May 2008 Archives

Waiting For Comics An Extra Day

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Review by Mike Heronime

New comics come out every Wednesday.  It's like having a favorite TV show.  You wait until Wednesday when it comes on and then you get to re-connect with your friends and familiars once again.  It's one of these habitual rituals that people seem to adopt and adapt to so easily.  I think it has something to do with the sun rising and setting and rising again and the comfort that comes with patterns that repeat.  So in this regard, "new comics come out every Wednesday" is like hope for a bright tomorrow.  

So what does it mean when Wednesday comes and goes without new comics?  Doom?  Despair?  Well, no.  But certainly disappointment.  Kinda like the writers strike.  Favorite TV shows were suddenly not available on their promised dates.  Sadness set in.  But this too came to pass.  Just like this Wednesday will.  The good news is that this comicless Wednesday will be swiftly followed by new comics on Thursday.  A very short if not slightly inconvenient 24-hour delay in our chance to reconnect with our friends and familiars in the pages of our favorite comic books.  

When Thursday finally gets here, and you find yourself scoping out the numerous options available to you on the shelves of your local comic book store, if you pick up nothing else, be sure to grab copies of the following:

ALL STAR SUPERMAN #11
Writer :  Grant Morrison

Artist : Frank Quitely

Manufacturer / Publisher :  DC

Description :  "Superman--dead? What is the secret behind the Daily Planet's ominous headline from the future? And what does Clark Kent have to say about it? All the pieces of Lex Luthor's master plan to kill Superman begin to come together, building up to the All Star big bang in story's finale!"

ASTONISHING X-MEN GIANT SIZE #1
Writer :  Joss Whedon

Artist : John Cassaday

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "Too big to be contained in a normal issue, the grand finale of Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly) and John Cassaday's (CAPTAIN AMERICA, Planetary) landmark run is right here! The powerlords of Breakworld bring the fight to Earth. Can the X-Men stop them from destroying the whole planet? Will the Avengers join their fight? What we do know is this: one of the X-Men won't walk away from this fight. Plus spotlight interviews with Whedon and Cassaday!"

BATMAN #677 RIP
Writer :  Grant Morrison

Artist : "Tony Daniel, Sandu Florea"

Manufacturer / Publisher :  DC

Description :  "Continuing "Batman R.I.P," the epic story that will change the legend of the Dark Knight forever! As the life of Bruce Wayne takes an interesting turn with Jezebel Jet, the life of Batman falls into the ultimate downward spiral."

FINAL CRISIS #1
Writer :  Grant Morrison

Artist : J.G. Jones

Manufacturer / Publisher :  DC

Description :  "Witness the historic start of the final chapter in the Crisis trilogy that could only spring from the mind of Grant Morrison -- Final Crisis, featuring stunning art by J.G. Jones (52 Covers)! Worlds will live and heroes will die in this epic tale spanning the beginning and end of the DC Universe! The entire Multiverse is threatened as the mysterious Libra assembles an army of the DCU's most terrifying super villains. But what is the ultimate plan, and who will live to find out?"

IMMORTAL IRON FIST #15
Writer :  Various

Artist : David Aja

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "TALES OF THE IRON FIST! When we last saw Bei Bang-Wen, he was leaping to what seemed to be a certain death off the top of the Taku Forts -- would you believe us if we told you that was only the beginning? Join us as we take a look at another one of the fabulous Iron Fists of years past and his legendary legacy in "The Story of the Iron Fist Bei Bang-Wen -- The Perfect Strategy Mind and his Miraculous Travels to the Dark Continent, and What Mysteries of the World and of the Self that He Learned There (1827-1860)" By Matt Fraction and Khari Evans!"

KING SIZE HULK #1
Writer :  Jeph Loeb

Artist : Various

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "HULK vs. SHE-HULK! HULK vs. WENDIGO! HULK vs. ??????????? JEPH LOEB! ART ADAMS! FRANK CHO! TOO many SUPERSTARS to fit into a puny REGULAR-SIZED issue!!! We're comin' upside your head with a KING-SIZE spectacular with MORE smashing, bashing, trashing, and clashing than should be allowed by law!!! Three new tales that fill in the gaps of the best-selling HULK book, and set up NEW storylines! PLUS, classic tales including THE INCREDIBLE HULK 180 (the REAL 1st appearance of Wolverine!) and AVENGERS 83 (Lady Liberators, anyone?)! More? You want MORE!?!? How about a super-secret MYSTERY ARTIST????"

NEW AVENGERS #41 (SECRET INVASTION TIE-IN)
Writer :  Brian Michael Bendis

Artist : Leinil Francis Yu

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "The Avengers are trapped in the Savage Land, battling friend and foe. And Spider-Man heads to the one person in the entire place he knows he can trust: Ka-Zar!! But is it really him? This important chapter rewinds the events of the very first New Avengers story and shows how it connects to the Invasion."
Marvel Comics wants to know which comics you believe sported the best cover art in 2007.  Visit their website and you can browse every comic book cover published by Marvel in 2007 and select your top 5.  I know it's a little late in the year for a Best Of 2007 contest.  But it's still a fun little romp down memory lane.  Below you can check out my picks, just for grins.  Visit Marvel to cast your vote by clicking here.

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Project Resurrection

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Review by Mark Allen

Project Superpowers, published by Dynamite Entertainment, 32 pages, $2.99.
    
As seems to be popular these days, Dynamite Entertainment has “resurrected” several Golden Age comic book heroes for a series entitled Project Superpowers.  But this project is far more than simply an attempt to cash in on a trend.
    
The plot is by Alex Ross and Jim Krueger, and involves heroes of W.W. II interacting in the modern world.  Readers are treated to the story of a hero who has to make a difficult choice, visiting what he sees as a lesser evil upon his comrades in order to put a halt to a larger one.  But, was his decision the right one?  That’s the question that is addressed, against a background of intriguing characterization, a looming global threat, and the growing anticipation of confrontations, not just between good and evil, but also between degrees of righteousness.
    
Additionally, any time a writer sets up a vexing “who do you trust” dilemma in a story, it’s a good thing.  (Yes, I want to be vexed by storylines; it means I’m invested.)  Ross and Krueger are quite successful in that regard, as Bruce Carter, aka “The Fighting Yank,” is torn between two would-be advisers; the ghost of an ancestor and a mysterious apparition called the American Spirit.  This helps keep readers guessing, and glued to the story.
    
Carlos Paul handles the interior art, which fairly explodes with drama, action and intensity when called for, while ably portraying more subdued scenes as well.  All the while, his style is grounded in reality, steeped in detail, and made all the more enjoyable by the choices of colorist Debora Corita.  
    
Alex Ross supplies the covers for each issue, which, while not adding anything to the actual story, makes for a most attractive “wrapping” for this gift to comics fans.
    
Project Superpowers is well worth your time and investment, and will probably appeal more to teenage and adult readers.  Find it at comics shops, online retailers and auctions, and atwww.dynamiteentertainment.com .

Mark Allen
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Where is DC This Wednesday?

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By Mike Heronime

Despite my commitment to small press comics and my determination to buy fewer superhero comics and more non-genre books, Marvel continues to capture my comic book dollar.  It's simply because they continue to employ the best creative talent in the business.  Ed Brubaker, Bryan Hitch, Mark Millar, Greg Pak and Brian Bendis are represented in this week's books alone.  It's not that DC doesn't have their share of top talent.  The difference is that Marvel's superhero writers are creating comic books that transcend the super hero genre and read more like action movies than superhero comic books.  Captain America, Fantastic Four, Hercules, and Secret Invasion are all prime examples of Marvel's great success with creating comic books that are tremendously entertaining without feeling like stories about goofy flakes with capes.  The other book on this week's list is from Wildstorm.  And like the Marvel books, The Programme turns the traditional superhero story on its ear and in the process, makes it completely plausible that this sort of thing could happen any day now.

If you don't buy anything else this Wednesday, make sure you pick up these great comics.

Descriptions by Midtown Comics.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #38
Writer :  Ed Brubaker

Artist : Various

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "Bucky Barnes never wanted to be Captain America, but he's doing his best to carry on the legacy of Steve Rogers, in his own way, while trying to save Sharon Carter from the Red Skull and his minions. But maybe he's not the only one running around in a Captain America outfit! Part Two of ""The Man Who Bought America"" by the acclaimed team of Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting."

FANTASTIC FOUR #557
Writer :  Mark Millar

Artist : Bryan Hitch

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "World's Greatest" concludes! It's the ultimate engine of peace pitted against Reed Richards' most lethal invention, for all the marbles! And a shocking final page that'll have you feeling every minute of the thirty-day wait until the next issue!"

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #117 (SECRET INVASION TIE-IN)
Writer :  Greg Pak

Artist : Khoi Pham

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "The Greek Goliath gathers the most powerful super-team ever assembled to counter-attack the Skrull gods! Face front, True Believers, and prepare for the pantheon-pounding premiere of... THE GOD SQUAD!"

MIGHTY AVENGERS #14 (SECRET INVASION TIE-IN)
Writer :  Brian Michael Bendis

Artist : Mark Bagley

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

PROGRAMME #11
Writer :  Peter Milligan

Artist : C.P. Smith

Manufacturer / Publisher :  DC/Wildstorm

Description :  Max has finally become the superman that the U.S. Government has sought -- but at what price? And is American society crumbed beyond salvage? The super-human war of ideologies is on!

Pacitti Plugs Pandemonium Comics

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pacitti.jpgBy Mike Heronime

Among my favorite comic book authors I include Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Mark Waid, and, of course, Eric Robinson and Tony Pacitti.  I would suggest that most of the names on the short list you probably recognize with maybe the exceptions of Eric and Tony.  Eric introduced me to Tony.  Both writers work with me on the comic books we publish for Pandemonium Comics.  Eric writes Dark Dallas and Tony writes two titles, RoboPlanet and The Silencer.  And both writers are getting their share of press lately.  Eric was recently mentioned in a D Magazine review of Dark Dallas.  And now you can read Tony's interview by Southcoast 247 as they pick his brain to find out his secrets to comic book success.  You can read their interview with Tony by clicking here.

Giant-Size Wednesday, Smash!

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Descriptions by Midtown Comics
Editorial by Mike Heronime

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #559
Writer :  Bob Gale

Artist : Phil Jimenez

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "The DB, New York's trashiest tabloid, has just hired the sleaziest, most muckraking, lowlife paparazzi of them all...PETER PARKER?! Say it ain't so, true believer! Also in this ish, J. Jonah Jameson finds inner peace and harmony...(Hey, it could happen! Maybe.) All this and the first ever livestreaming super-villain: Screwball! Dan Slott returns to Spidey, and he's bringing Marcos Martin (DOCTOR STRANGE: THE OATH) with him!"

Editorial: Here it comes again.  Another week of Spider-Man.  No complaints.  How long can they keep it up?  Let's just see.

BATMAN #676 RIP
Writer :  Grant Morrison

Artist : Tony Daniel - Sandu Florea

Manufacturer / Publisher :  DC

Description :  "Are you ready for Batman R.I.P.? Beginning the epic story that will change the legend of the Dark Knight forever! Everything in Grant Morrison's groundbreaking run on Batman has been leading to this story, and nothing will ever be the same again. Who will live? Who will die? Who will be Batman? The answers are sure to shock you in Batman R.I.P., featuring artwork by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea and covers by Alex Ross."

Editorial:  Here it comes.  Batman is dead?! Is it possible. You can bet I'll be picking up the book to find out.  I'm banking on Grant Morrison's plans to make us all forget Frank Miller and Alan Moore.  Count on it.

BPRD 1946 #5
Writer :  "Mike Mignola, Joshua Dysart"

Artist : Paul Azaceta

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Dark Horse

Description :  "B.P.R.D.: 1946 rises to its astounding conclusion as Bruttenholm at last comes face to face with one of the most diabolical villains to emerge from the Third Reich, a mad genius whose creations will plague the B.P.R.D. for years to come."

Editorial:  It's truly the scariest, creepiest comic book on the stands.  If you missed the Hellboy Free Comic Book last week, then you missed a lot.  Among other things, it included a little tie-in story to 1946.  

CASANOVA #14
Writer :  Matt Fraction

Artist : Fabio Moon

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Image

Description :  "The second album of CASANOVA comes to an end and you absolutely won't believe it. If Casanova comes back, surely this would be the issue, right? Right? He's gonna come back, isn't he? It's all gonna work out all right, isn't it? At the end of the issue, everything will be beautiful again and nothing will hurt, right? Right? Hello? God? By MATT FRACTION (PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL, THE IMMORTAL IRON FIST) and FABIO MOON (SUGARSHOCK, De:TALES), it's the comic GQ called ""Brilliant."""

Editorial:  GQ called it brilliant.  I guess even GQ can be right once in a while.  It is brilliant.  Kick ass.  Off the hook.  Flippin' fantastic. If you aren't reading this book, check you pulse.  You might be dead.

GIANT SIZE INCREDIBLE HULK #1
Writer :  Roger Stern

Artist : Cory Hamscher - Zach Howard

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "The Hulk may be a misunderstood monster, but his former sidekick, Fred Sloan, is determined to set the record straight. He's traveling the country, finding stories of the Hulk touching people's lives, researching for his book, 'Hulk Encounter: A Survivor's Story."" But will he find the Hulk revered as a hero, or despised as a menace? Meanwhile, the green goliath himself is on the run, getting into trouble as he goes. Join classic Hulk writer Roger Stern for this look into the impact of Hulk's smashing! PLUS: Re-presenting the hard-to-find INCREDIBLE HULK ANNUAL #7 by Robert Stern, John Byrne and Bob Layton!"

Editorial: A Giant Size Hulk without Greg Pak.  Is that even possible?  We'll see.  The Hulk is hot.  Can't miss this one.

TWELVE #5
Writer :  J. Michael Straczynski

Artist : Chris Weston

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  Tensions rise and heroes come to blows as the time-lost Twelve from the Golden Age find their fundamental beliefs challenged in the world of the 21st Century. Plus; the Origin of the Witness--he's seen what you've done!

Editorial: JMS is making this his Watchmen.  So far, so good.  Is it possible that guys like JMS, Morrison, or Millar make the world forget about Alan Moore?  Read this one and tell me what you think.

Crosier Gets Tapped by Yahoo!

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Those familiar with Pandemonium Comics will be familiar with the name of Daniel Crosier.  Dan provided the writing and art for the January issue of Pandemonium Comics titled "Sons of Soil."  He has also created cover art for PositiveBrand titles "The Zombie" and "The Land of Andrak."  Additional cover illustrations by Dan will be seen later this year on Pandemonium Comics titles "The Arena", "The Exquisite Vanishteer", and "Grave Mistakes."  Given Dan's unique talents and style, it's no wonder Yahoo! has asked Dan for his expert opinion on pursuing a career in comic book art.  What follows is an excerpt from an article posted by Yahoo! Hot Jobs targeting job seekers.

The Colorful World of Comic Book Artistry

Daniel Crosier, comic book illustrator currently working on "Bartholomew of the Scissors" (Blue Water Productions), says comic book illustrations are a natural extension of his artistic ability, which includes creating contemporary wood sculptures, paintings, building props for local films, and directing short films. "This is another outlet for my art and storytelling. Having a background in illustration translates well into comic books."

Comic book illustrators typically work closely with the in-house editorial department. As stories evolve, so do the illustrations to match the characters and their actions. Illustrators need to adhere to strict deadlines to ensure their role is on track with the publisher's schedule and be able to work with others. "Work at your craft and learn how to take criticism," says Crosier.

Dream big: "Network, network, network!" he advises. "If an opportunity doesn't present itself, make an opportunity. Things will rarely happen to you." A degree in fine arts is a plus.

The rest of the article can be read here

Buying Comics Again

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By Mike Heronime

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY has come and gone.  Hopefully you took advantage of the opportunity and snatched up some excellent free comic books on Saturday.  If not, your comic book store probably still has some great books lying around (like X-men, Hellboy, Ignatz, and Gekiga which I highly recommend).  So while your trolling your comic book store this Wednesday for FREE books, be sure to pick up copies (you'll have to pay for these) of the following top notch titles:

Descriptions by Midtown Comics
Editorial by Mike Heronime

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #558
Writer :  Bob Gale

Artist : Phil Jimenez

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "The frighteningly funky and fearsome Freak returns, more powerful than ever! And this action-packed issue features the gorgeous art of Barry Kitson -- fresh from Marvel's THE ORDER! Plus: Menace! Curt Connors! Aunt May! Lots of innocent bystanders! Gale wrote it, Wacker edited it, and Marvel actually thought it was a good idea to publish it!"

Editorial:

AVENGERS INVADERS #1
Writer :  Jim Krueger

Artist : Steve Sadowski

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "The original Invaders (Captain America , Bucky , Human Torch , Toro , and the Sub-Mariner) return in a twelve issue maxi-series by the award winning team behind EARTH X, Justice and Project Superpowers .The greatest super-team of World War II finds themselves transported from the battlefields of the Second World War to a future they never imagined! Now, the Invaders find themselves confronted by two teams of Avengers who want desperately to believe these heroes are who they say they are, while Tony Stark faces his greatest challenge since the Civil War as he must deal with the "return" of Steve Rogers. Confronted by a world they barely recognize, the Invaders will have to show two teams of the Earth's Mightiest Heroes just what kind of power, courage and sheer determination it took to defeat the forces of unrelenting evil in the Twentieth century. In fact--they may just have to do it again in the Twenty-First."

Editorial: Spider-man continues to be a great series. Please support this book and we'll end up with DC and Marvel producing comic books like TV series.  Every week it'll be a new episode.  These guys have the resources so they should do it.  

DARK TOWER LONG ROAD HOME #3
Writer :  "Robin Furth, Peter David"

Artist : "Lee, Isanove"

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "With Roland's consciousness trapped within Maerlyn's Grapefruit, his ka-tet companion, Alain, enters the mystical todash space in an attempt to rescue his friend. But as he and Roland flit in and out of alien dimensions, Cuthbert, the last member of their ka-tet, desperately tries to stave off a pack of slavering mutant wolves who have come to devour the unconscious Roland and Alain!"

Editorial:  The art is great.  The story is okay.  Definitely creepy.  Well written at least.  This is probably more appropriate to purchase as a hard bound collection (note to self).

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1
Writer :  Matt Fraction

Artist : Salvador Larroca

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "A bold new ONGOING TITLE for the biggest hero of 2008! IRON MAN! You know you love him! And as the summer's most anticipated movie boot-jets its way into theaters, here's the perfect jumping-on point for new readers and Iron Man fans alike! Tony Stark -- Iron Man, billionaire industrialist and director of S.H.I.E.L.D. -- faces the most overwhelming challenge of his life. Ezekiel Stane, the son of Tony's late business rival and archenemy Obadiah, has set his sights, his genius and his considerable fortune on the task of destroying Tony Stark and Iron Man. What's worse, he's got Iron Man tech, and he's every bit Iron Man's equal and opposite--except younger, faster, smarter--and immeasurably evil. Rising star writer Matt Fraction (IMMORTAL IRON FIST) and superstar artist Salvador Larroca (UNCANNY X-MEN) join forces to repulsor-ray your comic books to a cinder!"

Editorial:  Not as good as the movie.  But not too bad.  Matt Fraction is writing it but it's very different from Casanova (not nearly as weird) and Iron Fist (not nearly as intense).  But don't let that keep you from picking up a copy.  It's just getting started.  And knowing Fraction, when this baby kicks in the overdrive, look out.

LOGAN #3
Writer :  Brian K. Vaughan

Artist : Eduardo Risso

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  "In the gut-wrenching conclusion to Vaughan and Risso's epic story, Wolverine must make the single most difficult decision of his long and bloody career."

Editorial:  I don't really think this is BK Vaughn's greatest work.  But Risso was born to draw Wolverine.  The main thing about the series is how it finally clears up how Logan lost his memory.  

SECRET INVASION #2
Writer :  Brian Michael Bendis

Artist : Leinil Franics Yu

Manufacturer / Publisher :  Marvel

Description :  The Invasion is here!! The Marvel Universe is in shambles. The Skrull Empire's plan has birthed itself into perfection. It is hero versus hero!! Resurrections and reunions!! Is Tony Stark a Skrull? And is that actually Captain America leading the heroes into a new era?? EXPECT CHANGE!!

Editorial: I am so confused.  There are heroes everywhere.  Who's a skrull and who's not?  It was a difficult question before they doubled the cast.  Now I'm afraid we may never know.  Do you think?

Diehard Fans' Alter Ego

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Review by Michael Vance

Alter Ego #75/96 pgs. & $6.95 from Twomorrows Publishing/various writers and
artists/available comics shops and at www.twomorrows.com.

Disclaimer: I have written for Alter Ego magazine, and therefore cannot be unbiased in this review.

I love this magazine!  Alter Ego is a periodical mostly about the history of super-hero comic book titles with a sprinkling of information on comic strips. It is generally packed from glossy cover to cover with art, photographs, and new information on the world’s most popular artform starting in the early ‘30s.

The cover of the 75th issue is a montage of the art styles used on Fawcett Publication’s
“Captain Marvel”, Superman’s only serious contender for the title of the best selling superhero of all time.

Shazam!!  About half of the issue is dedicated to the interpretation of the “Big Red
Cheese” by many different writers and artists for more than fifty years.  Features in the rest of the issue include articles on artists and writers probably unknown to most readers.  That’s because, for the most part, creators did not get bylines on their stories published in the first 25 years of comic books.

As example, Maxwell Elkan is a man unknown to even most hardcore comics fans. Yet this talented artist produced a substantial amount of outstanding comics work in multiple
genres for twenty years.  Recognition of his talent and of his role in the formative years of comics is no longer overdue.

This issue also offers a delightful 2008 calendar featuring famous movie actresses as
super-heroines from the ‘30s and ‘40s.  What comics fan could resist Jane Russell as Phantom Lady or Esther Williams as Rocketgirl? Hubba, hubba!

If the preceding sounds like Alter Ego is not a magazine for causal comics readers, you
have good ears. Alter Ego is highly recommended for die-hard comics fans.

Michael Vance

Order Dark Corridor,a horror, fantasy, and suspense short story magazine at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com! Michael Vance contributes the offbeat tales "The Zoo" and "Picked Clean". $4.50 per issue, USA.

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection and Toy and Action Figure Museum? Go to www.fourcolorcommentary.com

Iron Man Delivers

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ironman_teaser.jpgReview by Robert Hurst

*WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!* Just returned from a 'sneak peek' of "Iron Man" in Dallas. On a scale of 1-10, I give it an 8 1/2. Director Jon Favreau has made a comic book movie for the masses. You don't have to know anything about the Iron Man comics to appreciate this movie. The movie has a message about the U.S. involvement in the Mid-East and the economic impact of the country's military industrial complex. Robert Downey, Jr. is perfectly cast as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Jeff Bridges as Obadia Stane chews up the scenery and Gwyneth Paltrow aptly brings Pepper Potts to life. It's a great 'origin' movie and gives us insight into Stark's background as a 'boy genius' who had to stand in his father's shadow. Jon Favreau does double duty as Happy Hogan, Stark's chaffeur & semi-bodyguard. Terrence Howard shows that he's ready to play War Machine in the sequel. The script closely follows the Lee/Ditko origin story seen in Tales to Astonish back in the early 1960s.

Stark is kidnapped by terrorists set on making him pay for the horror his family business has caused worldwide. With the help of another prisoner, Stark builds the Iron Man suit to escape his captors. Upon returning stateside he sets about cleaning up the mess his family business has created worldwide as a military weapons manufacturer by improving upon the Iron Man suit. Unbeknownst to Stark, he's being screwed over by the person he trusts the most in the family business. Corporate intrigue feeds into the superhero storyline with a throwdown between Iron Man and War Monger in the movie's climactic battle. For those who thought Nick Fury* might show up as the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. or that Black Widow might make an appearance...sorry. There's great humor along with the drama in "Iron Man". I'm ready for the sequel! Question is: who will play The Mandarin? 

- Robert

*Editors Note: If you're real patient and manage to wait through the entire length of credits, you'll be rewarded with a brief scene that has Tony Stark and Nick Fury meeting in Stark's home.  Fury is played by Samuel L. Jackson.  Best of all, he's there to talk about the Avengers with Stark.  Looks like an Avengers movie is definitely in the cards for all of us Marvel fans.  Enjoy, MH

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