There was a time when, every now and then, I’d come across an American comic book at the newsstands and bookstores I frequented. Unlike today, the comics weren’t sealed in plastic bags, so you could politely flip through them and check out the content. If I liked the art, I’d usually buy it on a whim, since the prices weren’t as outrageous as they are today. That’s probably how I got Iron Man #258, the first issue of the “Armor Wars II” story arc, written by John Byrne and illustrated by John Romita Jr. (pencils) and Bob Wiacek (inks).
The story was likely produced using the Marvel method, in which, based on a rough script outline, the artist draws the story in pencil, defining the pacing and page layout, and the writer adds the dialogue later. John Romita Jr. is an excellent comic book artist, greatly admired by John Byrne. Note that, unlike most comics, in the opening credits Romita Jr.’s and Wiacek’s names appear before Byrne’s. And Romita Jr. really can draw! Byrne gives him free rein to choreograph the sequences, and he doesn’t disappoint! Iron Man’s fight scenes are a masterclass in action, with the hero displaying his full power in striking poses. The art conveys impact and dynamism in a style that gives the heroes (and villains) visual grandeur and overwhelming physical power, only to counterbalance that strength moments later by showing them as tiny figures standing before some gigantic machine or robot! The script masterfully complements the art; the story moves at a fast pace and the creative team seems to be having a lot of fun! Wiacek, colorist Paul Becton, and letterer Michael Heisler do their part in creating a highly appealing visual experience.
In this first chapter of “Armor Wars II,” after a combat training session in some sort of “war room,” Iron Man investigates a series of strange events that threaten to destroy Stark Industries in a nuclear disaster. In the end, he comes face-to-face with the person responsible for the incident and… to be continued! An enjoyable super-hero comic that leaves you wanting for more — as good first episodes of a serialized story should! Bravo!
