Jul 29The Mat Signal: Immortal Iron Fist
Review: “The Immortal Iron Fist vol 1: The Last Iron Fist Story ” TPB
Writer: Ed Brubaker, Artist: David Aja (with others) Price: $29.90 Reviewed by Matthew Henderson
I’ve never been a big follower of Marvel’s Iron Fist and, although I’d read a few issues here and there over the years, didn’t know much about the character beyond the basics: Danny Rand – ultra rich super kung fu dude, acquired his skills by being raised in fictional martial arts mecca called K’un Lun, very 70s bright green and yellow costume complete with deep V-neck cut to highlight the black dragon tattoo on his chest, best mates with the (now) über cool Luke Cage (we know he’s a true friend because he hung with the pre-cool Cage when he was still called Power Man and had the whole yellow pirate shirt/steel tiara/”sweet Christmas” thing going on) fist does glowy thing when he smacks people. I picked up Immortal Iron Fist purely based on some positive buzz and the fact that I was enjoying the heck out of writer Ed Brubaker’s run on Captain America. Good move, Matman!
Brubaker’s run on Iron Fist (collected in this and subsequent Trade Paperbacks) pulls off something very akin to what Geoff Johns has done with Green Lantern – brought together disparate threads of continuity from previous incarnations no matter stupid or cheesy they may have seemed at the time (I’m looking at you Danny Rand, superspy!) into a coherent whole where they not only make sense, but do so in a way that makes everything much cooler. Also like Johns, Ed doesn’t just bring all of the old elements together but adds a whole heap of great new concepts to the mythos that transform Danny Rand from b-list also-ran into a hugely engaging bad @$$ character.
This first volume pits Rand against the forces of Hydra, against the backdrop of a too good to be true financial deal for Rand Corp. Brubaker builds on the legacy of the Iron Fist by flashing back to previous holders of the mantel throughout the ages. These flashback are linked to the ‘present’ day story and the new characters all cool enough to ensure you’re not in any hurry to go back to the future. He also introduces Orson Randall – prodigal Iron Fist with a mysterious past who teams up with Danny and teaches him (and us) more than a thing or two about what it means to be the Champion of K’un Lun.
Brubaker’s plotting and pacing are spot on and the dialogue sparkles with humour and character. This was my first exposure to David Aja’s art but I became an instant fan. Aja pencils/inks/and colours and is similar in palate and approach to Alex Maleev – but with more clarity and detail and much better action scenes. The flashbacks are drawn by a range of guest artists and each time period is given a unique look which ensures that the jumps are never confusing.
Bottom line – this is a great read and a perfect jumping on point if you’re new to the character. If you think you know Iron Fist and that he’s as cool as disco – try this anyway. This is not your Dad’s Danny Rand. Although the title is set firmly in the Marvel Universe, there’s more than enough noir and kung fu cinema elements to broaden its appeal to those who want something than standard super heroics.
- Fans of Brubaker and/or cool stories, great art, great action, funny dialogue; kung fu; noir.
- People with pulses
- Literate zombies.
In stock in the Mk1 online store now! http://www.mk1.co.nz/store/immortal-iron-fist-volume-01.html
Tags: Mat Signal, Review
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