In this issue, we get to see a side of iron Man’s alter ego Tony stark, that I do not recall seeing yet.  We have seen him as the Rich playboy inventor; but we have as of yet seen him depressed.  This issue starts off with him in a fit of self pity, over having to wear the chest-peace to keep his heart beating, about having to live his life with the two identities caused by the accident.  This leads to an angry  and depressed tony stark, to decide to hang up his suit, retire as Iron man, and lead as much of a normal life as possible, even in the face of the avengers having a need for their golden hero. Fate has a funny way of working on comics though, as the new menace, the Unicorn is seeking out to attack the stark factory, even while Iron Man/ Tony Stark is not around to defend it.

Artwork

The work on Don Heck in this issue, I feel was top notch, capturing the raw emotion of Tony Stark, een though the Iron Suit.  first the rage, and then the downright depression.

But the story is more then just about Iron Man, and how down he is, the artwork also captures some interesting framing for the Avengers all too short appearance. and even some wonderful  done, and detailed combat scenes with some interesting angles. I feel comfortably saying the artwork is the best thing about this issue.

 Characters & Development

This issue brings us an inside look into Tony Stark’s mind and internal agony like none before, and by this alone this issue would have been great.  Unfortunately after Tony retakes the identity of Iron Man, I feel this issue looses some of its ground.  The Unicorn often talks to Iron man as if it is factory; as if he is Tony Stark, a fact that is a secret at this time.

Originally & Continuity

This issue takes great lengths to work in both Iron Man’s depression and  the origin of the Unicorn. however in respect to the origin,  defining him as being created by the Chrimson Dinamo feels wrong to me.  would not, Tony Stark have learned about this creation after Chrimson Dinamo defected and started working for him? that is if he would have even made a suit that was more powerful than his own?  I feel the origin would have been best left, unexplained at this time.

The Story

The story felt weak at best, due to all the reasons mentioned above.  it was hardly bad, and likely a huge defining moment for Tony Stark, at least early in the issue.  but then, it just went wrong.