Chaos Take: It’s actually the Neo Classic armor after the Silver Centurion. Apparently Marvel has failed to realize there were variations before what we now know as the Classic Red and Gold got to its final incarnation. But hey, why would the guys in charge of Iron Man’s history k now that? Anyways, this went back to a more recognizable design, being a modern (for the time) version of the Classic after the big departure that was the Silver Centurion. It had a simple yet advanced look and lasted quite a while so I don’t have a problem with its choice.
3) Classic Red and Gold
Marvel’s Take: This may not have been the first armor and it may not be sported by Tony any time soon, but you can't deny that every armor since then has been influenced by this beauty. Sleek lines and a forward-thinking look made for one of the most iconic costumes in comic book history. It's also impressive that this costume doesn't make Iron Man look like a robot—it's clearly a man in armor, which makes it apparent that Iron Man isn't defined just by the armor. It's the man inside who truly powers this hero."
Chaos Take: It’s the classic, what would you really want me to say that you aren’t thinking? It really did start the advance look, even more so than the previous red and gold armors which really looked flimsy at times.
2) Silver Centurion
Marvel’s Take: Shaking up the red and gold standard with this variation was controversial at the time, but it's amazing how all that venom has been replaced by fond nostalgia these days. This is easily one of the sleekest, cleanest looking armors that Iron Man ever sported, with a color scheme that still looks wildly different from his other incarnations, but awesome in its own right."
Chaos Take: Face it, we all love the Silver Centurion. A radical departure from what became the norm, it wasn't just the looks that differed but also the systems. It was the biggest leap in power from one suit to another, as it manhandled many enemies that once gave the classic armor a lot of trouble. It looked great and you really got a sense of power and advanced technology from it.
1) War Machine
Marvel’s Take: Really, is there a much 'cooler' looking armor than this one? From the shocking amount of weaponry to the very basic color scheme, this suit screams 'you're in trouble' to evildoers everywhere. Not only is it part of a great story with Tony being replaced with Rhodey, it's also the armor that we associate with the awesome character known as War Machine! Sure, other armors may be more powerful, sleeker and a tad less ridiculous when it comes to all the visible deadly weapons, but there's no denying that this is the one suit that you know means business.
Chaos Take: I wouldn’t say “you’re in trouble” so much as “you’re @&#$ed” as to what it screams. The War Machine is great because it shows if Stark wants to just beat the crap out of you he can and will. It’s more menacing face plate and cold color scheme along with the weapons gave it an incredibly intimidating look. I’m surprised Marvel was able to get this one right. But maybe its just that obvious.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Legacy of Doom: Final Thoughts
This month we were treated with the fourth and final installment of the Legacy of Doom miniseries. Once again we were treated to a battle of intelligence and wits as Iron Man and Doom had to work together and use their brains instead of brawn to win the day.
But I don’t want to go too in depth to the ending of the series in case you haven't read it yet (if it’s been available and you haven't picked it up yet, shame on you!). I will though give some grades on the major aspects of the book.
Writing: A+
The grasp of the characters was, well, you can’t grasp them any better. It’s just so refreshing to see Stark handling so succinctly after the way he has been kicked around over the past few years. Bob and Dave again show why they are one of, if not the best Iron Man writer(s) to ever grace the book. It was a battle of wits despite there being enough for a battle of strength with two of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe, but also the most cunning. The story itself was well laid out and progressive, with no boring parts and a storyline that kept you wondering what the next twist would be.
Pencils/Inks: A+
Lim was a guy that was always called upon to pencil major events and he continues to show why. His art is clear and precise with both modern and classic tones. Layton knows how to ink the character as he has been doing it for years, even in his free time and knows just how heavy to be. The combination was great, definitely giving one the feel of a 1980’s Iron Man issue.
Colors: A+
Bob noted that one of the great things about this series was that not only was he given the freedom to do the colors how he and Dave wanted but that also the colorists, Sotomayor and Baumann were willing to work closely with him on it instead of putting their touch on it so to speak. The result was a bright and vibrant display that is a nice contrast from the often dull colors used anymore.
Final Grade: A+
Yes, I did just give a perfect score to this miniseries, and the thing of it? I like my comics heavy on the action. Bob and Dave have been action heavy (but by no means light on it) and I still thoroughly enjoyed this mini. Everything was just done so well it’s hard to give it anything but.
Final Thoughts
As they say, all good things must come to an end. Though four issues seem too short because it was enjoyable, it’s better than having a long, drawn out story. Everything from the writing to art was top notch and you can tell a lot of thought, effort and passion for the character went into its creation.
And let’s not forget the great nod to the previous Iron Man – Doom meeting where Merlin discovers that the lake has been built over by the mall, only to have the mall done by Stark himself as a means to protect Excalibur (and since he had no recollection of his trip to the future he came up with the idea himself).
As Iron Man fans, I think we can all give a hats off to the entire team for the series they did, and hope they will be collaborating again on one in the future.
Thanks guys!
But I don’t want to go too in depth to the ending of the series in case you haven't read it yet (if it’s been available and you haven't picked it up yet, shame on you!). I will though give some grades on the major aspects of the book.
Writing: A+
The grasp of the characters was, well, you can’t grasp them any better. It’s just so refreshing to see Stark handling so succinctly after the way he has been kicked around over the past few years. Bob and Dave again show why they are one of, if not the best Iron Man writer(s) to ever grace the book. It was a battle of wits despite there being enough for a battle of strength with two of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe, but also the most cunning. The story itself was well laid out and progressive, with no boring parts and a storyline that kept you wondering what the next twist would be.
Pencils/Inks: A+
Lim was a guy that was always called upon to pencil major events and he continues to show why. His art is clear and precise with both modern and classic tones. Layton knows how to ink the character as he has been doing it for years, even in his free time and knows just how heavy to be. The combination was great, definitely giving one the feel of a 1980’s Iron Man issue.
Colors: A+
Bob noted that one of the great things about this series was that not only was he given the freedom to do the colors how he and Dave wanted but that also the colorists, Sotomayor and Baumann were willing to work closely with him on it instead of putting their touch on it so to speak. The result was a bright and vibrant display that is a nice contrast from the often dull colors used anymore.
Final Grade: A+
Yes, I did just give a perfect score to this miniseries, and the thing of it? I like my comics heavy on the action. Bob and Dave have been action heavy (but by no means light on it) and I still thoroughly enjoyed this mini. Everything was just done so well it’s hard to give it anything but.
Final Thoughts
As they say, all good things must come to an end. Though four issues seem too short because it was enjoyable, it’s better than having a long, drawn out story. Everything from the writing to art was top notch and you can tell a lot of thought, effort and passion for the character went into its creation.
And let’s not forget the great nod to the previous Iron Man – Doom meeting where Merlin discovers that the lake has been built over by the mall, only to have the mall done by Stark himself as a means to protect Excalibur (and since he had no recollection of his trip to the future he came up with the idea himself).
As Iron Man fans, I think we can all give a hats off to the entire team for the series they did, and hope they will be collaborating again on one in the future.
Thanks guys!
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