Infamous Iron Man #9 Review - Marvel Monday

a.k.a Iron Doom

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artists: Alex Maleev, Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover Artists: Alex Maleev
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 28, 2017
Review by: Ryan Douglas

***NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM***

It feels comic readers are on board or avoid Bendis’ books like the plague. I’m on the fence in recent years. This series has been a slow burn with exciting moments which seem to lead nowhere. I continue investing time into Infamous Iron Doom in hopes these vision quest, teases of Ultimate Reed Richard’s all have a point to make. Depending on how the series and post-Marvel Legacy plays will make my decision to take a break from Bendis' writing. Will the series continue to be leading to a long con?

With no explanation, Tony Stark dressed as Dr. Strange tells Victor someone is coming and when that time comes it’s best he retires the armor. When Victor snaps out of his vision quest, he can’t stand on his feet anymore and collapses in front of Ironheart. She takes it upon herself to drop him off on the S.H.I.E.L.D  helicarrier, Sharon Carter informs Ironheart her life is about to change and everyone she’ll be on everyone’s radar. Bring on the click-bait headlines! We later catch up with Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm during a late-night diner scene. The two haven’t had contact with each other since everything that went down during Secret Wars. Ben catches up Johnny up on his recent interactions with Victor and a person posing as Reed Richards. This leads to Bendis showing the reader what’s bothering Johnny, everything from missing his close friends and his recent break up with Medusa. This was the best part of the entire issue, Bendis provides a slither of hope for Fantastic Four fans. Although things are dark within the first family. Back on the helicarrier shortly after, Sharon has informed Ben of Victor's capture and comes aboard the ship. Certain S.H.I.E.L.D agents aren’t keen on leaving Victor alive while he’s historically drugged up and drooling. Before the agents can finish the job, Mama Doom won’t allow anything to happen to her son and teleports the two to her home, where Cynthia believes it’s time Victor learn of his true birthright.

Another well-written issue where Bendis shows off his talents with dialogue and pacing. But that’s the pacing has gone on long enough, with no real development and more questions to be asked. As I said, the scene between Ben and Johnny was the highlight and even still gives up no answers. This all feels like a setup for Marvel Legacy to wipe this story away, paving the way for the next all-new pending title. There’s no explanation given for Victor to retire the armor that easily, if that’s planned. The book lately has used the same formula, plenty of conversations between characters and then a cliffhanger to get everyone talking. When you pick up the next issue, it’s as if the previous issue never mattered. I’ve invested enough time in this series, to finish it out and pray the wait is worth the $3.99 I continue to drop on this book. Between the Ironheart series and Victor’s, I’m worried for the future of both these characters. I can at least look forward to the talents Alex Maleev and Matt Hollingsworth on artwork to make up for the dull story being told.

Bits and Pieces:

Plenty of scenes that go nowhere and continues to sweep any true revelations under the rug. Bendis has show off his talents of setting up things, now it’s time to unravel a plot seed or two. Cause I continue to feel let down with each issue.

4.9/10