By Orson Scott Card (writer), Pasqual Ferry (artist), Dean White, Laura Martin, Dave McCaig, Paul Mounts (colorists) VC’s Cory Petit (letterer)
The first two issues of Ultimate Iron-Man were excellent! That said, Iron Man II #3 falls a bit short of expectations. The good build up, action, and intensity that ran through the previous issues are absent from this installment. Instead, we’re a meatier story and some suspense.
In this issue, we learn that Dolores used to have dealings with Stark but was excluded from numerous deals – which has led to him wanting to take out Stark Industries. Dolores wants Tony to deliver him a “robot” (Iron Man) in exchange for the nuke. He also wants Tony on a plane with him, but that isn’t possible (as Tony Stark is the “robot” – duh!). To remedy this, Tony has another one of his scientists use a remote controlled robot inside of the Iron Man. This proves to be a hassle as the remote droid hasn’t been perfected; it has trouble walking correctly.
Dolores is quick to discover that the robot delivered isn’t the same that was seen on the news but Tony lets him know the same software isn’t being used as a safety precaution. He’s also put some safeguards on the robot to prevent civilian casualties. Tony notices that the plane is on course to South America and after formulating some conclusions realizes there may be another nuke.
After a slow start, this issue picked up its pace near the end and really drove the story forward. I feel that there were a some wasted pages; the few comic relief moments didn’t do much for me. But, overall this issue is setting up for either one hell of a big conclusion. I’m eager to see how they wrap this up. (Grade: B)
- Matt Allen
Filed under: Marvel Comics Tagged: | Dave McCaig, Dean White, Dolores, Iron Man, James Rhodes, Laura Martin, Marvel Comics, Nukes, Orson Scott Card, Pasqual Ferry, Paul Mounts
