Customer Reviews

Power Man and Iron Fist (Marvel Essentials, Vol. 2) (v. 2)

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The second Essential Power Man and Iron Fist volume collects Marvel's Power Man and Iron Fist series from issue #76 - #100, with Daredevil #178 also thrown into the mix. Daredevil #178 features PM/IF, and Daredevil returns the favor in Power Man / Iron Fist #77.

The stories contained within this volume are a bit hit or miss. The Mary Jo Duffy/ Kerry Gammill stories are entertaining and, in my opinion, have the best blend of storytelling and characterization. #78 features the third appearance of Sabertooth. The writing and art takes an uneven turn after issue #80. Many of the issues between #80 and #90 are done-in-one issues, with no over-arching storyline. The crisp pencils of Gammill are replaced with a more looser and sparser style by Denys Cowan. I'm convinced that Cowan's style did not suit the book. The stories, written by Dennis O'Neil feel rushed, unfocused, and quite simply not particularly exciting.

Things change for the better once writer Kurt Busiek takes over (PM/IF was his first professional gig at Marvel). With Ernie Chan taking over penciller chores, the book picks up steam once again, with good characterizations and multi-issue storylines, culminating with the double-sized issue #100.

The biggest problem I have with the vast majority of these issues is that, outside of Sabertooth and Master Khan, the combined rogue's gallery of Power Man and Iron Fist don't really seem to pose much of a threat. Many of the villains are one-dimensional in characterization as well.

On a side note, the cover art for many of the issues in this volume are... well... a bit uninspiring.

As a fan of Power Man and Iron Fist, I am glad to have these issues in one collection. Essential Power Man / Iron Fist #1 is definitely the better of the two volumes, both in terms of story and art, and I would recommend readers new to the series to start there. Volume 2 doesn't radically change the characters in any particular way, and in my opinion represents the low point for the series.

The book itself is even in quality - you'll see black-and-white artwork printed on newsprint.

Worth getting for the consummate Power Man and Iron Fist fan. Casual fans or newcomers to the series should avoid this release and pick up Volume 1 instead.

Huge volume. Great writing and art. If you love these characters and loved volume 1 this is a must. Has a bit more melodrama but that was indicative of the era as Marvel moved out of the 70s and into the 80s. Look forward to more Iron Fist and Cage.

Huge volume. Great writing and art. If you love these characters and loved volume 1 this is a must. i love this book