Spencer Ackerman and Julius Ohta made waves when their Iron Man run was first announced, for one singular image: Tony Stark wielding a big-ass sword. We’re talking “shōnen protagonist” big. We’re talking “Cloud Strife” big. In Iron Man #3, the creative duo doesn’t waste any time showing off that big-ass sword, as Iron Man engages in a duel with his old enemy Force.
And what a duel it is! Ohta’s pages crackle with fury and energy, as Force fires off volleys of energy and Iron Man deflects them with his BFS. Then he slams said BFS down into the ground, causing a shockwave that sends his foe flying. Honestly, this sword could be a declaration of intent from Ackerman and Ohta: they intend to put Tony through a truly unique challenge in this run.
That challenge? Pulling Stark Unlimited out of the hands of A.I.M. and Roxxon, who intend to make weapons. It turns out that Ackerman excels at writing boardroom meetings just as much as big action sequences, and he doesn’t let Tony hold back with his scathing critique of his enemies. This scene also shows how Tony has to think differently, and not just when it comes to his armor. It’s one thing to fight the Mandarin or help the Avengers stop a vampire invasion; it’s another to try to gum up the gears of capitalism.
Marvel
That becomes even more evident when Tony tries to leave the meeting after failing to secure the necessary votes. He soon gets embroiled in another battle with Justine Hammer, who warns him: “You don’t get to Iron Man your way out of this.” Indeed, when Tony learns exactly who is responsible for A.I.M. and Roxxon’s corporate takeover, he’s able to swing things in his favor. It’s a fun way for Ackerman to give Tony a win (and without spoilers, it perfectly sets up next issue’s guest appearance from the Scarlet Witch.)
It also lets Ohta draw another badass action sequence, lit up in glorious color by Alex Sinclair. Not only does Sinclair provide a great contrast between Tony’s red and gold armor and Justine’s gunmetal gray Iron Monger suit, but he lights up a massive two-page spread in bright blue energy. To underline how awesome this spread (and Ohta’s artwork) is, it features Tony charging up his sword with repulsor energy, then firing it into Justine and sending her flying, then slamming down the sword and blowing out her systems.
Iron Man #3 continues to think outside the box, both in terms of enemies and Tony Stark’s approach to problem-solving. It also features its hero wielding a massive sword, which is awesome. The battle axe from Absolute Batman might have some competition.
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