It’s not easy feat being Tony Stark, but Joshua Williamson and Carmen Carnero clearly enjoy putting our hero in uncomfortable situations. Iron Man #3 is full of them as Tony defends old enemies, encounters previous love interests, and runs headfirst into danger. Pacing problems hold this story back, but Williamson’s writing is strong enough to ensure you’re having fun.
Tony Stark Takes On Dangerous Villains, First Dates and Ex-Girlfriends
Tony is still on the hunt for Madame Masque, and the missing geniuses she’s abducted. This leads him to MODOK as A.I.M. troops attack the villain. Tony’s forced to defend his enemy, and gets a helping hand from a mysterious new ally, before heading home for his first date with chef Luna Lucia. Their bliss is soon interrupted by Tony’s ex, Pepper Potts, as the billionaire finally figures out where Madame Masque has been hiding.
The central premise of this arc is goofy, but Williamson makes sure it’s entertaining. Madame Masque capturing scientists and putting them in hostile situations to “create” the next Tony Stark sounds like a plot ripped straight from the Silver Age, but over-the-top silliness is part of comics’ DNA. The setup works even better with the new twist that A.I.M. is in a civil war with multiple parties vying for leadership. It’s an intriguing hook that’s going to cause headaches for Iron Man as he continues to confront the organization.
How Does Carmen Carnero Bring Tony’s Adventures to Life?
Artist Carmen Carnero is the real star of this book. Her action scenes are kinetic and intense, with Iron Man striking dynamic poses while shooting lasers that stretch across full pages. Bright blues and yellows, expertly deployed by colorist Nolan Woodard, highlight the destructive capabilities of Tony’s technology, while letterer Joe Caramagna amplifies this intensity through sound effects that mirror these vibrant hues. MODOK’s giant face runs a gauntlet of expressions, as Carnero etches smirks and sneers onto him in detailed strokes. The way she captures the awkwardness of Tony’s date on page twenty is perfect, with each character’s body language making it clear how uncomfortable they are.
The pacing is the key problem here. Tony goes from an intense fight right into a slow date, and never recovers the momentum before he winds up pursuing Madame Masque. He’s captured as soon as he enters her lair, giving the reader little time to process things before the issue ends.
Is Iron Man #3 Worth Your Money?
Ultimately, Iron Man #3 is chaos wrapped in a comic. Williamson leans into Silver Age silliness, while Carnero captures the action brilliantly, and Woodard and Caramagna use their talents to enhance each panel. Messy pacing remains, but we’re in the middle of an arc. Tony has to use every ounce of his genius to get out of this one.
