IRON MAN vol. 3 #76 (421)
Cover art: Adi Granov
(March 2004) "Advice and Consent" -- The Best Defense, part 4.
Cover art: Adi Granov.
Script: John Jackson Miller.
Art: Jorge Lucas/Norm Rapmund.
We're in the middle of Stark's confirmation hearings, and things are getting interesting! Miller, as before, intricately weaves in past Iron Man history like a maestro, including references to the original "Armor Wars," battles with the Crimson Dynamo, and Stark's alcoholism. But nasty 'ol Sonny Burch is frantically trying to get as many Stark inventions out in the public as possible pending Stark's possible approval by the Senate! Eventually, at a secure compound in Maryland, Burch shows a military officer his biggest "coup" -- a plethora of Iron Man armors being refurbished!! As Burch states, these suits of armor were left over from the aborted Midas takeover of Stark International (circa IM #103-106, and SHIELD's intervention in IM #175)!! Interesting sidebar: A test of some unmanned drones (supervised by Burch) leaves one going awry, and we see it heading for parts unknown. And, lastly, Stark is rejected by the Senate!!
The stage is set, folks -- looks like "Armor Wars 3" may be underway! JJM has played this out about as far as he can with little Iron-action, so next ish should be a doozy. Obviously, the damaged drone will play a role, as well as the discontented military men who're cheesed at Burch for his underhanded tactics. Lucas' art is nicely complimented by Rapmund here, who lends a "smoother" feel to Lucas' hard black lines. Another spectacular Granov cover, too!
Hube's Recommendation: 4 repulsors!
Fan Reaction: Miller has done a good job with the current storyline. The best part is the fact that he is incorporating much of the old Iron Man lore. Hube: extra repulsors for the flashback all the way to issue number 22. (Although I got that issue out and could find no scene.) Also a reference to the Midas story of Bill Mantlo’s of the late 1970’s. FANTASTIC!! Only thing I wish were better would be more of Iron Man and more of IM in action. (Has to be coming with the end of this storyline.) Overall very pleased with the current run by Miller. -- SZKZ
