Invincible Iron Man

Since the Most Wanted arc began, Matt Fraction deconstructed Tony Stark one issue after the next. Tony Stark’s essence was boiled down into this cinematic moment where Norman Osborn, the director Hammer is ready to ram his fist through Tony’s skull and what are Stark’s potentially last words? “I win.”

Tony Stark is a egotistical self-righteous misogynist bastard, which is why the subsequent arc Stark Dissembled explores the question, “Why does Tony Stark deserve to be back?”

Pepper Potts asks herself that very question. In what is to be the most truthful letter written by a long time character in the Iron Man title, she pours out her heart. She doesn’t feel its fair that Tony always escapes death and yet, all the suffering from her injuries to Happy Hogan’s death. How bittersweet is it for Pepper to be in love with Tony Stark and yet, so disgusted at the man for all the troubles he’s brought her? Yet, time after time Stark calls for Pepper and she answers him like a wife.

Tony needs Potts repulsor generator as a result of the attack by Ezekial Stane. This generator is necessary in returning Stark to his pre-extremis state. If you remember, the Skrulls infected Tony with a virus that destroyed the bio-ware he used to power his suit.

Essentially Matt Fraction is removing Tony from the Warren Ellis contribution but he is doing something more with the backbone of the Invincible Iron Man, strengthening his supporting cast.

Jim Rhodes who I assume is back in a brand new cloned body makes an appearance. Steve Rogers as Captain America returns along with Thor to bring their fallen comrade back.

While I can’t say it yet, unofficially it’s Avengers ASSEMBLE!

Rating: BUY IT. Marvel’s BEST running title and the staple of Dark Reign.