Iron Man #14
Another fun issue which is shaping up to be one of the most exciting stories I’ve seen written for Iron Man in a long while. Recorder 451 has been one of the best additions to Tony’s world and while mysterious at first, he’s really becoming a favorite to me despite his questionable motives. In general it’s an intense story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. This I like because it allows freedom to give you something to like about the characters and situation they find themselves in.
I find the cat and mouse chase between Tony and Recorder 451 to be very fun. 451 comes off as someone who is very serious about the task at hand yet seems so confident in himself and his intelligence that he has fun with it. While not the villain, depending on your perspective, he provides that entertaining element that forces Tony to think on his feet and be resourceful. Smart writing by Gillen to take advantage of how 451 basically designed him to be. The dialogue between Tony and P.E.P.P.E.R. is also the one thing you can’t help but smile when you read because she’s so smart that it feels like Tony is really having a conversation with a person. Let alone someone who understands him as well he knows himself.
Once again I have to point out how gorgeous the art looks. Next to a fun story, the art is so well done that I find myself spending a good amount of time . Greg Land really knows how to make the expressions apparent. Whether happy, angry, shocked, he captures it marvelously and if I may say so myself it looks “cheeky”. Very unique style accompanied by the smooth colors.