REVIEW: ‘Invincible Iron Man,’ Issue #4

Invincible Iron Man #4 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Gerry Fuggan, art by Juan Frigeri, colors by Bryan Valenza, and letters by Joe Caramagna. Iron Man has discovered that Feilong, an enemy of the X-Men, was responsible for killing his friend and taking over his company. Now he pays the man a visit.

This is an issue that seeks to let off steam. After all the tension and the pressure against Tony Stark, his starting to push back is rewarding and exciting. But that release isn’t instant, building within this issue too. The comic shows the anger, and it is easy to see what will happen, but that does ‘t make the eventual explosion any less brilliant. If anything, knowing it’s coming adds to the satisfaction. A very brief history lesson of Feilong connects him to Avengers, Tony Stark, and the X-Men. And then comes the fight, which is superbly constructed. It doesn’t solve any problems; it will likely lead to worse ones, but that doesn’t mean the temporary win wasn’t worth it. It keeps the momentum shifting and the energy high.

The dialogue in this book is terrific, as two big egos clash. On one side is Feilong, a co-creation of Duggan’s in his X-Men run. Young and confident, his treatment by the protagonist and writer is fascinating. He isn’t menacing like other villains, too petulant and arrogant to be considered scary. But that then means there is the worry of underestimating him. Then on the other side is Iron Man, who perhaps has also been underestimated due to how long he has been struggling and downtrodden. His fury in Invincible Iron Man #4 is imposing and reminiscent of what Stark can become when an enemy makes things personal. It isn’t his company; it’s the people he’s hurting. How he fights in this comic is reminiscent of his brawl in the Extremis arc. The dialogue is filled with venom and hatred from both sides. How Tony makes comments about his old foes and what happened to them after facing him is a powerful statement, making a reminder of how intelligent and dangerous Stark can be. 

Frigeri is fantastic again on art. Multiple character designs are included in this issue, featuring cameos from established figures and lesser-known figures, but all look superb within Frigeri’s style. The artist does an excellent job of installing Feilong with a smarmy, punchable demeanor. The sneery smile works terrifically in contrast with Stark, who is dark and seething. Then comes the fight, and it is big and action-packed. What I love about the fights in this series is they feel classic. Iron Man uses his surroundings to fight with, solving puzzles mid-battle. A huge variety of weapons and technology is also used in the conflict, keeping the comic interesting. Feilong also demonstrates his huge power, that huge blast from his mouth being a stunning opening blow.

The colors are also incredible. Feilong’s violet skin is striking but toned to fit the world’s style created by Frigeri. Then during the fight scene that are some brilliant shades implemented to the energy blasts and the technology to give the last part of the comic electricity and life. The lettering is very easy to read, and the SFX is used to a gorgeous effect.

Invincible Iron Man #4 is an extremely satisfying comic. It is filled with emotional weight and stunning dialogue as Tony Stark’s need for revenge comes to fruition. It’s a battle of pride and confidence just as much as it is physical. But the physical side of the comic is also tremendous, giving fluidity and brutality to a character that can sometimes lack that gritty, cutting edge. The fights in this series make it an absolute blast to read.

Invincible Iron Man #4 is available now wherever comics are sold.