Writers: Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction
Artists: David Aja, John Severin, Travel Foreman (p), Derek Fridolfs (i), Matt Hollingsworth (colors)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
If there’s one thing that Brubaker emphasizes in every comic he’s writing, it’s history. The strength of his runs on Captain America, Daredevil, and Uncanny X-Men all reflect this understanding of not just the character(s), but also the events that have brought him/them to that particular point. It’s why bringing back Bucky worked; it’s why Warpath and Nightcrawler are such important choices for the team. Brubaker seems to thrive on that old adage: “You can’t know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been.” Compare this to, say, Hudlin’s Black Panther, which largely ignores the character’s history in favor of artificial conflict (can ANYONE explain why in the latest issue Cap hauls off and decks T’Challa without provocation? Didn’t think so.) But I digress.
Immortal Iron Fist is no different from Brubaker’s other series in that it examines Iron Fist’s past, though it appears the past will play a more intimate role in the stories. Like the first issue, this issue begins with an ancient Iron Fist (this time a woman) and segues into the current setting. Luke Cage makes a brief cameo as Danny Rand recovers from last issue’s beating at the hands of Hydra, and the events of Civil War are discussed between the two friends, as is Misty Knight and her Heroes for Hire. Neither seems like gratuitous plugs. The plotline of Danny’s grandfather is advanced, and how his reappearance will complicate Danny’s life is more clearly evidenced.
Even though it’s just the second issue, I’m finding I really like the opening prologues showing glimpses of historical Iron Fists. Of course, it hasn’t worn thin yet (unlike Wolverine’s “I’m the best…yada yada yada” that opens each issue – yes, we get it), and these prologues are serving a real purpose in giving the mythos of Iron Fist much-needed scope. Brubaker and Fraction’s writing continues to be sharp, though Danny in places is portrayed as a little too flaky for my taste. This issue’s banter between Cage and Rand made me smile, though, particularly their reaction to Knight’s stance on hero registration. As with the Cap and Daredevil titles, Brubaker is sparse with details; it’s anyone’s guess as to what the elder Rand’s plans are or what Hydra’s involvement with the Rand Corporation will be.
The art representing the older eras is noticeably different from Aja’s art covering the current one. It’s an appropriate device, as it aids in moving the reader between time periods without boxes of distracting narration, and John Severin’s art dealing with WWI has an “older” era feel to it: there’s a stiffness to the characters’ bodies along with a roughness to the art that reflects the period. I’d also like to see more from Travel Foreman and Derek Fridolfs, who are responsible for the prologue art.
Overall, this issue continues the quality work most readers have come to expect from Brubaker. His and Matt Fraction’s new series definitely is making a case for thinking 2007’s going to be the year of Iron Fist.
What did you think of this book?
Have your say at the Line of Fire Forum!