The Invincible Iron Man #1

Published by Marvel Comics. Plot and script by Matt Fraction. Art by Salvador Larroca.

The Deal: Timed to coincide with Marvel's big-screen version of the character, Iron Man spins off into his second monthly series: The Invincible Iron Man.

The Good: I must admit that I was a little wary about this comic. Looking at the character from a story-based perspective, I don't see what is not being covered in his current comic book that justifies the creation of another. And from a business perspective, his original comic isn't exactly a must-have book. All in all, I didn't really see the need for another series starring the armor-clad hero. That being said, The Invincible Iron Man is a well-written and expertly drawn comic book. Writer Matt Fraction does a great job of getting inside Tony Stark's head, helping us to experience unexplored aspects of his character. Fraction also sets some interesting storylines in motion that make me want to stick around and see what happens next. Artist Salvador Larroca turns in a great product here, too. I've never been a big fan of Larroca's work -- especially his recent approach to comic art that looks as if his pencils were colored without being inked. His pages in The Invincible Iron Man, however, sport a heavier line, and that adds a little more weight and depth to his drawings.

The Bad: Despite the fact that I liked this comic's story and art, I still don't see the point of launching this series. Well, I do see the point: money. But even on the quest to attract more dollars, Marvel should want to give readers a more creative reason to shell out cash for a second dose of Tony Stark.

The Verdict: I'll probably pick up all the issues of the first arc, but Marvel has really got to carve out a unique niche in order to keep me around.

Reviewed materials furnished by Heroes Aren't Hard To Find: www.heroesonline.com.