Iron Man is dead. Long live Iron Man.

I’m guessing that the intended surprise reveal in Infamous Iron Man #1 was going to be that Tony Stark had transferred his “essence” into a computer program, right? Civil War II was supposed to have concluded by now and, with it, we were to discover the fate of Iron Man. Instead, we’re still piecing together the aftermath, but rather than riddling our way through various clues (like Von Doom holding the Iron Man mask in that promo poster), we get a flat-out spoiler straight from the Latverian’s mouth.

This isn’t a complete surprise, of course, as we’d seen the solicits for this book months ago, and already knew that RiRi would also be donning armor as Ironheart. Tony Stark? No trace. But these Marvel scheduling missteps do have a way of detracting from the intended experience. Brian Michael Bendis has teamed up with his Daredevil partner-in-crime, Alex Maleev, to bring us a fresh take on the replacement-superhero storyline. But instead of Bucky Barnes picking up the shield for Steve Rogers, or Dick Grayson donning the cowl for Bruce Wayne, this is Doctor freaking Doom picking up Tony Stark’s mantle to do “what needs to be done.” And somewhere along the way, I suspect we’ll gain valuable insight into Doom’s motivations, explore his relationship with his mother, and finally learn how he fixed his face in the post-Secret Wars era. Sounds like a great series! I just wish I wasn’t so distracted by the casual Civil War II reveal.

Sure, how Stark dies and the circumstances surrounding the conflict are details still to be discovered, but… come on. As if comics continuity wasn’t confusing enough for new readers. Imagine a friend who just picked up the comic because of the NOW! publishing initiative turning to you and asking, “What? Tony Stark died?” Um, yes. “How?” No idea.

DC Rebirth: Week 22
Francis Manapul understands what is great about the DCU and it is one of the major things keeping me invested in their Rebirth relaunch. The first issue came out of nowhere and blew me away and the 2nd issue keeps up the pace. The moments between Pa Kent and Clark were so pitch perfect and not overwrought. He walks the tightrope between heartwarming and cheesy so well. This is the DC Universe I fell in love with. Fun villains, touching moments, great art, and fantastic world-building. I don’t even know where the threat is going but I really want to find out. – MeanOldPig

October 12 | New Release Highlights | October 26