Invincible Iron Man #1 Advance Review
With the status of Tony Stark unknown following Civil War II, Riri Williams picks up the iron mantle in Invincible Iron Man #1.
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Stefano Caselli
Color Artist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Release Date: 11/9/2016
A bit of warning before I delve into the review for Invincible Iron Man #1. Civil War II still isn’t over yet. That’s a bit of a problem, considering this comic depends on the outcome of the delayed Marvel crossover. The conclusion of Civil War II isn’t spoiled, but the status of Tony Stark is referenced a time or two.
With that out of the way, the relaunched Invincible Iron Man made news earlier this year when it was revealed the new heroine Riri Williams would star in the solo series. She’s the creation of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato, the creative team behind the previous volume. Riri is a 15-year old African-American MIT student who builds her own armor out of discarded pieces of Iron Man armor. Riri and Tony meet briefly before Civil War II kicks into gear. Now with Tony and War Machine off the board, she’s the remaining armored superhero in the Marvel Universe.
A new #1 gives readers an opportunity to learn what her life was like before donning a suit of armor. We know she’s smart (potential super genius), but Bendis goes deeper by describing potential pitfalls gifted kids can encounter as they grow up.
In the present day, Riri battles another Bendis creation in the mutant Animax. She appeared during Bendis’ run on the X-Men. I like Animax is always so angry and yells all the time. Animax is just new enough that it’s believable for Riri to defeat her in combat. Plus this gives an opportunity to show how the A.I. in Riri’s armor is adequate to get the job done, but it definitely needs upgrading. The solution to that upgrade comes in a pleasant surprise at the end of the issue.
Comics don’t spend enough time showing interactions between teen heroes and their parents. I love how Riri talks to her mom and stepdad in the flashbacks and present day. Riri speaks like a teenager and her parents check her just like any parent would. Speaking of parents, since we only see Riri’s stepdad, how much do you want to bet her biological father will pop up in the future to cause some drama?
Much has been made about Riri’s appearance on covers and in solicited artwork for Invincible Iron Man #1. I’d like to go on record that the minute I heard Stefano Caselli would be the regular artist, I knew she’d be in good hands. Caselli is one of Marvel’s best artists, and I’m glad to see him get to shine in another high-profile book. Caselli and color artist Marte Gracia capture the unique physical features present in African-Americans, like our full lips, brown eyes, and differing hair styles.
Tony Stark’s armored boots look to be in safe hands. Riri Williams’ past and present are on full display. I’m excited to see Riri pick her superhero name (Ironheart) and navigate the Marvel Universe with her new A.I.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
