Vol. 4. Issue 2: (Feb. 2005) "Extremis, part 2."
Cover art: Adi Granov.
Script: Warren Ellis.
Art: Adi Granov.
I love great comics writing. I love it. I love philosophical and scientific discussions, especially when they're done well and don't insult my intelligence. IM #2 offers this in abundance. Stark and Maya Hansen travel to see "Sal" (did I miss his last name? I couldn't find it anywhere), who apparently is the mentor of both geniuses. He's into drugs and alcohol, but his intellect appears to rival, or even surpass, Stark's. Not only that, he looks disturbingly like former Iron Man creator David Michelinie!! As the trio debate science and ethics, the dude who took the Extremis "drug" last ish enters an FBI building in Houston ... and proceeds to tear the place apart! The violence is pretty graphic, and the Extremis dude actually breathes fire, incinerating numerous employees! (What is he, an offspring of Fin Fang Foom for cripe's sake?)
Granov's CGI art is wonderful yet again, and as I said, Ellis' writing is top-notch. Superhero action is nil, but you can't expect such every issue now, can 'ya? Savor the terrific dialogue, dawdle in the splendid spoken word, wade in the outstanding discourse ... and don't permit the lack of Iron Man appearance to bring 'ya down!
Hube's Recommendation: 3 1/2 repulsors!
Fan Reaction: How far we have fallen!! No action!!!!! Long-winded talking scene with a hippie who we have never seen before! Violent images that my kid can’t see! Too much Tom Cruise look alike! Oh and did I mention No Iron Man!!!!! (Whose book is this anyway?) Why can’t Iron Man re-launch (man I hate that) as Captain America? On a positive note I must say that I do kind of like the art! Very few repulsors on this one Hube! -- SZKZ
Fan Reaction 2: You wrote. "Superhero action is nil, but you can't expect such every issue now, can 'ya?" Um... actually you CAN expect some superhero action because THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN is a superhero comic. Not only was there NO superhero action but no superhero appearance either! That's like watching an NFL contest and there's NO football action...but "you can't expect such every game now, can 'ya?" Ellis is like the Randy Moss of comics: he does what ever the hell he wants and fans have to put up with it because he's SO outstanding. In his mind, anyway. Overall great review, as always. Except for defending Ellis's omission of ol' Shellhead. Best thing about the issue is that I read it in the store for free. (I'm pals with the owner of my comic store and he let me check out the advanced copy.) Why do I get the impression that Ellis is laughing his ass off at all of us Iron Fans? -- Mike Kalibabky
Fan Reaction 3: Again, this story would have been appropriate in the new Ultimate Iron Man series. Let them create a "new" Tony Stark along with a new supportive cast in Ultimate Iron Man. For those of us who have enjoyed Iron Man the way he was, along with supporting cast, they should have left the book alone. Granted, from time to time there is a radical shift as far as who the hero is (aka: James Rhodes as Iron Man) which I can more than accept, as long as there is continuity of the title. This hippy character in the issue who preaches drug use (as an anti-drug advocate did not sit well with me), we've never seen him before, as well as any of the supporting cast in this "new" Iron Man. I might give a free peek at Iron Man in the future at the comic shop, but as an avid collector, as well as Marvel reader since 1974, its over for me. Marvel just does not get the point that quantity does not equal quality. I never thought I'd say this, but DC is miles ahead of Marvel at this point as far as quality of writing goes. Of course I will still follow this site as it is truly awesome. Thanks again Hube. -- adm712@msn.com
Fan Reaction 4: I was disappointed that Iron Man didn't appear in the story. But I just realized that today's comics are like movies. Since this issue would be early in the plot Iron Man hopefully would show up in issue three. By the way I didn't like the aging hippie teacher either. At least there was some action coming from the new bad guy. -- Fast Mike
Fan Reaction 5: I've got to say I'm a little disappointed in the other 'fan' reactions. They seem a little like the bandwagon fans we seem coming out of the woodwork as we approach the Super Bowl...when their team loses...they'll go to the team that won. Keep in mind...this is an all new Iron Man series. Of course we haven't seen this hippie mentor before. This is a rebirth...an awesome opportunity for new blood to get their hands on this most amazing of superheroes. Iron Man is a complex superhero who is much more than just a guy who blows stuff up. He's deep, intellectual, and it's neat to see his 'mentor'. While I too was disappointed not to see an Iron Man appearance...I am very excited for the next issue so I can see him kick the crap out of the Extremis guy. The art and story line are exciting and are responsible for getting a new generation of Iron Man lovers hooked. Keep up the good work Hube...you rock. -- chubtohd
