Iron Man Annual #1 delivers plenty of high-octane action, which unfortunately leaves less room for some of the more compelling elements of the book.
Iron Man Annual #1’s story soars to some impressive high points, but those moments are dispersed across an otherwise routine Iron Man tale. Featuring its fair share of thought-provoking scenes and an excellent cameo from Miles Morales, the issue scratches slightly deeper than surface level, but not by much. Written by Jed MacKay with art from Ibraim Roberson and colors from Rachelle Rosenberg, Iron Man Annual #1 is at its best when the action takes a backseat to its drama. However, for much of the issue, the action sits confidently in the driver’s seat, which unfortunately sacrifices the story’s emotional arcs.
As the first part of Marvel’s Infinite Destinies event, Iron Man Annual #1 introduces Tony to the evildoer Quantum and his evil, tech-savvy boss, The Assessor. After hearing about Miles’ traumatic experience with him, Tony vows to defeat him, which sends him down a rabbit hole he didn’t expect; but, soon, Tony Stark will discover a more dangerous cosmic force.
With Iron Man Annual #1, it’s clear that MacKay understands what makes Tony Stark tick. Tony’s interactions with Miles at the start of the issue are charming and entertaining. During more emotional displays, Tony’s inner dialogue is genuinely compelling and thoughtful. However, when the issue flips from emotional considerations to practical ones, the issue begins to feel less organic. Watching Iron Man blast his way through the Assessor’s obstacles provides plenty of space for Tony’s thoughts to turn in interesting directions, but it offers very little tension to the overall narrative. Rarely, if ever, does it seem like Tony might be in serious danger, which decreases the audience’s investment in #1’s rapidly unfolding action.
Ibraim Roberson’s artwork in Iron Man Annual #1 supplies nonstop, high-octane action. Visually, the issue has a classic Iron Man flavor to it, with style and substance on display in every panel. Roberson’s Iron Man suit has a solid bulk to it that harkens back to earlier Iron Man designs, even though it sacrifices the aerodynamic efficiency of Iron Man’s modern suits. While narratively the issue’s action sequences can feel overblown, at times, each page is visually striking. Unfortunately, the illustrations on Iron Man Annual #1 have little else to do. Even in sections that explore Tony’s heightened emotions, the story’s backdrop tends to be heavily action-based. With this much style and talent on display from Roberson, seeing more emotional moments from Tony in panels would have been a delight. However, the issue is improved through Rachelle Rosenberg’s colors. The suit’s vibrant red and gold cut through the noise wherever Tony stands, framing each panel confidently around the Invincible Iron Man.
Since Iron Man Annual #1 follows Tony as he tracks down the sinister Assessor, a data-collecting mastermind who once kidnapped Miles Morales, the issue puts Miles and Tony’s relationship on full display and with great success. Miles Morales has a knack for bringing out the best parts of any character he shares pages with and Iron Man is no exception. After hearing Miles’ plight, Tony’s investment in this mission is palpable and the juxtaposition between the two characters creates some of the issue’s most interesting moments.
Iron Man Annual #1 is recommended for fans of Iron Man looking for a solid Tony Stark story and for Marvel readers looking to follow the Infinite Destinies event. While Iron Man Annual #1 has its hindrances, it succeeds in delivering some genuinely considerate Iron Man moments and fans of explosive action won’t go home disappointed.
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