Yeah, issue #8 was indeed worth reading. This arc is really starting to give a whole new meaning in Stark's life, and I'm liking the Extremis effect.
My review.
This issue was a great read. I am really enjoying the Knaufs’ storyline. I liked how all Kellard could see was a shadowy armored figure and then the next thing we know the cockpit has been sheared off. That scene was execellent.
I also enjoyed the scene with Tony standing surrounded by his arsenal of Iron Man armors telling Fury that the world is not longer black and white. That everything has changed. Indeed it has. Especially for Tony Stark. He has really undergone quite a transformation recently. And it is for the better. Stark had been interesting before, it's to nice it being revisited.
The scene at The Raft was a nice touch. Watching Tony just snap on Graviton and then grabbing Captain America by the throat and lifting him off the ground. Tony really has developed some anger issues since being exposed to the Extremis Virus. I especially like after Iron Man sets Captain America down. It is so awkward and you can tell that Tony doesn’t feel like he fits in and is disappointed with himself.
The scene between Tony and Wolverine added to the issue, this really accentuates the new Tony since he has been exposed to the Extremis Virus. He is supremely confident in his abilities and will throw down with anybody at the drop of a dime. And Tony’s handling of Jessica afterwards was perfect. It shows that even though he lost his temper, that Tony still thinks several steps ahead of the rest of the Avengers. And his little shot at Jessica at the ends shows the sarcastic side of Tony.
The ending was great as well. We finally confirm what we have suspected all along. That Iron Man (or someone in his armor) has been committing these executions. I can’t wait for the next issue. And that is a sign of a good comic book. I’m interested to see where the Knaufs are going with this storyline. Is Tony really the killer? Is he simply starting to crack under all the stress of being so superior to everyone else? Of putting to much burden on responsibility on himself to do too much? As advanced as he is, Tony is still just a man. At some point, his mind may let loose.
I love how the Knaufs are writing Tony Stark. I’m glad that Tony is being written a little closer to the Ultimate version of Tony Stark. The regular version of Tony isn’t as much of a jerk or a scumbag, but I like his new found edge. I like that he sees the world for the much more complex creature than we mere common people do. I like that the Extremis Virus has given him a God complex. That he has more ego, confidence, arrogance, sarcasm and a nasty temper. It also makes his weaknesses more glaring. That as advanced as he is he still is not a god. He is still a man. This is the most interesting Tony Stark in forever. I'd hope that they keep his character like this for quite some time.
9/10