The Power of the Iron Man [Paperback]

David Michelinie (Author), Stan Lee (Introduction)

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Marvel Entertainment Group; Graphic No edition (October 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087135599X
• ISBN-13: 978-0871355997
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,341,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid comics of late 1970s, March 5, 2000

By 

PaWa (Poland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Power of the Iron Man (Paperback)

The book collects "The Invincible Iron-Man" (vol. 1) 120-128. This is well-told story about Tony Stark's battles against Justin Hammer and his own alcoholism. I don't reveal who wins, I can only say road to conclusion is really entertaining. Drawings of "early" John Romita Jr. are father-like (John Romita Sr.), different from those of today (e.g. "Punisher"). But they are great too.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tony Stark and Iron Man fight the Demon in the Bottle, November 3, 2003

By 

Lawrance M. Bernabo (The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Power of the Iron Man (Paperback)

When Iron Man made his first appearance in "Tales of Suspense" #39, the basic story was that inventor and industrialist Tony Stark was a millionaire bachelor who first don's his armored chest plate to keep his heart beating despite a piece of shrapnel. Originally the idea that Tony Stark was a rich playboy who liked wine, women and song was a familiar cover story for superheroes, going back to Bruce Wayne/Batman and Brett Reid/The Green Hornet. However, in this trade paperback collecting issues #120-128, we find there was a high price for Tony Stark to pay for living the good life: he is an alcoholic.

These classic issues of "Iron Man" were written by David Michelinie, with pencil art mostly by John Romita, Jr. (one issue is drawn by Carmine Infantiono), and inks by Bob Layton. Yes, there is a fight with Namor, the Sub-Mariner, along with the Melter, Whiplash, and Blizzard. But those are minor affairs compared to the attempt by Justin Hammer to take over Stark International and the self-destructive behavior of Tony Stark. Things get pretty bad as Iron Man's armor kills someone, he forgets to open up a window before flying out it, and even Jarvis gets fed up enough to tender his resignation. Bethany Cabe is not too thrilled with Tony either, but fortunately she is tougher than Stark and Iron Man put together.

"The Power of Iron Man" presents a story arc that has few valid points of comparison in the history of comics up to that point in time (the drug issues of "Spider-Man" and "Green Lantern/Green Arrow" are about all that comes to mind). These issues actually were praised by people in the real world for the accuracy with which certain aspects of alcoholism were depicted, and for avoiding a cop-out ending. Tony Stark really does bottom out in these issues; Captain America has to teach Tony Stark some basic self-defense moves once Iron Man is out of the picture. The only real complaint is that this trade paperback ended up falling apart. Good thing I still have the original comics (wrapped in plastic).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 3rd Advanced Iron Person to Review this!, June 21, 2002

By 

Mike Connolly (Wilmington, Delaware United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Power of the Iron Man (Paperback)

Bethany Cabe, Tony Stark, and Justin Hammer! Just through in Jack Daniels and you have the greatest Iron Man story arc ever! This TPB starts off with all out action against one of my personal favs, Prince Namor. Next move to Iron Man in all out battle against Blizzard, Whiplash, and The Melter in one of fav places on earth, Atlantic City, New Jersey! And that's not all! Iron Man murders an ambassador and then goes after Justin Hammer in Monaco without his armor! All out battle ensues on Hammer's private island against a handfull of super baddies! End it all with a heart touching story about Stark finding his way of the sauce (with some help from the beautiful Bethany Cabe)! A great buy for any comic fan!