Weekly Comic Book Review

By Matt Fraction (Writer), Salvado Larroca (Art), and Frank D’Armata (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: As Matt Fraction gets closer to the conclusion of the epic “World’s Most Wanted” arc, I’m beginning to think there isn’t a happy ending in Tony Stark’s future. Especially now that Marvel has released the ominous “Stark on a slab” teaser image…

The Story: Tony Stark makes a mistake that could cost him, and everyone he cares about, everything…

What’s Good: The best thing about the latest chapter of World’s Most Wanted is that it hinges almost entirely on a mistake. Stark’s house of cards starts to fall and it makes for some good reading. But it’s not that a mistake is made, but how the mistake is made that makes Invincible Iron Man #17 so damned compelling. Matt Fraction writes Stark’s mistake into his story in a way that’s surprisingly subtle (you may miss it at first), yet extremely effective; with the mental deterioration of the lead character on full display. It’s all about execution, and Fraction executes a very pivotal moment really well in a way that ripples throughout the entire book.

The artwork by Salvador Larroca is solid all around. His character work continues to improve, the technological stuff continues to look great, and the different faces of Tony Stark (from man with everything to man losing everything) continue to impress. I do have one major complaint however…

What’s Not So Good: What’s the deal with Norman Osborn? It’s like Larroca isn’t even trying to keep him looking consistent or even acceptable. Osborn just sticks out in comparison to how everyone else looks and to be honest, it reminds me of the issues I had with Larroca’s character work when the series started.

Another thing I must mention is how the tenth chapter of World’s Most Wanted feels a little bit weak when compared to the intimate intensity of the last chapter. The character moments are certainly there, but there’s nothing that matches the back and forth between Stark and Madame Masque. Also (POSSIBLE SPOILER!), I have to ask, if Stark doesn’t understand email well, how does he seem to easily figure out how email addresses work?

Conclusion: It’s not perfect, but Invincible Iron Man #17 delivers more of what’s so great about World’s Most Wanted.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny