CC2K’s Comic of the Week: Iron Man 510

Written by: Gary M. Kenny, CC2K Comics Editor

Every week, there are a multitude of books being released from multiple different publishers. And while we here at CC2K like to provide as many reviews as our limited numbers can provide, there is always one book that is the cream of the crop. Comics are expensive, so that’s why we’ve started giving you the one, absolutely unmissable book every week.

The Invincible Iron Man # 510

Writer: Matt Fraction

Artist: Salvador Lorroca

Just to catch you up: Tony Stark gave up his year of being sober and preceded to get drunk in order to grab Odin’s attention. Tony worked out a deal with Odin and was permitted to work with his dwarves in Odin’s workshop. Odin’s technology was  then used to make a Destroyer suit for Iron Man, Thor died, and the heroes won the battle verses the Serpent. Are you with me? 

Matt Fraction opens this book with a bang (literally). Zeke Stane attacks Abu Dhabi in a plan to cut their water supply (a hold up if you will). Zeke attacks and succeeds per the Mandarin’s plan. Fraction has stated that Ezekiel Stane is the future Iron Man, the next evolution, too bad he’s a supervillian. Oh and did I mention Zeke is now teaming up with the Mandarin and their plan is simple: attack Stark in new ways. The first is that they are publicly outing him as a drunk. Attacking Tony at his lowest point is smart. He can defend himself and where this arc is heading looks to me like unchartered waters for a comic book. Bravo Mr. Fraction.

Fraction goes back to what works. One on one time with Tony Stark. He also gives Tony a new sidekick: a dwarf named Splitlip. Now that Tony again has a drinking problem. Together this rag tag duo hits up the A.A. and reading this it almost sounds very Austin Powers-ish. Tony and his Mini-me. However, Fraction makes this work and without sounding like dribble. Splitlilp serves as a reminder to Tony of what he could become: a smaller mean version of himself. Though that might come across as a bit drab, Splitlip is an interesting character and though he curses heavily, he’s an intellectual builder and that  and his bad habbits compliments everything Fraction has going for this book. One man’s journey at bettering himself, his company, and the world. Now it’s One man’s journey, a fiery red head, a War Machine and a Dwarf. 

There is nothing bad to say about Salvador Lorroca. He constantly dazzles. His characters are always the focus and the way he draws facial features really bring to life the character’s emotions. In this issue’s last page there is a still shot of the Mandarin and you can almost see his sininister soul lurking behind his eyes. Salvador should be a bigger artist at Marvel. I hope they give him something outstanding or they are really wasting this guys potential to be one of the greats.

Fraction/Lorroca and Iron Man, honestly one of the best books out there and the next issue sounds even bigger/badder!

Marvel released issue #511’s summary: 

The Mandarin attacks! Zeke Stane and a NEW Detroit Steel return — Iron Man’s enemies take advantage of Tony Stark’s lowest ebb to destroy him.

I’m on board for this issue. Are you?

4.0 out of 5.0