Review also posted to my blog.


content warnings: loss of a parent, violence, attempted murder
representation: blind main character

“I’m the most intelligent, capable person on the planet. I’m not playing God. All this time... I’ve been playing human.”

Knowing my love for Tony Stark, a friend recommending this to me a few months ago and, after reading a more recent Iron Man comic, I was interested in seeing a different side of Tony. This certainly did not disappoint.

This comic doesn't so much have Tony as the protagonist as the villain; if anyone's the protagonist then it's Matt Murdock, AKA Daredevil. The comic follows Matt as he's trying to stop Tony as he seems to be getting further out of control, to the point where he's going full Big Brother with surveillance and claiming that it's for citizens' "safety".

I loved getting to see Tony more or less just be completely evil. There are the obvious ways, like the whole Big Brother situation, but also the more subtle ways, such as in the ways he treats people he sees as under him (which is everyone). I also loved getting to see Matt have to grapple with the fact that this villain isn't just a cut and dry, run of the mill bad guy; it's someone who's meant to be a good guy!

This comic also surprised me in how much it genuinely touched me with one scene, which is kind of a spoiler.

Spoiler

Tony gives Matt his vision back for about an hour, offering to make it permanent for the low, low price of all his morals. Matt refuses - obviously - but before his vision goes he rushes to meet up with Foggy so that he can physically see his best friend, even if it's only for a few seconds. My heart broke as the page shows Matt's eyesight deteriorating before going completely while Foggy is wondering what's wrong with him.

I also liked the art a lot. It's nothing too special, but it really worked for me. I especially liked the art for my girl She-Hulk because for some reason a lot of artists draw her in a really strange way. Thankfully, it was not the case here.

This entire comic was really interesting, both in terms of plot and characters, and I'm excited to finish it with the next volume to see how it all wraps up.