Iron Man # 25 - Haunted

Iron Man has once again become one of Marvel’s best titles thanks to the direction of writers Daniel and Charles Knauf, and this month's issue is no exception. It's also an anniversary issue, #25 of Iron Man, Volume 4. The two best aspects of the series so far have been the reintroduction of The Mandarin, and the development of the Extremis plot. The Knauf's have tied the virus into the super-soldier program and government machinations like a story from the Ultimates.

The best villains are the ones who believe their cause is just, and The Mandarin is such a villain. And he has evolved since we last saw him, his ten power rings now fused to his spine, while Tony has regressed to the use of his old armor in the absence of his Extremis powers. Worth noting however, is that while in his old armor Tony's true heroic side shines through.

Roberto de la Torre is the regular artist for the series and continues to add great detail and atmosphere to the story through his gritty art style. This issue is also full of well crafted dialogue, suspense, and a villainous monologue that reminds you of what reading superhero comics is all about. There is plenty of appeal here, and adding to the value of this anniversary issue are extra features well worth the higher than usual price. These include a preview of the Iron Man film coming May 2nd, a feature on "The Many Armors of Iron Man”, a preview of the Iron Man Omnibus Collection coming out later this year, and a preview of Jon Favreau's and Adi Granov’s Iron Man mini-series, Iron Man: Viva Las Vegas.