Back when Invincible Iron Man was announced, I and everyone else wondered whether there was really any need for a second Iron Man title. After all, Iron Man, as a character, wasn’t even very popular with fandom, having been maneuvered into the position of being the Marvel Universe’s most evil good guy by the events of Civil War.

Then the Iron Man movie came out.

Suddenly, everyone wants more Tony Stark. I know I do. Thing is, I’ve tried the Director of SHIELD series before, and I’m not that fond of it. So where next? Enter Invincible Iron Man,  the answer to that question. A new issue #1, a stellar creative team – what’s not to like? Fraction should be commended for successfully merging the Iron Man of the movies with the Iron Man of the comics without compromising on details. Modern continuity is seamlessly integrated in a way that’ll ease any movie viewer into Stark’s current role, but the Tony Stark being written is one wholly familiar to the movie goers – he even manages to bring in the Movie’s supporting cast of Potts and Rhodes for a nod, just the sort of thing new readers would appreciate.

Stark’s narration over the whole issue binds the story together fantastically – it’s a perfect example of how to do a single-issue that reads well as part of an ongoing story. Stark’s monologue, as a a framing device, comes full-circle, even when the action ends on a cliffhanger – it makes for a satisfying read that’ll sit well in the trade (Bendis, take note). The plot’s not too shabby either – in Ezekial Stane, Fraction has managed to create a compelling new Iron Man villain – one as smart as Tony Stark, but young enough to lack the morals that keep Stark in check. The connection to Stane is yet another element that will make the comic seem familiar to movie audiences – it’s a virtual masterclass of screen-to-comics translation. After failing to grip me with The Order, Fraction has now proven Marvel’s belief in him twice over with this release, as far as I’m concerned.

After years stuck in the X-Men ghetto, Larocca’s artwork on a Marvel Universe character seems a breath of fresh air. I find myself actually likeing D’armata’s colours for a change, though I have a strong suspicion it’s because he’s following the palette of the late Stephane Peru. As long as it doesn’t immediately lapse into D’Armata’s usual dull, metallic-tinged look next issue, I’ll be pleased to see him continue. There is some hint of his typical gloss, but overall the book’s as successful art-wise as it is in the writing. A strong start to what promises to be a fantastic run. I’m still not totally convinced there need to be two Iron Man titles, but when the time comes, this isn’t the one that should get the axe.