This comic review is focused on a Marvel Comics One-Shot called Iron Man: The Coming of the Melter. This one-shot brings a new perspective as well as look for one of Shellhead’s oldest foes. The Melter and Iron Man go way back, but this version fits more with the movie era Iron Man and that is how the story is written.
I can understand Marvel for wanting to give a new look to some of Tony’s foes from the past so that they are more believable with what we might see in the films. The main story seems to take place after Iron Man 2 but before the events that occur in Iron Man 3. Basically we have Tony giving a press conference about a new energy source and along comes the Melter to ruin his plans. We then find War Machine helping the military test some new weapons when the Melter makes himself known to him as well.
Stark and Rhodes cannot believe that they were shown up so easily. They get together to find out exactly who the Melter is and find out what the source of his suit is. Once they figure out all the pieces to the puzzle it is game on and they will stop him. What occurs next is a pretty descent battle but of course you know Iron Man and War Machine will come out on top.
What I love about this one-shot is that it comes with a bonus story. The bonus story is titled, “Convention of Fear’ and was originally released as The Invincible Iron Man #72 (Vol. 1) back in 1968. Not only is it a classic story, it has some classic villains as well. This is a great addition to the book and ties-in well with some of the characters in Iron Man 3.
I would say that this book deserves a rating of a strong 7.5 – 8 out of 10. I do not like the new Melter look, but lets face it, he really never had a great look. I also would say this book is a must for any Iron Man fan. It has the best of both worlds, a story that can fit in the movies as well as a classic tell from Shellhead’s past.
The Coming of the Melter was written by Christos Gage and drawn by Ron Lim. The old school, Convention of Fear was written by the great Mike Friedrich and drawn by the amazing George Tuska.
