IRON MAN vol. 3 #64 (409)
(March 2003) "Standoff, part 2"
Cover art (guess): Alan Davis.
Script: Mike Grell.
Art: Alan Davis/Robin Riggs.
Continued from Thor #58.There's a religious movement that's following the God of Thunder, and it's reaching a crisis situation in the Eastern European nation of "Slokovia" (was it Grell who invented this? Does he have an Eastern Europe fetish or something?). The Pentagon asks Shellhead to intervene and confront Thor, which he does. But, Tony Stark realizes his current armor just ain't gonna cut it! And check it -- Doc Doom invites IM for a visit, and suggests an armor powered by the same enchanted element as Thor's hammer! IM says that there is no such thing, but there actually is -- back at Stark's lab! Stark has constructed a "Thor-Buster Armor" energized by this mystical element!! But, unbeknownst to Stark, Doom has operatives within SE, and they nab the plans for this special "reactor!"
But, the action begins as Iron Manjets off to engage Thor in Slokovia! A battle royal ensues, and just when the surrounding militaries are about to join in, Capt. America shows up and orders them to stop! And then, Thor and IM smack into one another with no holds barred! Whoa! Even Grell can't manage to screw up this chapter of the cross-over, and although the great Ryan-Parsons team ain't on art, you all know Alan Davis sure doesn't disappoint. Therefore, I, Hube give this ish: 3 1/2 repulsors!
Fan Reaction: What can I say, an Iron Man issue that lives up to the hype, too bad it took a crossover that sparked off in Thor to do it but, its here and its good. Alan Davis art is as reliable as ever, the story does serve to continue the crossover and the pace is fast and snappy. Also good to see the return of speciality armour and it fits nicely with the Hulkbuster armour. I hope the power source can be used in the future, it would solve a lot of problems. Negative points: well the janitor of course -- why hire the Spymaster when you can drop the janitor 20 bucks to copy the plans for you (yes I know his daughter was involved a la the picture and on TV). The Doom Confrontation was good as well and a small reference was made to Tony's ID being made public... a small refrence but it was there. Too bad it was almost an afterthought. On the whole the best issue of the Grell Run, too bad its the last, and no letters page again.
Read the interview with incoming writer Robin Laws and a welcome extends to him as he seems to have a firm grasp on things. I just hope he hasn't been made to adopt the worst elements of "Manhunt" and put his name to it. We'll see. In respect to the price hike, a title sales drop so Marvel charge more -- does this mean if it starts to sell really well we get a big reduction??? -- Mark The Plankton Man
Fan Reaction 2: Wow! I love the Thor-buster armor. Awesome power for an awesome adversary. I've always liked the idea of specialized armors (stealth, space and of course the Hulk-buster suit) and this one looks great too with just a hint of archaic design to match Thor's look. Imagine that, inventor Tony Stark using his imagination again and inventing a new weapon to battle a powerful foe. Good stuff. Who couldn't like that final panel of Iron Man's fist and Thor's hammer colliding at the moment of impact! Plus, a rare appearance by someone who I never can get enough of in this title, Doctor Doom! Nicely done. The best book in a long while. This title has always had such potential, it deserves better than the treatment it's received over the last year. Hube, you summed up the issue perfectly with the sentence "Even Grell can't manage to screw up this chapter of the cross-over"! -- Greg Varesco
Click on the cover to see all the covers of the crossover!
