By Matt Fraction (Writer), Salvador Larocca (Artist), and Frank D’Armata (Colors)
Some Thoughts Before The Review: Anyone tired of the “World’s Most Wanted” arc yet? I know I’m not. It’s refreshing to see a Marvel comic that’s breaking the common “six-issue” rule.
The Story: Madame Masque talks to her “lover” Tony Stark as a captive Pepper Potts awaits her torture. Meanwhile, Black Widow deals with Mariah Hill’s breakdown.
What’s Good: You know what? I really don’t have a whole lot to say about Invincible Iron Man #16. Now normally, that would be a bad thing or a sign that the issue is very “meh.” In this case though, it’s actually a rather good thing because it means that chapter nine of “World’s Most Wanted” maintains (in some ways surpasses) a sort of status quo that the series seems to be comfortable with. The current plot hums along at a pace that feels just right for the character-driven story being told. Matt Fraction’s dialogue and character work is as revealing as ever (I love the exchanges between Tony and Madame Masque). And best of all, Salvador Larocca’s character work looks the best it’s ever looked (it’s about time that Tony Stark looks like the same person in every panel).
What’s Not So Good: My only real complaint about the latest issue of Invincible Iron Man is that the bits with Black Widow and Mariah Hill left me a bit cold. While Hill’s breakdown is understandable and well-written, it seems to come out of nowhere. Hill goes from being a person desperate to get the job done to someone who just completely falls apart in a very short amount of time. Now I understand spontaneous breakdowns are part of human nature, but it seems a little bit out of character considering how hardened and well-trained Mariah Hill is. There is one major saving grace to the whole thing though: Black Widow’s reaction to Hill is a bit similar to mine….
Conclusion: If you like what Matt Fraction is doing, then you are going to find quite a bit to like about Invincible Iron Man #16. If you’re against the whole “World’s Most Wanted” thing, then I suggest sitting out until Fraction’s through telling his entire story.
Grade: B
-Kyle Posluszny