Infamous Iron Man #4
(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Alex Maleev
Rated T+
In Shops: Jan 25, 2017
SRP: $3.99
It seems like old times as Victor Von Doom finds himself confronted by Benjamin J. Grimm. But with so much history between them, can Victor ever possibly convince him that times have changed? That Victor Von Doom is now REALLY Iron Man?
Infamous Iron Man #3
(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Alex Maleev
Rated T+
In Shops: Dec 28, 2016
SRP: $3.99
Some people from Tony Stark’s past have a VERY big problem with Victor Von Doom taking the mantle of Iron Man. One of those people is Pepper Potts, a.k.a. Rescue! She is back and she is pissed! Where has she been?
The secrets that propel Victor Von Doom’s new quest as a hero start to reveal themselves, but that is nothing compared to the who’s who of heroes AND villains looking for a piece of revenge for his past sins – beginning with Ben Grimm!
The concept of Doctor Doom as Iron Man is an intriguing one and over the years the character has really been an alternate version of Tony Stark. That’s a concept that hasn’t been explored a lot in the Marvel universe but we get a version of it here.
Writer Brian Michael Bendis is sending this former villain in a new direction as he attempts to fill the hole that’s been left by whatever has happened to Tony Stark during Civil War II. It’s an interesting and good concept especially since we get it in another perspective as far as the adventures of Riri Williams.
But, there are some issues. Doom is a villain and he has a lot to pay for as far as his past sins. And we get that explored right away here with Ben Grimm stalking him to make him pay, or see what’s up, actually I’m not quite sure other than the two have been enemies. It’s definitely not a checkup considering the amount of damage Grimm does.
But, a lot of the issue is focused on Doom trying to do good. He goes up against a villain and the confrontation is pretty telling as far as how it goes. That really sets up the direction and the tone we should expect from the series.
What I also like is Bendis’ use of Grimm in that he sets it all up for us to question who is a hero and who’s the villain. Depending on your perspective that answer may differ a bit.
Alex Maleev‘s art is absolutely fantastic as usual. I’m a fan of the style and I know if his name is on a comic it’ll deliver in every way when it comes to the art department. Bendis and Maleev have worked together so much it’s not a surprise the art works so well. The art style too works with Doom’s villainous ways and his turn to the heroic side.
I’ll admit the concept cause me to roll my eyes when I first heard it but two issues in, the series is solid in so many ways and it actually shows a villain on his journey to be a hero. This has quickly become one of my favorites of Marvel NOW! so far and a favorite of mine for Marvel in quite some time.
Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: Alex Maleev
Story: 8.6 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.65 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Alex
Top Pick: Britannia #3 (Valiant) – The story of the first detective, a man armed with the magical powers of deductive reasoning and primitive CSI-type knowledge is facing what could be a threat from the netherworld. This is brilliant stuff, and Valiant’s prestige format publication make this comic well worth your money for a physical copy, but it’s the story and artwork that have been so utterly amazing. There’s only four issues in the miniseries, so treat yourself and read all three this week if you haven’t taken the plunge.
Amazing Spider-Man #21 (Marvel) – The only reason I’m excited for this is because Scarlet Spider is on the cover, and I can never have enough Kaine.
Black Hammer #5 (Dark Horse) – I find that Jeff Lemire can be either really good or borderline unreadable. Here, he’s utterly fantastic, and his tale of superheroes trapped in a small town and being forced to live as normal people is fascinating as he explores the former heroes lives, and how they’re reacting to their new status quo. For some, it’s akin to paradise, and others it’s a living hell. Well worth a read if you want something different from your superhero comics.
Kill Or Be Killed #4 (Image Comics) – A vigilante tale that’s part Punisher, part Ghost Rider, and every bit as awesome as you’d expect from Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips.
Old Man Logan #13 (Marvel) – Perhaps because of the trailer released this month (which I’ve seen more than I’ll admit too), but I can’t wait to get my grubby mitts on this comic. One of the few remaining Marvel books on my pull list, this is another example of Jeff Lemire at the top of his game.
Joe
Top Pick: Ether #1 (Dark Horse) – It’s like the amazing art work on the cover by David Rubin has been taunting me ever since I first saw it. I have been waiting for this book for what seems like forever. Matt Kindt is writing this quirky series about a scientist detective who can go between Earth and another magical world, Ether. If you love fun, quirky stories with beautiful unique art, then this is the book for you. The cast of characters are over the top, and the plot seems to be as well. This is easily my top pick this week.
Old Man Logan #13 (Marvel) – The Last Ronin storyline has been brutal, and beautiful. Sorrentino is a very underrated artist and has been killing it on this series. Lemire is no slouch here either, and I love the way he captures Logan. While people are saying they miss the Wolverine they know and love, they should be reading this. It’s Wolverine as a retired Samurai basically. He’s trying to live his life in peace, but keeps getting pulled into the darkness of the world.
Kill or Be Killed #4 (Image) – Things were really ramping up in the last issue, and with the confidence of our main character up, it is safe to say that things are going to get worse before they get better. Brubaker is no stranger to pulp crime, but there’s something more here. This is throwing the question back at the reader, what is the right or wrong thing to do? If you had to kill someone to stay alive, who would it be? And that is a very dangerous question, holding even more dangerous answers.
Reborn #2 (Image Comics) – After an awesome first issue by Millar and Capullo, I cannot wait to see more of this fantasy world that they teased in the first book. Millar and Capullo together should be enough to get people to at least check this series out. They are two heavyweights in their craft, and they really seem to have something special here. The concept is awesome, the artwork is fantastic, and there is so much mystery that I cannot wait to uncover!
Black Hammer #5 (Dark Horse) – A Colonel Weird issue! I love the character driven issues of this series. We get to see a peak at our weird groups past, and really spend time to learn who each of them are now, and who they were in much happier times. So far, Colonel Weird has been floating (literally) in and out of the first four books, but this issue dives deep into exactly why he is the way he is, and gives us a peek at the Para-Zone he often references and visits. Lemire appears on my list for the second time, and it’s no coincidence, he is doing a fantastic job on this book as well!
Brett
Top Pick: SLAM! #1 (BOOM! Studios) – It’s the world of Roller Derby from Pamela Ribon and Veronica Fish. Two friends get drafted by two teams and have to navigate the world of Roller Derby and its impact on their friendship. The concept sounds great and the art I’ve seen so far is fantastic. This is one that sounds like a fresh concept and an interesting world to explore.
Infamous Iron Man #2 (Marvel) – The first issue which had Doom taking over the role of Iron Man was fascinating and this one too continues his exploration of becoming a hero. I have no doubt it won’t last long, but so far it’s been intriguing.
Thanos #1 (Marvel) – Jeff Lemire is an amazing writer and I had no idea what to expect when I read this first issue. It’s really solid and returns Thanos to being the badass that he is. I have no idea where it goes from here but it feels like it’ll be an epic.
Ether #1 (Dark Horse) – Matt Kindt, nuff said. 99% of what he does is amazing and this is no exception.
Lady Killer 2 #3 (Dark Horse) – We got a bit of a break between the last issue and this one, but I’m no less excited for it. 50s housewife who’s also a contract killer. It’s as dark and twisted as it sounds and it’s awesome.
Anthony
Top Pick: Ether #1 (Dark Horse) – Matt Kindt (Mind MGMT, Dept. H) and David Rubin (criminally under-appreciated The Fiction, The Rise of Aurora West) look to bring an intriguing tale of a man of science into a world of fantasy and magic. At this point, anything Matt Kindt has his name attached to should swivel more than a few heads. Plus, having David Rubin provide his flowing art style as well to the series is just about as great a collaboration you could ask for.
Black Hammer #5 (Dark Horse) – Black Hammer may be the best superhero title on the stands. Each and every issue has dived into the backstory of a single character while also focusing on the present time and the various heroes’ dilemmas on being forced to be distanced from the very world they protected. This issue looks to focus on Colonel Weird.
Kill or Be Killed #4 (Image Comics) – This series has been unlike anything Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips and Elizabeth Breitweiser have done thus far and has been getting increasingly more and more intriguing as it continues forward. This issue marks the end of the first arc. Dylan is a very conflicted character that questions a lot about the world around him, observations that correlate to the anxieties of the real world outside the pages of the comic. These inklings of Dylan’s thoughts alongside the justifiable murders he must commit are what makes him such an interesting character. Kill or Be Killed is also the most playful form wise for this creative team, making each issue a treat for the eyes that really reinforces the unexpected journey that Dylan has been going on.
Sunny Vol. 6 (Viz Media) – Taiyo Matsumoto’s wonderful manga about a group of orphaned children living under the same roof comes to a conclusion in this final volume. Matsumoto has juggled with so many different voices throughout this series, allowing for each and every one of them to have a voice that matters. He displays images that provoke a sense of loneliness through the multiple characters, frustrated with their present sense of abandonment but also captures a sense of wonder and curiosity about the future ahead that is fantasized within the comfort of an abandoned car next to the children’s housing. Sunny strikes many chords and is deserving of more attention than it has already received.
Infamous Iron Man #2
(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Alex Maleev
Rated T+
In Shops: Nov 16, 2016
SRP: $3.99
The secrets that propel Victor Von Doom’s new quest as a hero start to reveal themselves, but that is nothing compared to the who’s who of heroes AND villains looking for a piece of revenge for his past sins – beginning with Ben Grimm!
It’s new comic book day! What has everyone excited? What do you plan on getting? Sound off in the comments below. While you wait for shops to open, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.
Around the Tubes
Kotaku – You Did Some Good Cosplay, New York – Some great cosplay on display.
Dallas News – Why are the rich treating the value of baseball cards and comic books like Picassos? Blame the Federal Reserve – An interesting read.
Comics Alliance – ‘Deadpool 2’ Creative Differences Were Over Two Completely Different Ideas for the Sequel – Well that’s good to know.
Around the Tubes Reviews
Comic Attack – Batman #9
Newsarama – Generation Zero #3
The Beat – Houses of the Holy and Pascin
Talking Comics – Infamous Iron Man #1
The Beat – Slapstick #1
The Beat – Wilde Life
It was new comic book day yesterday. What’d everyone get? What’d you like? What’d you dislike? Sound off in the comments below!
While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.
Around the Tubes
The Mary Sue – Dear Marvel: Stop Sexualizing Female Teenage Characters Like Riri Williams. Love, Everyone – 1) It’s weird and creepy, 2) It’s really bad art
CBLDF – Serbian Cartoonist Suspects Government Pressure Led to Contract Cancellation – Very sad to see and hear.
Around the Tubes Reviews
Newsarama – Amazing Spider-Man #20
The Beat – Archie Meets Ramones #1
Newsarama – Batman #9
Newsarama – Captain America: Sam Wilson #14
The Beat – Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #1
Newsarama – Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #1
Comiconverse – The Electric Sublime #1
Comic Attack – Faith #4
Comic Attack – Horizon #4
Comic Vine – Infamous Iron Man #1
Newsarama – Infamous Iron Man #1
Victor Von Doom has ascended to greater heights than ever before, as…IRON MAN?! Your eyes do not deceive you! There’s a new Iron Man in town, and he’s coming your way in Infamous Iron Man #1 – the all-new ongoing series from the creative team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev!
It’s time for the greatest villain in the Marvel Universe to try something…new. Where Tony Stark failed, Victor Von Doom will succeed! Only, how will the rest of the world’s heroes take to their deadliest foe masquerading as their greatest champion? The question remains – has the one-time Doctor Doom truly turned over a new leaf, or is this just the next step in his master plan?
I want to start with the bad. If you want to stay in the dark as to Tony Stark’s fate at the end of Civil War II, then you’ll want to avoid this comic. That’s really the only bad thing as the comic is really solid.
It begins with a scene before Secret Wars that plays into the end of the issue which has an interesting reveal that should keep folks coming back for the next issue. That scene also asks the question that with Doom being so powerful, what’s his actual reason for doing things. He’s mastered everything and rules a nation. What’s next?
Brian Michael Bendis does a solid job in really focusing on Doom and his attempting to figure out what he should do after the events of Civil War II. They often say that villains see themselves as a hero and this comic feels like it’s being built on that idea. How his new role will go over remains to be seen and judging by part of the end, it won’t be going well.
Bendis teams up with Maleev who on art nails it. Maleev’s art is usually solid and this issue is no exception. His art is distinctive and if you’re a fan of his art, you’ll love the issue. Maleev’s style seems to be made for the cold metal that I’d associate with Doom and I’m looking forward to seeing a bit more of it in a dynamic manner.
I think what’s really interesting about this issue is that it doesn’t have the boastful nature that I’d associate with Doctor Doom. The comic is muted in a way which gave me the impression he was really thinking things through. Most importantly, it has me wanting to come back for more and see what happens next. Doom is a favorite of mine and putting him in this situation looks like it’ll give us something actually new involving him.
Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art & Cover: Alex Maleev
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Shay
Top Pick: Harley Quinn #6 (DC Comics) – The punk scene and Harley are a match made in anarchist heaven! This issue will give you life!
Wynonna Earp Vol 1 TP (IDW Publishing) – This reboot/re-imagining of Wynonna Earp will bring TV fans and die-hard fans from the OG comics when she was still blonde and buxom together under one accord. Wynonna is one hell of a bad ass and her story deserves to be told. Get semi caught up with this trade paperback and enjoy yourself. It’s a great jump off point to get to know the new Wynonna, meet her for the first time or, discover some of the things that you wish you
Black Panther #7 (Marvel) – Black Panther gets more than by with a little help from his friends! This issue has everything you need and want, a lot of action, some serious double crossing, a nice spirit walk , funny and clever quips ,a dash of blaxploitation fire and , some killer cameos!
Spell on Wheels #1 (Dark Horse) – Girl powered road trip! But, the girls are witches on the trail of the thief that stole their powers.
Death of X #2 (Marvel) – It’s going DOWN! two more issues then we have IvX! This is the bridge to cover that gap and set the stage for one hell of a fight. Without giving away too much lets just say that the X-men, especially Cyclops should “Beware when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become one.” Because where the Inhumans are concerned he’s starting to sound an awful lot like the humans who came for the X-men and the other mutants.
Joe
Top Pick: Dept. H #7 (Dark Horse) – This has been such a good series so far by Matt and Sharlene Kindt. The underwater claustrophobia continues as Mia searches for who killed her father while trying to stay alive. The combination of the pencils and watercolor is just beautiful in this book and you should definitely check it out.
Black Hammer #4 (Dark Horse) – Such an original series. I always have liked what Lemire does, but this is so weird and silly and yet has such a great story. The characters are somehow relatable while still being so over the top. The way it pokes at superhero tropes is hilarious and refreshing. I also love the classic style art in this book, it really fits well.
Batman #9 (DC Comics) – Now that we are done with “Night of The Monster Men,” we can get back to a more focused story I hope. I love what Tom King was doing with this book, and am excited to see what this “I Am Suicide” arc is all about. King has made Batman very vulnerable so far, and I want to see how far he takes The Dark Knight, and how far DC is willing to let him.
Death of X #2 (Marvel) – I love Aaron Kuder’s art. It’s a breath of fresh air for Marvel. I also liked the first issue and want to see what Soule and Lemire do here since they are both writing this series. I’ve been intrigued by this title, and as a kid who grew up with The X-books being my favorites, I want to see what Marvel is really planning for them.
Infamous Iron Man #1 (Marvel) – Who doesn’t want to see Victor Von Doom as Iron Man? I’m so curious to see what Bendis will do here. I am sure everyone is. Is Victor truly redeemed post-Secret Wars? What will he think of Riri? Where the hell is Tony? There are tons of questions, and I am very hopeful for this series.
Alex
Top Pick: Faith #4 (Valiant) – Alex looking forward to a Valiant comic? Hardly a surprise, really, but this issue that has Faith, Archer and Faith (yes, really) attending a comic book convention is going to be an absolute blast to read.
Batman #9 (DC Comics) – At last the crossover story is done, so hopefully now we get to something that’s just flat out better.
Black Hammer #4 (Dark Horse) – A story about forgotten, or lost, heroes trapped for some reason in a town that most of them don’t want to be in. It’s a brilliant story, and one I was fortunate enough to read the first two issues in one go – absolutely worth your time.
Green Lanterns #9 (DC Comics) – After eight issues, I’ve found that I’ve become rather fond of the Green Lantern property post-Rebirth, and a large part of that new found fandom is because of this comic. It’s fairly similar in tone to Faith, and seeing as how that’s one of my favourite series right now, it stands to reason that this would also be pretty high on my list.
Ninjak #20 (Valiant) – I’m still not as excited about this comic as I want to be, but it’s still more enticing to me than almost anything that Marvel are publishing this week. I don’t know whether that says more about Valiant’s consistent high quality or Marvel’s lack of anything interesting.
Brett
Top Pick: Infamous Iron Man #1 (Marvel) – Doctor Doom as Iron Man is an intriguing concept and we get the details as to why and how here. If you don’t want Civil War II spoiled, you might want to avoid this comic, but, it gives us our first hint as to what the hell goes down at the end of that event. Beyond that, Doom as hero is actually really interesting and something I want to see.
Death of X #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was a bit mixed for me, but I really want to see what happened between Mutants and Inhumans and the fate of a lot of characters. Marvel has teased things, and I want the details.
The Black Hood Season 2 #1 (Dark Circle) – Archie’s “superhero” series gets a second volume. The first was brutal, dark, and really great to read. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #1 (DC’s Young Animal) – This new line of comics from DC has been really interesting and the latest release is an interesting one with a rather obscure character. I have no idea what to expect, but it’s one that’s high on my list to find out.
The Bunker #19 (Oni Press) – The time traveling mind trip comes to an end with this issue which feels like it has so much to wrap up. It’s been one hell of a ride, so how this all ends is something I really want to know and can’t wait to find out.
Anthony
Secret Path: Confronting the past is something that often requires dealing with controversial subject matter, looking outward to return inward in the present time, reflecting and hoping a light is shone on what is often ignored. Secret Path tells the story of a young boy named Chanie Wenjack whom died trying to find his way home, 400 miles away, after escaping from the often brutal conditions that many Aboriginal people faced in Residential Schools. Gord Downie, lead singer of The Tragically Hip and long time activist for Aboriginal rights, and artist Jeff Lemire, present a story in which Canada must come face to face with their own past reality.
Black Hammer #4 (Dark Horse) – The team of Black Hammer continues to flesh out some very thought provoking, emotional, and deconstructive stories/images on the superhero genre as a whole. This issue looks to focus on Abraham Slam’s past, intermingling with the present time.
Black Panther #7 (Marvel) – Chris Sprouse has been doing a solid job penciling the last few issues after Brian Stelfreeze’s first four issues and looks to continue expanding the wide range of characters and places with Ta-Nehisi Coates’s scripts and Laura Martin’s wide-ranging colours. It looks like the creative team will be re-introducing ‘The Crew’ with the new set of members looking like Black Panther, Misty Knight, Storm and Luke Cage.
Black Widow #7 (Marvel) – Black Widow returns and looks to confront the very person that has been screwing around with her life: Weeping Lion. Chris Samnee, Mark Waid, and Matt Wilson have created a wonderfully balanced series, showing the power of visual storytelling alongside scripts that don’t really rely too heavily on exposition.
Faith #4 (Valiant) – Faith and Archer decide to spend some much needed time together by going to the local comic convention, away from the hustle and bustle of being a superhero. But, sometimes you just can’t escape that. The two have found themselves about to face off against a group of people trying to invade on the fun to be had at nerdvana.
Jason
Top Pick: Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #1 (DC’s Young Animal) – Even a few titles in, Gerard Way’s ‘Young Animals’ is already proving to be a shot in the arm for DC’s comics line, with the My Chemical Romance frontman and his team embracing the weird and cherry picking the most obscure and weird characters from the company’s vaults.They don’t come any more obscure than Cave Carson, the one with the cybernetic eye, first appearing in four issues of the ‘Brave and the Bold’ in the 60’s before making his way onto the aptly named “Forgotten Heroes” along with Animal Man in the 80’s.
“Inspired by the visionary work of DC’s experimental past, but shaped and focused on the absurdity of today” is the imprints mission statement and it would seem that Way and Rivera are taking the spelunking hero down a psychedelic, self exploratory path as he struggles with his grip on reality after his wife’s death.
Infamous Iron Man #1 (Marvel) – Following in the footsteps of Doctor Octopus as Superior Spider-man, this month Iron Man becomes infamous as the leader of Latveria dons Stark’s armor. One of two characters taking over the Iron Man Mantle along with Riri Williams it remains to be seen if Bendis and Maleev’s Victor is truly on a path to redemption or working an angle to a new devious master plan.
While his last big plan saw Doom elevate himself to the status of God of the newly formed battleworld, can one of the biggest and most complex villains of the Marvel Universe really step up and become a true hero? With the series’ second issue featuring long time adversary and sure to be skeptical Ben Grimm, it’s sure going to be an interesting look into an already layered character.
Victor Von Doom has ascended to greater heights than ever before, as…IRON MAN?! Your eyes do not deceive you! There’s a new Iron Man in town, and he’s coming your way in Infamous Iron Man #1 – the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster, Eisner Award-winning creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev!
It’s time for the greatest villain in the Marvel Universe to try something…new. Where Tony Stark failed, Victor Von Doom will succeed! Only, how will the rest of the world’s heroes take to their deadliest foe masquerading as their greatest champion? The question remains – has the one-time Doctor Doom truly turned over a new leaf, or is this just the next step in his master plan?
INFAMOUS IRON MAN #1 (AUG160767)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art & Cover by ALEX MALEEV
Variant Covers by ESAD RIBIC (AUG160768) and SKOTTIE YOUNG (AUG160770)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (AUG160769)
Teaser Variant by MIKE DEODATO (AUG160771)
Champions Variant by MIKE MCKONE (AUG160772)
Hip-Hop Variant by ANTHONY PIPER (AUG160773)
FOC – 09/26/16, On-Sale – 10/19/16
Skip to content