After the first story arc, a lot has changed for Iron Man. He not only gathered some of the brightest minds together, albeit due to them being kidnapped due to Tony Stark’s connection to them, but he’s got a school going too. In Iron Man #7, War Machine enters the picture, because when it comes to Tony and his futurist ideals, doing more usually leads to dangerous developments!
Now that writer Joshua Williamson has effectively put Iron Man on a new path, it’s time to test that direction via War Machine. At the start, it’s not looking good for Tony Stark, as a nightmare opens the issue. Pair that with War Machine’s worry around Iron Man’s big new project, and it’s obvious Williamson wants the reader to second-guess Tony’s good intentions.
Barreling forward, this issue reveals what Tony’s little school is accomplishing, complete with the super geniuses all getting a station. Their first big project is tested this issue as well, with some rather dangerous results.
If a writer points out it’s on the nose, then it’s fair game!
Credit: Marvel
Outside of Iron Man’s new operation, we also get a check-in on the main villain established in the last story arc. Their power and reach raise the stakes, and it’ll be interesting to see how much longer we wait until they make their big move.
Von Randall takes over on art with Erick Arciniega on colors, and both offer a lot darker tone with heavier inks and more claustrophobic visual flair. The latter you can see from a panel of wires and bolts at the top of one page, while Rhodey walks in as his armor folds off of him. In most panels, there’s such heavy ink that it’s as if shadows are everywhere, from covering the waist of characters somewhat unnaturally to the darkness in Rhodey’s eye socket in a close-up. It doesn’t quite match Carmen Carnero’s take, nor does it fully suit this issue. Yes, there’s a full-on monster attack, rendered quite well by Randall, but besides War Machine being cautious about Iron Man’s latest endeavor, the darker vibe doesn’t quite stick. Still, there’s plenty of wow factor, like the cliffhanger revealing next issue’s main villain.
Iron Man #7 effectively shifts the series into its next phase by challenging both Tony Stark’s ambitions and the reader’s trust in them. Joshua Williamson continues to build compelling mysteries around Tony’s new educational initiative and the larger threats lurking in the background, while Rhodey’s perspective grounds the story with understandable concern. Von Randall’s darker artistic approach creates a distinct atmosphere, even if it occasionally feels at odds with the issue’s broader themes. With strong ideas, rising tension, and a memorable final-page reveal, this issue keeps the momentum moving forward.
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