IRON MAN vol. 3 #45 (390)
(Oct., 2001) "The Big Bang Theory Conclusion!"
Cover art: Keron Grant.
Script: Frank Tieri.
Art: Keron Grant/Stull & Perrotta.
It's Iron Man vs. The Ghost and MODOK! Ghost reveals that his and A.I.M.'s "merger" provided the rogue technology group with the means to sabotage their competition, while allowing Ghost "a larger platform" for his goal of corporate destruction. The first half of the ish provides great battle scenes, showcasing much of the new IM armor's capabilities. Grant's art is decent, provided he sticks to superheroes/villains, rather than regular folk. We see the armor's "contingency program" -- Jocasta can take control of the armor when Stark is incapacitated (but again, wasn't this a major concern regarding the armor's sentience??). Tieri weaves recent plotlines together rather well: Trevor Donahue has donated his fortune to Stark, believing that Tony's actions of relinquishing his co., etc., were the result of a subliminal suggestion planted by Ty Stone's "DreamVision!" Stark thus uses the new cash flow to save Askew from bankruptcy, and to in effect turn Donahue's co. into the new STARK ENTERPRISES!! In the waning pages, Stark pontificates about his role as inventor, even questioning if Stark Solutions was a good idea for one of his talent (as many an Iron Fan did!). The last panel sets up even more intrigue: Stark wants "all there is to know" about Stark/Fujikawa....he thinks "it's high time I got my old company back!" YES!! These last few pages are really what earns this ish 4 repulsors!! (By Hube)
Fan Reaction: I think Frank Tieri made great strides in this issue in conveying accurately the character of Tony Stark. Tony realizes he’s in serious trouble if he has to take on both MODOK and the Ghost at the same time. (Has I.M. ever actually defeated the Ghost before? I don’t believe so. -- Hube notes: Yes, he did, back in IM #221.) So what does he use? Brain Power. One of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe uses his greatest tool, his intellect. A little brain blast from MODOK into the Ghost, stuffing the Ghost’s hand into MODOK's forehead and all the sudden things aren’t looking so bad after all! That’s what inventor extraordinare Tony Stark and Iron Man are all about. I think Frank hit it big time in this issue. Well done! And we’re finally admitting that the whole Stark Solutions company was way out of line. Excellent. Did we just all the sudden forget the whole purpose of the “Armor Wars”? To keep Stark technology OUT of the hands of others. Now he’s consulting and selling his services to the highest bidder? Granted, he’s smart enough to not divulge any secrets but, hello? He’s an inventor, a leader of a huge conglomerate who’s now taking on a subservient role? Wrong. If it was Frank’s intention of addressing that here, I think he’s succeeded again. Plus, Stark Enterprises is back! And Tony once again has the challenge of converting a munitions producing company to another technology based industry leader. And he’s going after reclaiming the biggest prize of all… Stark Industries/International/Enterprises in the form of Stark-Fujikawa? Wow! I love Keron Grant‘s art work. The detail and selective artistic licenses he occasionally takes are what comic books are all about. If he sticks around, do I dare compare him someday to Bob Layton? With great art, new armor and a new company things are looking good. Could we just stay in New York? I’d like some Spiderman/Daredevil/Punisher crossovers please! --
Fan Reaction 2: I'm a French fan of Iron Man and I've known this extraordinary character for more than 25 years. I just read Iron Man #45 and I think it contains the worst art I've ever seen. I can't understand why Marvel let a penciller like Keron Grant draw this series. His art doesn't suit a character like IM. It's really awful.The new armor is ugly and bulky like the traitor's one, or the Silver Centurion armor. Why doesn't Marvel give the series back to someone like Bob Layton or even Sean Chen, who both did a remarkable job? --
