If you’re looking forward to the X-Men/Iron Man crossover teased last week, you better read Invincible Iron Man #4, out today. Gerry Duggan and Juan Frigeri start to weave in X-Men-related characters, Marvel history, and a royally pissed-off Tony Stark in a story that feels present and exciting. By the end of the issue, you’ll feel like anything can happen, especially with Tony on the ropes and unsure if he can defeat his new foe.
That new foe is Feilong, aka Kelvin Heng, who journeyed to Mars on behalf of Orchis, got burned, and is seeking a new foe to bring his fury. Enter Tony Stark, who rushes to the New York Stock Exchange to see him open the day as the new owner of Stark Industries. Before that, we get the inner monologue of Feilong, which helps us understand his ego and drive. This mixes well with the captions of Tony Stark, who is on a mission.
Both characters are well developed here, coming face to face and, eventually, to blows. Most of the issue is about Tony getting frustration out on Feilong for killing his friends and somehow winning the day. He’s lost the battle now, but he shows off a trick using his suit we haven’t seen before to get a word in. I’d argue it’s a bit surprising they’re fighting in front of people, but that’s corrected with his trick eventually.
Love the lettering in this issue.
Credit: Marvel
Frigeri masterfully blocks the lead-up to the confrontation and the confrontation itself. Great use of angles in the action draw you into Tony’s anger, Frigeri’s ego, and everything in between. The confrontation shows both of their abilities, helping establish Frigeri as a force but also showing Iron Man can easily fight him when Orchis isn’t backing him up. There’s something truly unique about seeing Tony’s eyes through the mask, which Frigeri captures well.
This issue ends with a critical X-Men character, so X-Men fans better pick this up. Emma Frost is written well here, with a great sense of confidence thanks to Frigeri’s acting.
Joe Caramagna is on a roll these days, and it shows in this issue. From the dramatic “ha ha ha” to the monospace font of the captions, there are distinct choices made that elevate the speech.
Duggan captures the complexities of Tony Stark throughout. That includes his inability to control himself at times, but also how he cherishes the little things when he floats over the planet. He may be losing the battle, but he’ll never give up.
Invincible Iron Man #4 features Tony Stark in a raw state, with his back against the wall and seemingly no way to win. It establishes his next big threat while setting up the involvement of the X-Men. Tie the villain’s past to big Marvel moments on Mars, and you have the start of something that could change things forever.
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