I've never really read Iron Man past a few issues here and there that I read when I was a kid, but I've always kinda liked the character, and I absolutely love the movies. So I'm done re-reading Ultimate Spidey, and I get to thinking about picking up Iron Man.

I love the design of the Bleeding Edge armor (I have the little toy on my desk) so I thought I'd start with Invincible V5. Now maybe I've been spoiled by RDJ's take on Stark, but while the plot seems ok, I'm loving the art, but I'm having real trouble finding Stark at all likeable. I appreciate he's meant to have faults, but he also doesn't appear to have much of a personality in this comic.

Is this typical of comic book Tony? Or is there a series that me, as primarily a movie fan of the character, I might get more of a kick out of? Note, I'm not looking for any kind of accuracy to the movies here. I have no issues with a suit that breaks down into tiny nanomachines and hides out in Tony's bones for example, I just want a bit more snark from my Iron Man.

 

You should start read the Silver Age Comics for Iron Man than read the Armor Wars Storyline.

 

You have to remember while reading Iron Man, that Tony Stark is a very flawed man. He is an alcoholic and can be very stuck up when he's being the smartest guy in the room. However, this also provides some great stories.

I highly recommend the following one off stories.
- Demon in a Bottle
- Armor Wars
- Iron Monger

The entire Heroes Return on IM by Kurt Busiek and Sean Chen was great. Also the end of that series by John Jackson Miller was good where Tony was Secretary of Defense. The next series started well with Extremis. The rest of that series is okay but gets bogged down with crossovers like Civil War. Otherwise read Invincible Iron Man from Fraction and Larocca right from the start until current (which is ending soon). It's been a slow bet very good burn.

 

Ooooooo that's what I need to reread. Heroes Reborn. Haven't thought about it in a long time

 

Hilarious. I was just about to start this same topic. *shrug*

I just picked up the Invincible Iron Man Omnibus vol. 1 (Fraction & Larocca) today on a whim. It was only like $15 at my comic shop today, so i thought "why not?" I've read the first 6 issues so far and am really liking it... except for the way people's faces are rendered. Sometimes it's just... weird. But I am enjoying it quite a bit.

What series came before this, though? I know I saw an Extremis hardcover, so I'm sure that will explain that part, but how does he get to be head of SHIELD? When is this in relation to say, Civil War or Siege?

 

Thanks for the recommendations. You both mention Armor Wars so that's got to be a good one, and maybe I'm coming into Invincible at the wrong end then? I am aware something has recently happened to Tony's brain that messed with his memories, although it happened in earlier volumes so I don't know anything about it, if this also accounts for the blander personality, that's actually some pretty decent writing (or maybe it's just coincidence) I'll definitely try earlier Invincible as I have that anyway, and I'll look out for some Silver Age stuff too.

 

The brain thing was between Invincible Iron Man vol 1 and 2 omnibuses. he basically needs to reboot his brain from the last save point.

Anyway, Tony is head of SHIELD after Fury does MIA. It's not really a big deal because it doesn't last long. Just know, he is head of SHIELD, gets booted for Norman, then Steve takes the role.

 

This person knows what they're talking about.

I was really into Iron Man comic books back in the 70's through the early 90's,and those stories are ten times better than the garbage they put out now.

The Armor Wars storyline is my all time favorite.

 

I disagree that what is out now is garbage. It has bad moments like every comic but the overall weaving of the grand story has been very good.

 

I'm in a similar situation to the OP although I don't read many comics in general.

I've so far read,

Extremis

( The story was very familiar in places but I already knew it was a big inspiration for the movies so I didn't have a problem with that. I like the artwork and the idea for the Extremis armor and will be intrested to see how it's done in the 3rd movie. )

Civil War:Iron Man

( Seemed to consist of Tony Stark & Steve Rogers standing around bitching like schoolgirls about each others character flaws. I kept wanting Hulk to appear and smash their heads together repeatedly. If the other Civil War titles are anything like this I'll be avoiding them. )

 

I agree start with reading Marvel Masterworks Iron Man to know the roots of the character then all that.

 

Personally, I'm not a really big fan of 616 Tony. He's great in the Movies and Ultimates universe though.

I'd recommend Ultimates Vol. 1 & 2 which essentially is what RDJr based the character off of. After that, Ultimates gets terrible though.

 

V3 is the best.

 

No love for the Kaminski/Hopgood run?

 

I think most people forget about it because it followed the great Michelinie/Layton/Romita run of Iron Man, and right before the much remembered Heroes Reborn/Heroes return run. I remember reading it during Operation Galactic Storm, it wasn't that stellar, but it did have its moments during the run particularly War Machine and the multiple Iron Men vs Ultimo battle. If ever the run should at least be remembered for giving us War Machine.

 

I just picked up the War Machine first appearance issue and a few of the issues that follow it for a couple dollars at an antique mall.Pretty good stuff.

 

funny that noone's mentioned The Mandarin! since he's in the next movie, did he not originate from the comics?

 

He did, it's just that there aren't really any great standout Mandarin stories.

 

well he must be standing out enough! if they're having him in Iron Man 3

+ the thread title should read....where should it end? with me! apparently 

as i've seemed to have killed it

 

Michelinie/Layton

Start with their run(s).

All others come secondary period.

Of the newer stuff, the Extremis deal was okay, Laroca's run has been pretty good as well so far.

Digging the Land art I picked up today as well. Weird choice for IM but pleasing in a weird sort of way.

Michelinie/Layton are still the bar with which all others will be held to for a long time.

Think Jim Lee/Marc Silvestri X-Men days with Claremont writing.