• Invincible Iron Man #2
    Invincible Iron Man #2 (2023)
    Writer:
    Gerry Duggan
    Artist:
    Juan Frigeri
    Letterer:
    VC's Joe Caramagna
    Cover Artist:
    Kael Ngu
    Publisher:
    Marvel
    Price:
    $3.99
    Release Date:
    2023-01-18
    Colorist:
    Bryan Valenza

Iron Man celebrates his 60th anniversary this year. Yet, despite this momentous occasion, Marvel Comics isn't taking it easy on Tony Stark or sending him on an all-expenses paid trip to the beaches of Cancun. Instead, he is forced to face his past, present, and future in this new series. Invincible Iron Man #2 -- by writer Gerry Duggan, artist Juan Frigeri, colorist Bryan Valenza, and letterer Joe Caramagna -- adds another twist to the tale, leaving readers wondering who has it out for Tony this time.

After the events of the first issue, the world believes the worst and that Tony has fallen off the sobriety wagon. Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, visits Tony to help out. The hero reveals that he has been poisoned. Before they can figure out who is behind this, the villainous Living Laser shows up. Somehow, Tony has also wronged him, even if Iron Man has no recollection of it.

Ironheart finding Tony Stark in Invincible Iron Man #2

Duggan keeps the mystery going in Invincible Iron Man #2. The writer puts Tony through the emotional meat grinder. Tony seems desperate and will need to rely on his friends to defeat his unknown nemesis, even if the character believes he's on his own. Duggan toys with the reader by sprinkling traces of the villain in the story but still keeping their identity shrouded in total secrecy. The villain's mysterious nature keeps the reader as anxious for answers as Tony is.

Even when things look bleak for Iron Man, Duggan keeps the sense of humor intact. There's one hilarious exchange between Iron Man and The Living Laser, where Tony admits he has no idea what the villain is talking about. In typical roguish fashion, the villain attacks while Tony asks him to use his words. The Living Laser replies, "Who needs words when you can use lasers?" It's a simple but terrific line that harkens back to the fun, campy Golden Age of Comics.

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Ironheart helping Tony Stark in Invincible Iron Man #2

Frigeri and Valenza deliver a superhero story that looks and feels as fun as can be. Even though Tony is at his wits' ends in this issue, the art juxtaposes his emotions with a glimmer of joy and radiance, symbolizing that there is hope on the horizon and nothing is as dark as it may seem. Like Duggan's writing, Frigeri's artwork brings all the energy and excitement of a classic Marvel comic. Similarly, Caramagna has a good time with the lettering, leaning into the over-the-top comic book sound effects and onomatopoeia.

Invincible Iron Man #2 once again proves that Duggan, Frigeri, Valenza, and Caramagna are hitting all the right notes with this run. They're managing to honor the iconic tradition and continuity of Iron Man in a way that also appeals to new fans. More importantly, there's an undeniable fun factor to this new Iron Man series that makes it stand out from the pack and appeal to a wide range of readers.