REVIEW: IRON MAN 2020 #3 (OF 6)

In a world in which technology is our greatest tool it is also our greatest threat. Iron Man 2020 #3 revisits all sides of technology in an adventure of Tony Stark in the form of Mark One working with an army of AI to take on his brother Arno Stark. Dan Slott and Christos Gage create an interesting conflict and create a story allowing for various Marvel AI to work together.

The ultimate fun of an issue of automatons is seeing cameos like H.E.R.B.I.E. making brief appearances. Arno and his partner Sunset Bain have seized the armor of Iron Man and Stark’s Businesses and are using the resources to take over all the artificial intelligence in the world. Under Machinesmith’s leadership, the AIs gather a counter-resistance over the corporate control. The stresses of a large, malevolent corporation taking stealing our electronic identities and data is an interesting threat relevant to our times.

The writing by Dan Slott and Christos Gage lacks cohesiveness. The story is very strong at some points, especially the fight between Tony and Arno, but the larger narrative does not carry weight. This feels like a lighter crossover like Monsters Unleashed, but does not carry the shear visual specter of that crossover. Arno is a fantastic villain and his determination is rooted in a belief that he is working to save the world. The story might have worked better if there was time to see some individual robots battling on the streets. As it is this might be saved for other issues in the crossover.

The artwork by Pete Woods is well done in all the action sequences. Woods does an incredible job portraying all the various AI, armors and technology. His work is what makes this issue truly worth the read and makes it more than just a throwaway crossover. It does seem to weaken in the portion of the book with the Stark parents, Tony and Arno simply talking.

Most interesting is the fight between Tony as Mark One and Arno Stark. There is a clear hatred between the characters driving the action of the issue. They feel like any siblings fighting to gain the upper hand and their battle is on many levels as Arno ups the emotional stakes with AIs of their parents. Arno explains that he is working to unite all technology to stop the Extinction Entity. Even as Tony argues that the Entity is not a real threat, the Robot Resistance arrives giving Tony the opening he needs to stop Arno’s plan. The issue ends with Arno’s act of vengeance, potentially destroying Tony for his interference.

Iron Man 2020 #3 is an interesting book limited by a lack of true depth in the characterization of the various supporting characters. We see many only friends in passing, but it feels more like a cameo than a true chance to visit the AI and examine what differentiates them from each other. Given Tony’s status at the end of this issue, we will likely get a lot more focus on the supporting cast in the remainder of this crossover. As it is this issue caps an interesting beginning to the conflict to come.

Writing: 3 of 5 stars
Artwork: 4 of 5 stars
Colors: 4 of 5 starsÂ

Overall: 3.7 of 5 stars

Writers: Dan Slott and Christos Gage
Art: Pete Woods
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.