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The Invincible Iron Man (2004) (Collected Editions) #1
The Invincible Iron Man: Extremis
It's the beginning of a new era for Iron Man!
Renowned scribe Warren Ellis joins forces with acclaimed illustrator Adi Grandv to redefine the armored Avenger's world for the 21st century—a landscape of terrifying new technologies that threaten to overwhelm fragile mankind! He must find out what is Extremis, who has unleashed it and what its emergence means for the world.
The Marvel film 'Iron Man' (2013) was based on 'Iron Man: Extremis' (2006).
Collects: Iron Man #1-6
Warren Ellis (1968�) is the award-winning writer of graphic novels like 'Transmetropolitan' (1998), 'Fell' (2005), 'Ministry of Space' (2005) and 'Planetary' (2000), and the author of the NYT-bestselling 'Gun Machine' (2012) and the “underground classic� novel 'Crooked Little Vein' (2007), as well as the digital short-story single 'Dead Pig Collector' (2013). He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Renowned scribe Warren Ellis joins forces with acclaimed illustrator Adi Grandv to redefine the armored Avenger's world for the 21st century—a landscape of terrifying new technologies that threaten to overwhelm fragile mankind! He must find out what is Extremis, who has unleashed it and what its emergence means for the world.
The Marvel film 'Iron Man' (2013) was based on 'Iron Man: Extremis' (2006).
Collects: Iron Man #1-6
Warren Ellis (1968�) is the award-winning writer of graphic novels like 'Transmetropolitan' (1998), 'Fell' (2005), 'Ministry of Space' (2005) and 'Planetary' (2000), and the author of the NYT-bestselling 'Gun Machine' (2012) and the “underground classic� novel 'Crooked Little Vein' (2007), as well as the digital short-story single 'Dead Pig Collector' (2013). He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
116 people are currently reading
8,151 people want to read
About the author
Warren Ellis
1,915books5,755followersWarren Ellis is the award-winning writer of graphic novels like TRANSMETROPOLITAN, FELL, MINISTRY OF SPACE and PLANETARY, and the author of the NYT-bestselling GUN MACHINE and the “underground classic� novel CROOKED LITTLE VEIN, as well as the digital short-story single DEAD PIG COLLECTOR. His newest book is the novella NORMAL, from FSG Originals, listed as one of Amazon’s Best 100 Books Of 2016.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 548 reviews
December 31, 2015
Extremely good story!
This TPB edition collects the comic book issues #1-6 of “Iron Man�, along with a special cover to tie-in with the first live-action movie of “Iron Man�.
Creative Team
Writer: Warren Ellis
Illustrator: Adi Granov
REBOOTING IRON MAN
…I always wanted to be more. � Test pilot for the future.
Extremis is the kickin� point where the creative team of Warren Ellis and Adi Granov defined the comic book character of Iron Man for a new generation. Ellis� smart writing “updated� the technological topics used in the comic, along with Granov’s computer-enhanced artwork was the right choice for a character that it’s about being in the vanguard of technology.
Just think that this storyline is a year before of Civil War, helping to readers to realize that Tony Stark is more than just a man in an armor suit. Accessing to the brilliant mind of Tony Stark along with his nightmares and his hopes, but the more important what allows him to watch himself in the mirror.
Nowadays, Iron Man aka Tony Stark is one of the most popular characters in Marvel Universe thanks to the success of the live-action movies, but back then, when Extremis was published, even considering of being adapted into several animated series, he was hardly known by the masses, and in any case, he was to the audience�
…just a man in an armor.
But hardly Tony Stark is just that, he is one of the most complicated characters that Stan Lee ever created. Tony was introduced as a weapons manufacturer right in the middle of the Vietnam War, when the movement anti-militaristic was in its highest peak, where you couldn’t think that a character such like that could endure. However, Stan knew better, Stan was as visionary as Tony Stark, choosing a character in direct conflict with audience as the hero of the story.
Tony Stark is a weapons� maker, womanizer and alcoholic, BUT he is also one of the most brilliant minds in the planet with a clear desire to bring the future to the humanity. His gifts and skills making him a hero, his defects making a human being, the merge of all, making one heck of character to read about.
In Extremis, Tony’s background is “updated� to link with Afghanistan War and Al Qaeda, but keeping the core of the same intentions made by Stan, back then in the 60’s.
Also, Ellis� expertise about cutting-edge science-fiction is able to keep ahead the Iron Man suit to avoid to feel “outdated� in comparison with real current technology.
GO TO EXTREMIS
He’s a biological combat machine� and I’m just a man in an iron suit.
Extremis is set before that Tony would make public his identity as Iron Man.
Futurepharm Corporation developed a revolutionary substance called “Extremis� with qualities able to bring men to the next evolutionary step. Dr. Maya Hansen and Dr. Aldrich Killian were responsibles for the breakthrough formula.
“Extremis� fell in the power of an angry man with his own retaliation agenda against US Government, so Maya calls for help to Tony Stark, whom she met him, years before in a convention.
The most advanced mobile technology against the most advanced biological evolution.
Iron Man will have his hands full with this threat and soon enough he will realize that he doesn’t have the upper hand in this conflict.
This TPB edition collects the comic book issues #1-6 of “Iron Man�, along with a special cover to tie-in with the first live-action movie of “Iron Man�.
Creative Team
Writer: Warren Ellis
Illustrator: Adi Granov
REBOOTING IRON MAN
…I always wanted to be more. � Test pilot for the future.
Extremis is the kickin� point where the creative team of Warren Ellis and Adi Granov defined the comic book character of Iron Man for a new generation. Ellis� smart writing “updated� the technological topics used in the comic, along with Granov’s computer-enhanced artwork was the right choice for a character that it’s about being in the vanguard of technology.
Just think that this storyline is a year before of Civil War, helping to readers to realize that Tony Stark is more than just a man in an armor suit. Accessing to the brilliant mind of Tony Stark along with his nightmares and his hopes, but the more important what allows him to watch himself in the mirror.
Nowadays, Iron Man aka Tony Stark is one of the most popular characters in Marvel Universe thanks to the success of the live-action movies, but back then, when Extremis was published, even considering of being adapted into several animated series, he was hardly known by the masses, and in any case, he was to the audience�
…just a man in an armor.
But hardly Tony Stark is just that, he is one of the most complicated characters that Stan Lee ever created. Tony was introduced as a weapons manufacturer right in the middle of the Vietnam War, when the movement anti-militaristic was in its highest peak, where you couldn’t think that a character such like that could endure. However, Stan knew better, Stan was as visionary as Tony Stark, choosing a character in direct conflict with audience as the hero of the story.
Tony Stark is a weapons� maker, womanizer and alcoholic, BUT he is also one of the most brilliant minds in the planet with a clear desire to bring the future to the humanity. His gifts and skills making him a hero, his defects making a human being, the merge of all, making one heck of character to read about.
In Extremis, Tony’s background is “updated� to link with Afghanistan War and Al Qaeda, but keeping the core of the same intentions made by Stan, back then in the 60’s.
Also, Ellis� expertise about cutting-edge science-fiction is able to keep ahead the Iron Man suit to avoid to feel “outdated� in comparison with real current technology.
GO TO EXTREMIS
He’s a biological combat machine� and I’m just a man in an iron suit.
Extremis is set before that Tony would make public his identity as Iron Man.
Futurepharm Corporation developed a revolutionary substance called “Extremis� with qualities able to bring men to the next evolutionary step. Dr. Maya Hansen and Dr. Aldrich Killian were responsibles for the breakthrough formula.
“Extremis� fell in the power of an angry man with his own retaliation agenda against US Government, so Maya calls for help to Tony Stark, whom she met him, years before in a convention.
The most advanced mobile technology against the most advanced biological evolution.
Iron Man will have his hands full with this threat and soon enough he will realize that he doesn’t have the upper hand in this conflict.
September 3, 2024
These six issues that comprise the opening story arc on Warren Ellis and Adi Granov’s re-launch of Iron Man became the bible for Jon Favreau’s two Iron Man movies. Ellis set out to re-establish Tony Stark as the chief technologist of Marvel Comics� twenty-first century and do this without being too fantastic but also grounded in reality. This is helped by the realistic computer generated art of Adi Granov.
Incidentally, Granov also served as a designer of the Iron Man film, so much of the images here are familiar and almost iconic because of the impact the movie made to pop culture.
When Iron Man first came out lumbering in his first bulky suit of armor in the pages of Tales of Suspense in the Sixties in a story crafted by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the armored avenger was the pinnacle of medical and military technology at that time. A man with a mechanical heart suited in armor that was more powerful than many countries� entire armies. He was also a product of the time, a Cold War player and instrumental to his country’s technological superiority over Communist Russia.
A lot of what made Iron Man relevant then ceased even before the dawn of the twenty-first century. Communism had already fallen in its mightiest bastion, medical science has caught up to Stark’s injury, allowing him to live again without his mechanical heart, and the world has continued to experience relative peace. So, Ellis reinvents Iron Man, essentially pushing Stark into the next generation of human and machine interface, rewriting his human blueprint in over to vault over the wall humanity has become in order to become a faster and better Iron Man. The new enemy is terrorism, external and internal, an enemy that doesn’t use conventional tactics but guerilla warfare on a global scale and an improved Iron Man would be better equipped to combat this threat. If there is one thing that remains unchanged, is that military spending still fuels innovation. Communism may be dead, but capitalism unfettered is a whole new ballgame.
This is the best story to begin reading the new Iron Man. Start with this one and continue with the other Ellis Iron Man stories and the other writers that followed him. The movie made Iron Man a superstar, but these six issues made him relevant again.
Incidentally, Granov also served as a designer of the Iron Man film, so much of the images here are familiar and almost iconic because of the impact the movie made to pop culture.
When Iron Man first came out lumbering in his first bulky suit of armor in the pages of Tales of Suspense in the Sixties in a story crafted by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the armored avenger was the pinnacle of medical and military technology at that time. A man with a mechanical heart suited in armor that was more powerful than many countries� entire armies. He was also a product of the time, a Cold War player and instrumental to his country’s technological superiority over Communist Russia.
A lot of what made Iron Man relevant then ceased even before the dawn of the twenty-first century. Communism had already fallen in its mightiest bastion, medical science has caught up to Stark’s injury, allowing him to live again without his mechanical heart, and the world has continued to experience relative peace. So, Ellis reinvents Iron Man, essentially pushing Stark into the next generation of human and machine interface, rewriting his human blueprint in over to vault over the wall humanity has become in order to become a faster and better Iron Man. The new enemy is terrorism, external and internal, an enemy that doesn’t use conventional tactics but guerilla warfare on a global scale and an improved Iron Man would be better equipped to combat this threat. If there is one thing that remains unchanged, is that military spending still fuels innovation. Communism may be dead, but capitalism unfettered is a whole new ballgame.
This is the best story to begin reading the new Iron Man. Start with this one and continue with the other Ellis Iron Man stories and the other writers that followed him. The movie made Iron Man a superstar, but these six issues made him relevant again.
December 31, 2014
4.5 stars
So why am I reviewing a comic book that came out years ago?
Well, there's this movie that came out a while ago about a guy in a metal suit. You may not have heard about it, 'cause I don't think it did very well at the box office...
Ok. Seriously.
Because Warren Ellis' Extremis is the plot that the new Iron Man 3 movie is loosely based on.
For those of you who don't know, Ellis is considered almost god-like to many comic book fans. I've been incredibly unfortunate when it comes to getting my hands on his stuff, so Extremis is one of the few books that I've read by him. In fact, aside from a few of his Astonishing X-Men titles, this is it. But from the scant amount of material I've been able to read, I have to admit that I'm going to have to agree with my nerdy friends.
In case you were wondering, I am not a nerd. I only read comic books so my boys will think I'm cool. Really. Really!
Anyway, this was awesome! I loved the plot, which featured an extremist hillbilly who gets hold of a vial of experimental super-serum. Of course, nothing good ever happens when my fellow rednecks are introduced to sci-fi quality goods.
In the south we know not to give anyone with a trucker hat access to dangerous chemicals. Obviously this is not a well know fact in other parts of the country. And you say we're stupid...
Although to be fair, maybe he cleaned up a bit before his meeting with the evil scientists?
So Extremis is the name of the serum invented by a friend of Tony's, and she comes to him for help when it's stolen from her lab. The guy who has swallowed this concoction is an unstable man, who from the looks of it grew up in one of those freaky families that horde guns and canned vegetables in preparation for 'The Revolution'. Apparently they took things a bit too far and it didn't end well for them. He saw his entire family gunned down by government agents when he was a child, and it left a nasty taste in his mouth.
Taking the serum changed him from the inside out, turning him into a super-soldier. Only not a cute and cuddly one like Captain America. He spews black tar stuff, shoots flames, and has Hulk-like strength. So to say Iron Man's battle with him didn't go well would be an understatement. By the time this guy is done with Tony he's half dead, and the only thing that might possibly save his life is...you guessed it...a dose of Extremis. And this is the decision that ushers in a whole new Iron Man. Instead of Tony just being a guy with a weaponized suit of armor, he's now a part of that suit. Very cool.
I thought the art was great, but if you're not a fan of the hyper-slick CGI artwork, you may not like it as much as I did. Personal preferences, etc...
If you're just a curious fan of the movies and not a regular graphic novel reader, I think this would be a good place to dip your toes in the water. Who knows? After you get a taste, you might find yourself standing inside your local comic book store trying to act like you're just picking up a few books for 'your kids'.
Not that I've ever done that...
This review can also be seen at
So why am I reviewing a comic book that came out years ago?
Well, there's this movie that came out a while ago about a guy in a metal suit. You may not have heard about it, 'cause I don't think it did very well at the box office...
Ok. Seriously.
Because Warren Ellis' Extremis is the plot that the new Iron Man 3 movie is loosely based on.
For those of you who don't know, Ellis is considered almost god-like to many comic book fans. I've been incredibly unfortunate when it comes to getting my hands on his stuff, so Extremis is one of the few books that I've read by him. In fact, aside from a few of his Astonishing X-Men titles, this is it. But from the scant amount of material I've been able to read, I have to admit that I'm going to have to agree with my nerdy friends.
In case you were wondering, I am not a nerd. I only read comic books so my boys will think I'm cool. Really. Really!
Anyway, this was awesome! I loved the plot, which featured an extremist hillbilly who gets hold of a vial of experimental super-serum. Of course, nothing good ever happens when my fellow rednecks are introduced to sci-fi quality goods.
In the south we know not to give anyone with a trucker hat access to dangerous chemicals. Obviously this is not a well know fact in other parts of the country. And you say we're stupid...
Although to be fair, maybe he cleaned up a bit before his meeting with the evil scientists?
So Extremis is the name of the serum invented by a friend of Tony's, and she comes to him for help when it's stolen from her lab. The guy who has swallowed this concoction is an unstable man, who from the looks of it grew up in one of those freaky families that horde guns and canned vegetables in preparation for 'The Revolution'. Apparently they took things a bit too far and it didn't end well for them. He saw his entire family gunned down by government agents when he was a child, and it left a nasty taste in his mouth.
Taking the serum changed him from the inside out, turning him into a super-soldier. Only not a cute and cuddly one like Captain America. He spews black tar stuff, shoots flames, and has Hulk-like strength. So to say Iron Man's battle with him didn't go well would be an understatement. By the time this guy is done with Tony he's half dead, and the only thing that might possibly save his life is...you guessed it...a dose of Extremis. And this is the decision that ushers in a whole new Iron Man. Instead of Tony just being a guy with a weaponized suit of armor, he's now a part of that suit. Very cool.
I thought the art was great, but if you're not a fan of the hyper-slick CGI artwork, you may not like it as much as I did. Personal preferences, etc...
If you're just a curious fan of the movies and not a regular graphic novel reader, I think this would be a good place to dip your toes in the water. Who knows? After you get a taste, you might find yourself standing inside your local comic book store trying to act like you're just picking up a few books for 'your kids'.
Not that I've ever done that...
This review can also be seen at
August 2, 2014
Being a genius billionaire superhero isn’t all fun and games apparently. Sometimes there are people who want to question your ethics just because you’ve got a past as an arms manufacturer, and then there’s always the chance you’ll get the ever loving crap kicked out of you when some bad guys get their hands on a new bio-weapon.
This is one of the best Iron Man stories I’ve read. It came out a few years before the first movie, and the films would use several of it’s ideas and overall tone. The third movie in particular uses the basic story elements. It also brilliantly set up a phase of Tony Stark in the comics for Civil War and its aftermath through Matt Fraction’s great run on Invincible Iron Man.
This is one of the best Iron Man stories I’ve read. It came out a few years before the first movie, and the films would use several of it’s ideas and overall tone. The third movie in particular uses the basic story elements. It also brilliantly set up a phase of Tony Stark in the comics for Civil War and its aftermath through Matt Fraction’s great run on Invincible Iron Man.
March 7, 2020
3.5 stars
"I'm just a guy in an iron suit, but I've always wanted to be more." -- Tony 'Iron Man' Stark
This tight story has Iron Man taking on an unhinged domestic terrorist named Mallen, who was given a dose of 'Extremis,' a "bio-electronics package" (per the designing scientist) that is similar to the old Super-Soldier Formula that gave the world Captain America. Unfortunately, Mallen doesn't turn out to be ANYTHING at all like the honorable Cap, and instead he goes on a truly horrifying rampage - including a massacre at a federal government building in Texas, and a later disturbing, unprovoked, and implied cold-blooded murder of a high school student along a small town's road - necessitating a showdown with our titular hero. The plot easily stacks the deck against Mallen - at one point he says "You know, the [Ku Klux] Klan did good things, too . . ." in conversation (ugh!) - so probably few readers will feel any sympathy for him. The twist 'reveal' in the final pages was nice.
"I'm just a guy in an iron suit, but I've always wanted to be more." -- Tony 'Iron Man' Stark
This tight story has Iron Man taking on an unhinged domestic terrorist named Mallen, who was given a dose of 'Extremis,' a "bio-electronics package" (per the designing scientist) that is similar to the old Super-Soldier Formula that gave the world Captain America. Unfortunately, Mallen doesn't turn out to be ANYTHING at all like the honorable Cap, and instead he goes on a truly horrifying rampage - including a massacre at a federal government building in Texas, and a later disturbing, unprovoked, and implied cold-blooded murder of a high school student along a small town's road - necessitating a showdown with our titular hero. The plot easily stacks the deck against Mallen - at one point he says "You know, the [Ku Klux] Klan did good things, too . . ." in conversation (ugh!) - so probably few readers will feel any sympathy for him. The twist 'reveal' in the final pages was nice.
March 29, 2013
A destructive new chemical compound called Extremis that gives the user superhuman powers is set loose onto a domestic terrorist with an agenda to bring down Washington. Cue Tony Stark, flying in to save the day! But even Iron Man isn't able to deal with this threat and must make a life altering choice. We also get the Iron Man origin story here that was used in the Iron Man film (with a few subtle tweaks).
I love Warren Ellis' writing whether it's his weird, original material or more mainstream projects like this book with Marvel. He always writes a very interesting, very fun script and "Extremis" is no exception. Tony Stark's intelligent, humourous nature is put across nicely as are moral arguments for scientists whose work can be used for both good and evil. Much was made of Adi Granov's art but I found it to be a bit bland. Iron Man looks good but the colours are very muted and the humans all look computer generated rather than natural. It wasn't terrible artwork but it was a long way from the brilliance I had been led to expect with this book.
"Extremis" was a great jumping off point for the Iron Man movie series and I think the producers would have done better if they'd chosen the hyper-powerful Timothy-McVey-type in this book than Jeff Bridges' giant robot-suited villain. It just seems like Ellis' villain is more edgy and interesting. The origin story here was also well handled, with Stark visiting Afghanistan and being taken prisoner by the Taliban. There's also a great throwback to the first issue of Iron Man, design-wise.
Overall, a very satisfying, well written superhero comic that I definitely recommend to fans both of the genre but also to those who aren't so that they can see why people enjoy these stories.
I love Warren Ellis' writing whether it's his weird, original material or more mainstream projects like this book with Marvel. He always writes a very interesting, very fun script and "Extremis" is no exception. Tony Stark's intelligent, humourous nature is put across nicely as are moral arguments for scientists whose work can be used for both good and evil. Much was made of Adi Granov's art but I found it to be a bit bland. Iron Man looks good but the colours are very muted and the humans all look computer generated rather than natural. It wasn't terrible artwork but it was a long way from the brilliance I had been led to expect with this book.
"Extremis" was a great jumping off point for the Iron Man movie series and I think the producers would have done better if they'd chosen the hyper-powerful Timothy-McVey-type in this book than Jeff Bridges' giant robot-suited villain. It just seems like Ellis' villain is more edgy and interesting. The origin story here was also well handled, with Stark visiting Afghanistan and being taken prisoner by the Taliban. There's also a great throwback to the first issue of Iron Man, design-wise.
Overall, a very satisfying, well written superhero comic that I definitely recommend to fans both of the genre but also to those who aren't so that they can see why people enjoy these stories.
January 21, 2023
Peak Warren Ellis, taking an established mainstream property and just riffing in dialogue about transhumanism and psychedelic-drug themes that he finds interesting. Honestly, this is what works.
The storytelling structure is fairly straightforward in the Iron Man classic of Extremis, beautiful realistic art with high concept scifi and simple occasional fight scenes. Although not quite as pithy and trying to be funny as the film version, it is always interesting to see how these iconic 21st century graphic novels ended up influencing the MCU...
Well, canon or not, the perfect succinct story to introduce the character to hardcore geeks and casual novices alike.
The storytelling structure is fairly straightforward in the Iron Man classic of Extremis, beautiful realistic art with high concept scifi and simple occasional fight scenes. Although not quite as pithy and trying to be funny as the film version, it is always interesting to see how these iconic 21st century graphic novels ended up influencing the MCU...
Well, canon or not, the perfect succinct story to introduce the character to hardcore geeks and casual novices alike.
February 1, 2016
Tony Stark has reached his technological limit on how to improve his suit.
Meanwhile a man has been dosed with an experimental technology that works similarly to the super soldier serum. Unfortunately this man is not a good man.
Extremis is on the loose and it's devastatingly effective.
It seems like everyone wants to make a new Captain America of sorts. The goal is bigger, faster, stronger, and more resilient than an ordinary man. It seems as though Maya Hansen has done it. In actuality her technological breakthrough is even better than Dr. Erskine was able to accomplish with the super soldier serum. Unfortunately it ends up in the wrong hands. The man who got it didn't have an Uncle Ben to give him the perfect speech or the moral fortitude to resist using his strength for his own gain. He was raised by extremists and he is extreme indeed.
I know they based Iron Man 3 off of this story, but whoever did just didn't get it. This story could have been copied panel for panel and it would have blown the atrocious Iron Man 3 out of the water. In case anyone is wondering I consider Iron Man 3 the worst movie in the MCU by far. I don't understand how this story could turn into the mess that was Iron Man 3.
Extremis was an innovative and intriguing story.
Meanwhile a man has been dosed with an experimental technology that works similarly to the super soldier serum. Unfortunately this man is not a good man.
Extremis is on the loose and it's devastatingly effective.
It seems like everyone wants to make a new Captain America of sorts. The goal is bigger, faster, stronger, and more resilient than an ordinary man. It seems as though Maya Hansen has done it. In actuality her technological breakthrough is even better than Dr. Erskine was able to accomplish with the super soldier serum. Unfortunately it ends up in the wrong hands. The man who got it didn't have an Uncle Ben to give him the perfect speech or the moral fortitude to resist using his strength for his own gain. He was raised by extremists and he is extreme indeed.
I know they based Iron Man 3 off of this story, but whoever did just didn't get it. This story could have been copied panel for panel and it would have blown the atrocious Iron Man 3 out of the water. In case anyone is wondering I consider Iron Man 3 the worst movie in the MCU by far. I don't understand how this story could turn into the mess that was Iron Man 3.
Extremis was an innovative and intriguing story.
January 23, 2022
This was so good!
Tony meets this girl Maya and we learn of their past and she tells him of the EXTREMIS tech and like how one person Mallen had been injected by it and he is causing terrorism plus we see Maya's motive and everything and Tony's thought process in the whole scenario but what happens when he decides to use on himself plus his mind state with being Iron man and responsibilities are also explored here, its Iron man vs this terror of Mallen in the end and who will win and how the world will change?
This is one of those volumes that explores Tony's thoughts and how he is making ammendments for the past, introduces great character in this girl Maya and finally introduces a great concept of Extremis which still factors in modern marvel stories and also the art of Granov is god tier and makes the whole thing a pleasant experience to read! So yeah do read it for sure.
Tony meets this girl Maya and we learn of their past and she tells him of the EXTREMIS tech and like how one person Mallen had been injected by it and he is causing terrorism plus we see Maya's motive and everything and Tony's thought process in the whole scenario but what happens when he decides to use on himself plus his mind state with being Iron man and responsibilities are also explored here, its Iron man vs this terror of Mallen in the end and who will win and how the world will change?
This is one of those volumes that explores Tony's thoughts and how he is making ammendments for the past, introduces great character in this girl Maya and finally introduces a great concept of Extremis which still factors in modern marvel stories and also the art of Granov is god tier and makes the whole thing a pleasant experience to read! So yeah do read it for sure.
September 6, 2020
*3.75
Στον τόμο αυτό, ακολουθούμε τον Τόνυ Σταρκ, γνωστό κι ως Iron Man, ο οποίος έρχεται αντιμέτωπος με την απειλή του Extremis. Το Extremis αποτελεί ένα φάρμακο το οποίο είναι ικανό να δώσει υπερ-δυνάμεις σε όποιον το πάρει.
Τα πράγματα όμως παίρνουν μια άσχημη τροπή όταν το φάρμακο χορηγείται στον Μάλεν, έναν άνθρωπο με εξτρεμιστικές απόψεις που σαν παιδί είδε την οικογένειά του να δολοφονείται μπροστά στα μάτια του.
Στην αρχή, ακολουθούμε έναν Τόνυ ο οποίος (κατά την ταπεινή μου άποψη) είναι στα όρια της κατάθλιψης, καθώς έχει παραιτηθεί από τη ζωή, έχει απομονωθεί, προσπαθεί να μείνει νηφάλιος και έχει και να αντιμετωπίσει όχι μόνο το μίσος του απλού λαού που τον θεωρεί δολοφόνο, αλλά και τις ενοχές που έχει. Παραδέχεται πως τα χέρια του είναι βαμμένα με αίμα, αλλά αυτό που θέλει, είναι να προσφέρει στην ανθρωπότητα ένα καλύτερο μέλλον.
Ο κακός της ιστορίας, τραβά πάνω του τα φώτα μετά τη διάπραξη μαζικών δολοφονιών. Είναι ήδη γνωστό στους υπόλοιπους χαρακτήρες πως εκείνος έκλεψε το φάρμακο και σιγά σιγά μέσα από αφηγήσεις, μαθαίνουμε κι εμείς για τι είναι ικανό το Extremis.
Ο Τόνυ αποφασίζει να αντιμετωπίσει τον Μάλεν μόνος του. Όμως κάνει λάθος διότι η στολή δεν είναι αρκετά δυνατή για να αντέξει τα χτυπήματα του Μάλεν, με αποτέλεσμα ο Τόνυ να οδηγηθεί σχεδόν πεθαμένος στη Δόκτωρ Χάνσεν, την επιστήμονα που ευθύνεται για τη δημιουργία του φαρμάκου.
Ο Τόνυ φτάνει τελικά στη διαπίστωση πως αφού η στολή δεν είναι αρκετά δυνατή, πρέπει να γίνει σαν τον αντίπαλό του και ζητά να του χορηγηθεί το Extremis, γνωρίζοντας πως από τη στιγμή που είναι πληγωμένος, αυτό ίσως τον σκοτώσει. Τελικά η Χάνσεν τού χορηγεί τη δόση και εκείνος πέφτει σε κόμμα, μέσα από το οποίο ερχόμαστε σε επαφή με έναν Σταρκ που έχει κινδυνέψει να πεθάνει για πρώτη του φορά και είναι παγιδευμένος από τους αντιπάλους του στο πεδίο της μάχης. Εκεί βλέπουμε πως με τη βοήθεια του Χο Γίνσεν δημιούργησε την πρώτη στολή Iron Man.
Όταν ξυπνάει λοιπόν από το κόμμα, βλέπουμε πως το σχέδιό του είχε επιτυχία. Δεν αποκτά τις ίδιες δυνάμεις με τον αντίπαλό του, αλλά αποκτά τις ίδιες ιδιότητες και αντοχές με τη στολή του, γίνεται δηλαδή "Iron Man μέσα κι έξω."
Αντιμετωπίζει για δεύτερη φορά τον αντίπαλό του, αρχικά θέλοντας μόνο να τον περιορίσει και να τον στείλει στη φυλακή, αλλά τελικά, έπειτα από μια απόπειρα του Μάλεν να τού αφαιρέσει το κράνος, τον σκοτώνει.
Μετά τη νίκη αυτή, ο Τόνυ βρίσκει την Χάνσεν και την παραδίδει στα χέρια του νόμου, αφού αποκαλύπτεται πως ήταν κι εκείνη μέσα στο σχέδιο της κλοπής του φαρμάκου και τη χορήγησή του στον Μάλεν.
Η Χάνσεν αντιδρά λέγοντας πως το έκανε για να καταφέρει να ξεφύγει από το εμπόριο όπλων μια και καλή και πως ο Σταρκ δεν είναι καλύτερός της.
Ο ήρωάς μας της απαντά πως, μπορεί να μην είναι αθώος, όμως προσπαθώντας να βοηθήσει τον κόσμο, ίσως μια μέρα εξιλεωθεί και σταματήσει να μισεί τον εαυτό του κι εκεί η ιστορία τελειώνει.
Η αλήθεια είναι πως αν και πιστεύω πως σίγουρα είναι μια καλογραμμένη ιστορία που εντυπωσιάζει μέσα από τις σκηνές δράσεις και τις τεχνολογικές αναφορές που κάνει, νιώθω πως θα ήθελα κάτι παραπάνω.
Σίγουρα ο Τόνυ είναι ένας χαρακτήρας με βάθος που ενώ έχει επίγνωση του κακού που έχει προκαλέσει, προσπαθεί ταυτόχρονα να το αντιστρέψει και να δώσει στην ανθρωπότητα ό,τι καλύτερο μπορεί.
Προσωπικά όμως βρήκα τον κακό και τους δευτερεύοντες χαρακτήρες ελαφρώς ανιαρούς και μονοδιάστατους. Επιπλέον, η ανατροπή στο τέλος δεν με έκανε να νιώσω κάτι και τέλος, θεωρώ πως ο τόμος, έπρεπε ίσως να ξεκινά με μια εισαγωγή λίγων γραμμών, όπως είχε κάνει και ο προηγούμενος, μιας και δεν είμαστε όλοι εντελώς εξοικειωμένοι με το τι γίνεται στο σύμπαν των comics.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
Στον τόμο αυτό, ακολουθούμε τον Τόνυ Σταρκ, γνωστό κι ως Iron Man, ο οποίος έρχεται αντιμέτωπος με την απειλή του Extremis. Το Extremis αποτελεί ένα φάρμακο το οποίο είναι ικανό να δώσει υπερ-δυνάμεις σε όποιον το πάρει.
Τα πράγματα όμως παίρνουν μια άσχημη τροπή όταν το φάρμακο χορηγείται στον Μάλεν, έναν άνθρωπο με εξτρεμιστικές απόψεις που σαν παιδί είδε την οικογένειά του να δολοφονείται μπροστά στα μάτια του.
Στην αρχή, ακολουθούμε έναν Τόνυ ο οποίος (κατά την ταπεινή μου άποψη) είναι στα όρια της κατάθλιψης, καθώς έχει παραιτηθεί από τη ζωή, έχει απομονωθεί, προσπαθεί να μείνει νηφάλιος και έχει και να αντιμετωπίσει όχι μόνο το μίσος του απλού λαού που τον θεωρεί δολοφόνο, αλλά και τις ενοχές που έχει. Παραδέχεται πως τα χέρια του είναι βαμμένα με αίμα, αλλά αυτό που θέλει, είναι να προσφέρει στην ανθρωπότητα ένα καλύτερο μέλλον.
Ο κακός της ιστορίας, τραβά πάνω του τα φώτα μετά τη διάπραξη μαζικών δολοφονιών. Είναι ήδη γνωστό στους υπόλοιπους χαρακτήρες πως εκείνος έκλεψε το φάρμακο και σιγά σιγά μέσα από αφηγήσεις, μαθαίνουμε κι εμείς για τι είναι ικανό το Extremis.
Ο Τόνυ αποφασίζει να αντιμετωπίσει τον Μάλεν μόνος του. Όμως κάνει λάθος διότι η στολή δεν είναι αρκετά δυνατή για να αντέξει τα χτυπήματα του Μάλεν, με αποτέλεσμα ο Τόνυ να οδηγηθεί σχεδόν πεθαμένος στη Δόκτωρ Χάνσεν, την επιστήμονα που ευθύνεται για τη δημιουργία του φαρμάκου.
Ο Τόνυ φτάνει τελικά στη διαπίστωση πως αφού η στολή δεν είναι αρκετά δυνατή, πρέπει να γίνει σαν τον αντίπαλό του και ζητά να του χορηγηθεί το Extremis, γνωρίζοντας πως από τη στιγμή που είναι πληγωμένος, αυτό ίσως τον σκοτώσει. Τελικά η Χάνσεν τού χορηγεί τη δόση και εκείνος πέφτει σε κόμμα, μέσα από το οποίο ερχόμαστε σε επαφή με έναν Σταρκ που έχει κινδυνέψει να πεθάνει για πρώτη του φορά και είναι παγιδευμένος από τους αντιπάλους του στο πεδίο της μάχης. Εκεί βλέπουμε πως με τη βοήθεια του Χο Γίνσεν δημιούργησε την πρώτη στολή Iron Man.
Όταν ξυπνάει λοιπόν από το κόμμα, βλέπουμε πως το σχέδιό του είχε επιτυχία. Δεν αποκτά τις ίδιες δυνάμεις με τον αντίπαλό του, αλλά αποκτά τις ίδιες ιδιότητες και αντοχές με τη στολή του, γίνεται δηλαδή "Iron Man μέσα κι έξω."
Αντιμετωπίζει για δεύτερη φορά τον αντίπαλό του, αρχικά θέλοντας μόνο να τον περιορίσει και να τον στείλει στη φυλακή, αλλά τελικά, έπειτα από μια απόπειρα του Μάλεν να τού αφαιρέσει το κράνος, τον σκοτώνει.
Μετά τη νίκη αυτή, ο Τόνυ βρίσκει την Χάνσεν και την παραδίδει στα χέρια του νόμου, αφού αποκαλύπτεται πως ήταν κι εκείνη μέσα στο σχέδιο της κλοπής του φαρμάκου και τη χορήγησή του στον Μάλεν.
Η Χάνσεν αντιδρά λέγοντας πως το έκανε για να καταφέρει να ξεφύγει από το εμπόριο όπλων μια και καλή και πως ο Σταρκ δεν είναι καλύτερός της.
Ο ήρωάς μας της απαντά πως, μπορεί να μην είναι αθώος, όμως προσπαθώντας να βοηθήσει τον κόσμο, ίσως μια μέρα εξιλεωθεί και σταματήσει να μισεί τον εαυτό του κι εκεί η ιστορία τελειώνει.
Η αλήθεια είναι πως αν και πιστεύω πως σίγουρα είναι μια καλογραμμένη ιστορία που εντυπωσιάζει μέσα από τις σκηνές δράσεις και τις τεχνολογικές αναφορές που κάνει, νιώθω πως θα ήθελα κάτι παραπάνω.
Σίγουρα ο Τόνυ είναι ένας χαρακτήρας με βάθος που ενώ έχει επίγνωση του κακού που έχει προκαλέσει, προσπαθεί ταυτόχρονα να το αντιστρέψει και να δώσει στην ανθρωπότητα ό,τι καλύτερο μπορεί.
Προσωπικά όμως βρήκα τον κακό και τους δευτερεύοντες χαρακτήρες ελαφρώς ανιαρούς και μονοδιάστατους. Επιπλέον, η ανατροπή στο τέλος δεν με έκανε να νιώσω κάτι και τέλος, θεωρώ πως ο τόμος, έπρεπε ίσως να ξεκινά με μια εισαγωγή λίγων γραμμών, όπως είχε κάνει και ο προηγούμενος, μιας και δεν είμαστε όλοι εντελώς εξοικειωμένοι με το τι γίνεται στο σύμπαν των comics.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
April 10, 2016
This really wasn’t what I was expecting. The recent Iron man movies depict an entirely different character. Robert Downy Jr’s Tony Stark is cocky, annoying and a little repulsive. The Iron man in here is cocky, introspective and completely compelling. I’m glad of it too because it meant the entire plot was character driven.
>The character 4.5/5- Tony Stark knows exactly what he is: he knows that his inventions have caused countless deaths. Thankfully, he isn’t in denial about the simple truth. He sees himself for what he is. However, to offset such corruption, he is also a superhero. But that’s not overly important. What matter sis that Tony Stark wants to change the world; he wants to improve the human race through the development of technology rather than war machines.
So he is very aware of himself, and his potential to help others. But he needs money. That means to get money he needs to sell weapons. It’s kind of ironic. In order to help the world, he must also create more chaos. Therefore, he isn’t completely good. On a morality scale I think he is distinctively neutral. He’s prepared to kill too. Those that are terrorists deserve no mercy in his eyes. He will do what’s necessary without a second thought, which makes him stand out when compared to the other avengers. His battle with his doppelgänger delivered this, which bring me onto my next point.
>The Artwork 4/5- This was great; it really helped to deliver the speed of the actin. There were entire spreads without captions, which made the fights feel brutal and quick:
I love the effects. Some of it felt realistic, and almost of a cinematic quality. It’s full of life. It’s by far some of the best action scene renditions I’ve seen in a comic so far. It came across with bloody efficiency.
>The Story 4/5- The plot was intense. Tony is fighting an enraged terrorist who has stolen a biochemical formula similar to Captain America’s “super solider serum.� So the stakes were rather high. He initially defeats Iron man with absolute ease but Iron man comes to even the scales with some of his own serum and some armour upgrades. As the action ensues, Tony takes one good hard look at himself and realises who he is; he sees the nature of what is happening, and how he is being tested. He learns what he needs to do, and what he needs to become. This was a great. I actually want to read more.
Final Verdict-4/5
>The character 4.5/5- Tony Stark knows exactly what he is: he knows that his inventions have caused countless deaths. Thankfully, he isn’t in denial about the simple truth. He sees himself for what he is. However, to offset such corruption, he is also a superhero. But that’s not overly important. What matter sis that Tony Stark wants to change the world; he wants to improve the human race through the development of technology rather than war machines.
So he is very aware of himself, and his potential to help others. But he needs money. That means to get money he needs to sell weapons. It’s kind of ironic. In order to help the world, he must also create more chaos. Therefore, he isn’t completely good. On a morality scale I think he is distinctively neutral. He’s prepared to kill too. Those that are terrorists deserve no mercy in his eyes. He will do what’s necessary without a second thought, which makes him stand out when compared to the other avengers. His battle with his doppelgänger delivered this, which bring me onto my next point.
>The Artwork 4/5- This was great; it really helped to deliver the speed of the actin. There were entire spreads without captions, which made the fights feel brutal and quick:
I love the effects. Some of it felt realistic, and almost of a cinematic quality. It’s full of life. It’s by far some of the best action scene renditions I’ve seen in a comic so far. It came across with bloody efficiency.
>The Story 4/5- The plot was intense. Tony is fighting an enraged terrorist who has stolen a biochemical formula similar to Captain America’s “super solider serum.� So the stakes were rather high. He initially defeats Iron man with absolute ease but Iron man comes to even the scales with some of his own serum and some armour upgrades. As the action ensues, Tony takes one good hard look at himself and realises who he is; he sees the nature of what is happening, and how he is being tested. He learns what he needs to do, and what he needs to become. This was a great. I actually want to read more.
Final Verdict-4/5
November 14, 2018
For years I was told I had to read Warren Ellis Extremis for Iron-man. It was always totted as the "best" Iron-man story or least top 5-10. So is it? Well...
Tony is feeling a little sorry for himself here. Actually, he does a interview where the guy starts hitting Tony with some tough questions. Tony has just spent the last few weeks in his garage building new suits and, well like I said, feeling very sorry for himself. After the interview he decides to change, to do something about his life, but that's when an experiment has gone wrong. Someone has injected themselves with the Extremis virus type thing. With that he begins going on a rampage in which only Tony can stop him.
Good: The art is pretty great. Some truly epic shots, and great fight scenes, bring scope and gritty moments all in one. The pacing is frantic, to match the overall mindset of Tony himself. A man who has done a lot wrong but trying to fix his past mistakes. I enjoyed that and I also liked the villain as he was chilling, and strong.
Bad: A bit rushed if you ask me. After one major showdown Tony is injected with the virus himself to combat the villain. It all happened far to quick. Also, the retelling of his origins was not needed...at all. The twist too was easy to see coming.
Overall, it's a solid story. Probably better than the norm. While it's not up to par with some of Warren's best, it's still worth reading, especially if Iron-man fan. A 3.5 out of 5.
Tony is feeling a little sorry for himself here. Actually, he does a interview where the guy starts hitting Tony with some tough questions. Tony has just spent the last few weeks in his garage building new suits and, well like I said, feeling very sorry for himself. After the interview he decides to change, to do something about his life, but that's when an experiment has gone wrong. Someone has injected themselves with the Extremis virus type thing. With that he begins going on a rampage in which only Tony can stop him.
Good: The art is pretty great. Some truly epic shots, and great fight scenes, bring scope and gritty moments all in one. The pacing is frantic, to match the overall mindset of Tony himself. A man who has done a lot wrong but trying to fix his past mistakes. I enjoyed that and I also liked the villain as he was chilling, and strong.
Bad: A bit rushed if you ask me. After one major showdown Tony is injected with the virus himself to combat the villain. It all happened far to quick. Also, the retelling of his origins was not needed...at all. The twist too was easy to see coming.
Overall, it's a solid story. Probably better than the norm. While it's not up to par with some of Warren's best, it's still worth reading, especially if Iron-man fan. A 3.5 out of 5.
September 29, 2019
Πρώτο κόμικ με ήρωα τον Iron Man που διαβάζω και δηλώνω οπωσδήποτε ικανοποιημένος και ψυχαγωγημένος, αν και δεν μπορώ να πω ότι ξετρελάθηκα κιόλας. Η ιστορία μου φάνηκε αρκετά ενδιαφέρουσα και καλογραμμένη, με μπόλικη δράση, γραφική βία και πολλή ένταση, σίγουρα έχει πολλά ωραία καλούδια να προσφέρει. Ο χαρακτήρας του Τόνι Σταρκ έχει ένα κάποιο βάθος, ο συγγραφέας μας δίνει να καταλάβουμε κάποια πράγματα για τη ζωή και τον τρόπο σκέψης του, όμως ο κακός της υπόθεσης δεν με... τρόμαξε ιδιαίτερα, ούτε ��νιωσα κάτι γι'αυτόν (μίσος ή έστω οίκτο). Όσον αφορά το σχέδιο, είναι αρκετά ιδιαίτερο, θυμίζει λίγο βιντεοπαιχνίδι και είναι σαν να φτιάχτηκε σε μεγάλο βαθμό στον υπολογιστή, αν και μάλλον απλώς αυτό είναι το στιλ του σχεδιαστή. Μπορώ να πω ότι μου άρεσε, έδωσε και μια βρώμικη και νουάρ αίσθηση στην όλη ιστορία, απλώς μερικές σκηνές δράσης μου φάνηκαν κάπως άψυχες και κρύες. Συμπερασματικά, πρόκειται για έναν πολύ καλό τόμο και θεωρώ πως είναι ό,τι πρέπει για να γνωρίσει κανείς και τον... έντυπο Iron Man.
July 19, 2020
عالی :))
July 18, 2013
After my visit to the U.S.A, I may have brought back a combined total of 12 (or so) newly purchased novels and graphic novels. There was about a 50/50 split. The reason was that of course there are so many more comic book stores in America than Australia (and they are such cool places) and also because the Harvard Bookstore is also an amazing location... Either way that was my weak attempt at a segue into mentioning that I did buy this Extremis graphic novel while overseas. And it was completely worth it.
If is the best Superman story I have ever read then Extremis is the best Iron Man story I have ever read. Ignore the fact that it was partly inspirational for the whole Iron Man 3 movie concept; ignore the fact that it has some pretty grand artwork; ignore the fact that I just loved how it delved into the psychology of Iron Man and Tony Stark being one and the same. It was a combination of factors which lead to me liking this work on the whole.
The storyline of Extremis basically follows the idea of one man being turned into more than a man through biological upgrading. This 'superfreak' becomes (as you do) a man with a terrorist style agenda. I mean if I became a meta human that's what I'd do first of all...not. Anyway, the main point of this Extremis enhanced individual seems to be to contrast with Iron Man (a man who made himself more than human through a suit rather than biologically) - oh and he also exists to provide the main conflict of the plot in regards to power and responsibility. Either way there is an interesting contrast between biology and artificial technology created in the narrative of this graphic story.
And I'll stop right there because right now, any thoughts I have are caught at the very edge of my thinking and it's remarkably frustrating to try and grasp at them (not to mention that my laptop is running on 10 percent of it's power). But if you do want a great Iron Man story to read, my bet would be to go read Extremis. Maybe even read it in an extreme place or something...
May 5, 2012
This is a story that redefines Iron Man for me for the 21st century. I've re-read this story multiple times, and every time it gives me chills and makes me respect Tony Stark a little more.
Moreso, it makes me respect Ellis as a writer more each time. This is a very tight, compelling read that wastes no time on filler panels, just keeping us sprinting alongside the characters trying to keep up.
Granov brings a very different technique to the visuals - balanced precariously between hyper-realistic and fluidly just-out-of-focus. It was jarring to see such clean visuals the first time I read this, but I've since found it is a great way to keep me focused on the core action & storyline.
Moreso, it makes me respect Ellis as a writer more each time. This is a very tight, compelling read that wastes no time on filler panels, just keeping us sprinting alongside the characters trying to keep up.
Granov brings a very different technique to the visuals - balanced precariously between hyper-realistic and fluidly just-out-of-focus. It was jarring to see such clean visuals the first time I read this, but I've since found it is a great way to keep me focused on the core action & storyline.
August 26, 2021
I seem to be caught in a Warren Ellis-Iron Man fetish. This is the second Iron Man story, written by Ellis, that I've read. Though the other one was set in the Ultimates universe.
Ellis pens a tale that is at once an origin story and an update of the Iron Man story. There is a weaponized nanotechnology called "Extremis" and it's in the hand of a terrorist. Tony Stark must have a way to make his Iron Man suit respond more accurately and quickly. The answer to this will tell about his past and will explain how the new and improved Iron Man came about.
While not mind-blowing, Ellis writes a good Iron Man story that explains his past and his future. The artwork is actually quite good. This was a nice volume and I rather enjoyed this story. Ellis does a good Iron Man. Picks good artists as well.
Ellis pens a tale that is at once an origin story and an update of the Iron Man story. There is a weaponized nanotechnology called "Extremis" and it's in the hand of a terrorist. Tony Stark must have a way to make his Iron Man suit respond more accurately and quickly. The answer to this will tell about his past and will explain how the new and improved Iron Man came about.
While not mind-blowing, Ellis writes a good Iron Man story that explains his past and his future. The artwork is actually quite good. This was a nice volume and I rather enjoyed this story. Ellis does a good Iron Man. Picks good artists as well.
December 17, 2019
اصلاً فکر نمیکرد� اینقد� طنزش قدرتمند باشه. به خود داستان میش� ایراد گرفت ولی اینقدر کیفیت طنزش خوب بود که میگ� اشکالی نداره. توی دورها� خوندم که به این حد از طنز نیاز داشتم، دمت گرم وارن. (یه کراشی هم روی تونی استارک زدم)
موقع خوندنش فکر میکرد� آخه چطور میتون� این همه رو بامزه بنویسی و جذابیتش رو از دست نده. هیچی قدر طنز نوشتن سخت نیست، اونم این طنزی که واقعاً خندهدا� بود.
April 6, 2024
I love Iron Man. Its my fav Marvel Superhero :) I like his world of superheroes suits and amazing technology. I like his adventures and action. I m a big fan. If you want to get to know this superhero, this book can introduce you...
June 23, 2022
Ordinarily I would scoff at this style of art. Here it is operational and fitting.
The plot is fire, relayed well. Crisp dialogue. Crisp pacing. Crisp characterization.
I really like the first Iron Man film, and I welcome the guy's presence in other films, but I'm not the biggest fan. And "Iron Man 3" -- a highly flawed movie in my opinion -- borrowed its entire premise from this comic. So this was an unexpectedly excellent counterpart to its big-screen rendition.
Recommended.
The plot is fire, relayed well. Crisp dialogue. Crisp pacing. Crisp characterization.
I really like the first Iron Man film, and I welcome the guy's presence in other films, but I'm not the biggest fan. And "Iron Man 3" -- a highly flawed movie in my opinion -- borrowed its entire premise from this comic. So this was an unexpectedly excellent counterpart to its big-screen rendition.
Recommended.
July 8, 2014
I can totally see why Jon Favreau wanted to base the first (and also the third) Iron Man movie off of this book. It's approached about as realistically as possible, with some fantastic, grounded character work for Tony Stark, and big, cool, tech-centered leaps forward for Iron Man. The Iron Man origin story in the first Iron Man is almost exactly the same as the one here, along with the same strong parallels to the War on Terror and our roles therein.
Beyond the similarities to the films, this is just a flat-out good Iron Man story. The enemy is a fairly random everyman, rather than a big, suped-up monster or or some kind of Super Brain, which lends the story a groundedness that Iron Man can sometimes lack. There's a lot of weight-of-the-world kind of stuff with Tony Stark worrying about his culpability in wars, but it never reaches a point of feeling too burdensome. It just informs his decisions, as it should
One of my few gripes with this story is with the technology and bionics set up in it. Ellis goes through such pains to write a realistic, modern story here, that I was a little disappointed that the huge advances in tech (and I'm talking mind-numbing, MASSIVE advances), are given barely any explanation. They're just kind of stated as being possible, and then they happen. I'd be okay with this if they didn't then rely heavily on those same advances to further the plot along AGAIN, and in so doing create a variation on a technology that is just flat impossible based on what we were told about the first iteration. Look, this is basically impossible to describe without spoilers, but just trust that the technology is used as basically a literal deus ex machina instead of as a thoughtful use of technology that could potentially exist.
In any case, like New Avengers, which started right around the same time as this series, Extremis is probably most notable for fully brining Iron Man into the 21st Century. It changed the armor, it changed the character of Tony Stark, and laid a solid, modern foundation for later writers to build upon. Matt Fraction owes a lot to Extremis for allowing him to do the incredible things he did with the series further down the line. To sound like the back of a book jacket, this is a must-read for Iron Man fans for sure.
Beyond the similarities to the films, this is just a flat-out good Iron Man story. The enemy is a fairly random everyman, rather than a big, suped-up monster or or some kind of Super Brain, which lends the story a groundedness that Iron Man can sometimes lack. There's a lot of weight-of-the-world kind of stuff with Tony Stark worrying about his culpability in wars, but it never reaches a point of feeling too burdensome. It just informs his decisions, as it should
One of my few gripes with this story is with the technology and bionics set up in it. Ellis goes through such pains to write a realistic, modern story here, that I was a little disappointed that the huge advances in tech (and I'm talking mind-numbing, MASSIVE advances), are given barely any explanation. They're just kind of stated as being possible, and then they happen. I'd be okay with this if they didn't then rely heavily on those same advances to further the plot along AGAIN, and in so doing create a variation on a technology that is just flat impossible based on what we were told about the first iteration. Look, this is basically impossible to describe without spoilers, but just trust that the technology is used as basically a literal deus ex machina instead of as a thoughtful use of technology that could potentially exist.
In any case, like New Avengers, which started right around the same time as this series, Extremis is probably most notable for fully brining Iron Man into the 21st Century. It changed the armor, it changed the character of Tony Stark, and laid a solid, modern foundation for later writers to build upon. Matt Fraction owes a lot to Extremis for allowing him to do the incredible things he did with the series further down the line. To sound like the back of a book jacket, this is a must-read for Iron Man fans for sure.
March 23, 2016
Tony Stark is called by his old friend Maya Hansen for help. Her boss, Aldrich Killian, just committed suicide due to his purposeful release of a version of the super-soldier serum known as Extremis. A domestic terrorist, Mallen, has taken it and undergone a frightening transformation, going on a rampage and killing dozens. Stark confronts Mallen as Iron Man and things do not go well, leaving Tony severely injured. Realizing he has reached his limit with his current technology, Tony reprograms Extremis and takes it himself.
There is a lot going on in this deceptively simple story, one which resets Tony Stark's vision and mission and resolves the central paradox of his character. How can he be a weapons manufacturer and still claim to be Iron Man for the benefit of mankind? He can't. Tony is shown struggling with his conscience as a weapons dealer, facilitating death, when he really wants to create positive change and prevent death as Iron Man. Tony doubles down on his commitment to his futurist persona and takes Extremis, changing inside of a techno-organic cocoon and internalizing the Iron Man suit inside of his own bones. It's really this insane transformation that drives this story and has resonated in a major way since then in both the comics and film versions of Iron Man. All three Iron Man movies have major components of this arc in them, with being very prominent, but none of them capture the shocking brutality and desperation that Tony goes through in this tight story. Adi Granov's smooth, computerized designs and graphic action scenes fit perfectly. I'll be surprised if I find a better Iron Man arc than this one.
There is a lot going on in this deceptively simple story, one which resets Tony Stark's vision and mission and resolves the central paradox of his character. How can he be a weapons manufacturer and still claim to be Iron Man for the benefit of mankind? He can't. Tony is shown struggling with his conscience as a weapons dealer, facilitating death, when he really wants to create positive change and prevent death as Iron Man. Tony doubles down on his commitment to his futurist persona and takes Extremis, changing inside of a techno-organic cocoon and internalizing the Iron Man suit inside of his own bones. It's really this insane transformation that drives this story and has resonated in a major way since then in both the comics and film versions of Iron Man. All three Iron Man movies have major components of this arc in them, with being very prominent, but none of them capture the shocking brutality and desperation that Tony goes through in this tight story. Adi Granov's smooth, computerized designs and graphic action scenes fit perfectly. I'll be surprised if I find a better Iron Man arc than this one.
February 1, 2016
Yeah.. Milujme ho, uctívejme ho. :)
Je to milááášek!
November 18, 2016
Not a fan of this one. Didn't care for the art or the writing.
January 24, 2021
Hacía años que no leía nada de Iron Man en solitario que no fuera dentro de los comics de los Vengadores o compartiendo protagonismo con otro héroe. Creo que en su día ojee la famosa historia de “El Demonio en una Botella� pero no me convenció, no soy amigo de los clásicos de comics, y algún numero noventero de Kurt Busiek. Nada que destacara personalmente.
Pero he aquí que llega esta miniserie de Warren Ellis, Extremis, que la tenía apuntada desde hace años y que ahora con la Tablet me ha venido de perlas. Sin duda una gran historia, teniendo en cuenta que son solo 6 números. Además como tengo intención de volver a releer el evento Civil War, con sus números acompañantes, etc, leer esto que es un poco antes de Civil War me viene niquelado.
En esta historia la cual inspiro la película de Iron Man y sobretodo Iron Man 3 (aunque no tenga nada que ver, una pena, si la película se hubiera acercado a esto), contemplamos la transformación de Tony Stark de un héroe con un traje a adentrarse en el transhumanismo. Es un cambio importante en el status quo del personaje, y no se quedó aquí si no que ya sabemos cómo el personaje fue evolucionando con la Guerra Civil Superheroica y sus consecuencias. Warren Ellis es un gran escritor y sabe manejar bien los diálogos con los momentos de lucha.
La historia no solo ahonda en lo más típico de la vida de un superhéroe si no que tenemos dilemas morales como si está justificado que los avances científicos se apoyen con el dinero de la industria armamentística, y temas sociales como que el terrorista que usa el Extremis es el típico “paleto� que tiene la intención de destruir el poder en la Casa Blanca por estar corrompido y perder los “auténticos valores americanos�, todo culpa de un trauma que tuvo en la infancia cuando a sus padres se los cargaron los federales algo gratuitamente.
Tenemos a un Tony Stark que al principio se siente perdido por no saber cómo llevar el futuro a la humanidad sin mancharse las manos de sangre, y ser reprendido por una parte de la sociedad que odia al empresario multimillonario por su aportación a la industria militar con sus pancartas protestando a la entrada de su empresa, pero que luego irónicamente aplauden y alaban a un Iron Man que se alza al vuelo sin saber que bajo el traje de Iron Man se encuentra el playboy filántropo Tony Stark. Porque si, en los comics a diferencia de las películas Tony Stark no revela su identidad, sino que usa a Iron Man como su guardaespaldas personal y embajador de Stark en los Vengadores como apoyo a los superhéroes de forma oficial, cosa que siempre me pareció muy naif (lógico que las películas pasaran), cosa que cambio en Civil War donde Tony si oficialmente releva su identidad superheroica al mundo, pero en esta historia como es anterior aún no ha sucedido.
También apuntaría a que esta historia tiene toques de reboot, puesto que en los Flashback parece que cuando creo su primera armadura Mark-1 para liberarse de los guerrilleros que le tenían cautivo, parece que está en algún lugar de Afghanistan (como en las pelis), cuando originalmente Iron Man nació en la Guerra de Vietnam al tener el Vietcong cautivo a Tony Stark. Ya sabemos que la línea temporal del Universo Marvel es muy caprichosa y aunque siempre digan que todas las historias del Universo desde los años 40 hasta ahora han ocurrido� luego te encuentras cosas como estas que son un poco ¿ein? A ver si, es lógico que si Tony creo Iron Man en los setenta, ahora tendría mucha más edad de la que tiene� pero la lógica y el Universo Marvel como digo es caprichosa.
En definitiva, una gozada de comic marvelita que recomiendo a todo aquel que se quiera iniciar en el personaje y no sepa dónde empezar, empezar por aquí no sería una mala opción.
Pero he aquí que llega esta miniserie de Warren Ellis, Extremis, que la tenía apuntada desde hace años y que ahora con la Tablet me ha venido de perlas. Sin duda una gran historia, teniendo en cuenta que son solo 6 números. Además como tengo intención de volver a releer el evento Civil War, con sus números acompañantes, etc, leer esto que es un poco antes de Civil War me viene niquelado.
En esta historia la cual inspiro la película de Iron Man y sobretodo Iron Man 3 (aunque no tenga nada que ver, una pena, si la película se hubiera acercado a esto), contemplamos la transformación de Tony Stark de un héroe con un traje a adentrarse en el transhumanismo. Es un cambio importante en el status quo del personaje, y no se quedó aquí si no que ya sabemos cómo el personaje fue evolucionando con la Guerra Civil Superheroica y sus consecuencias. Warren Ellis es un gran escritor y sabe manejar bien los diálogos con los momentos de lucha.
La historia no solo ahonda en lo más típico de la vida de un superhéroe si no que tenemos dilemas morales como si está justificado que los avances científicos se apoyen con el dinero de la industria armamentística, y temas sociales como que el terrorista que usa el Extremis es el típico “paleto� que tiene la intención de destruir el poder en la Casa Blanca por estar corrompido y perder los “auténticos valores americanos�, todo culpa de un trauma que tuvo en la infancia cuando a sus padres se los cargaron los federales algo gratuitamente.
Tenemos a un Tony Stark que al principio se siente perdido por no saber cómo llevar el futuro a la humanidad sin mancharse las manos de sangre, y ser reprendido por una parte de la sociedad que odia al empresario multimillonario por su aportación a la industria militar con sus pancartas protestando a la entrada de su empresa, pero que luego irónicamente aplauden y alaban a un Iron Man que se alza al vuelo sin saber que bajo el traje de Iron Man se encuentra el playboy filántropo Tony Stark. Porque si, en los comics a diferencia de las películas Tony Stark no revela su identidad, sino que usa a Iron Man como su guardaespaldas personal y embajador de Stark en los Vengadores como apoyo a los superhéroes de forma oficial, cosa que siempre me pareció muy naif (lógico que las películas pasaran), cosa que cambio en Civil War donde Tony si oficialmente releva su identidad superheroica al mundo, pero en esta historia como es anterior aún no ha sucedido.
También apuntaría a que esta historia tiene toques de reboot, puesto que en los Flashback parece que cuando creo su primera armadura Mark-1 para liberarse de los guerrilleros que le tenían cautivo, parece que está en algún lugar de Afghanistan (como en las pelis), cuando originalmente Iron Man nació en la Guerra de Vietnam al tener el Vietcong cautivo a Tony Stark. Ya sabemos que la línea temporal del Universo Marvel es muy caprichosa y aunque siempre digan que todas las historias del Universo desde los años 40 hasta ahora han ocurrido� luego te encuentras cosas como estas que son un poco ¿ein? A ver si, es lógico que si Tony creo Iron Man en los setenta, ahora tendría mucha más edad de la que tiene� pero la lógica y el Universo Marvel como digo es caprichosa.
En definitiva, una gozada de comic marvelita que recomiendo a todo aquel que se quiera iniciar en el personaje y no sepa dónde empezar, empezar por aquí no sería una mala opción.
March 25, 2018
My first comic book and I liked it. I'm all hyped up for next month's Infinity War movie. Some of the Avengers are going to bite the dust and I'm quite positive Iron Man is one of them, I mean, how the fuck can a human battle and survive Thanos with his Infinity stones.
I'm totally unaware of how the Marvel comic book universe is setup, but it looks like Extremis does a redo of Tony Stark's character arc I think, because it seems everyone is under the assumption that Iron Man is a robot and not a machine that Tony Stark suits up in and does all the work himself. So understandably, the public still have a negative opinion about Tony even though Iron Man has already teamed up with Avengers to save the world by this point. So it's kinda weird for me to get my head around how the comic book universe works. This story is apparently set 1 year before Civil War.
Coming to the comic itself, it was good. I mean, a lot of the dialogue and plot is cheesy and over the top, but I guess that's a norm in superhero comics, I'll probably find out because I'm going to be reading some comics that cover the events preceeding the upcoming MCU's Infinity War. Tony Stark's character has a lot of emotional depth in this comic and its so good to see how he tries to undo what he and his company has done in terms of weapons. A lot of external and internal conflict, all captivatingly illustrated. The art is awesome, I will need more time and comics to get used to the comic book Marvel superheros and the plots. It's overwhelming, the amount of comics out there for each plot and superhero.
I'm totally unaware of how the Marvel comic book universe is setup, but it looks like Extremis does a redo of Tony Stark's character arc I think, because it seems everyone is under the assumption that Iron Man is a robot and not a machine that Tony Stark suits up in and does all the work himself. So understandably, the public still have a negative opinion about Tony even though Iron Man has already teamed up with Avengers to save the world by this point. So it's kinda weird for me to get my head around how the comic book universe works. This story is apparently set 1 year before Civil War.
Coming to the comic itself, it was good. I mean, a lot of the dialogue and plot is cheesy and over the top, but I guess that's a norm in superhero comics, I'll probably find out because I'm going to be reading some comics that cover the events preceeding the upcoming MCU's Infinity War. Tony Stark's character has a lot of emotional depth in this comic and its so good to see how he tries to undo what he and his company has done in terms of weapons. A lot of external and internal conflict, all captivatingly illustrated. The art is awesome, I will need more time and comics to get used to the comic book Marvel superheros and the plots. It's overwhelming, the amount of comics out there for each plot and superhero.
October 13, 2019
Σε γενικές γραμμές ωραίο βιβλίο, στο οποίο όμως κάτι λείπει...
Η ιστορία είναι ενδιαφέρουσα και χωρίς υπερβολές, ωστόσο είναι δοσμένη τσαπατσούλικα, σαν να ήθελε ο συγγραφέας / σεναριογράφος να πει πολλά και πνιγόταν από το λιγοστό αριθμό σελίδων που είχε στη διάθεσή του. Επομένως, ότι μηνύματα είχε να δώσει περνάνε σχεδόν απαρατήρητα, ενώ χάνεται η ευκαιρία να στηθεί πιο όμορφα και στρωτά η ιστορία που οδήγησε στη δημιουργία του Iron Man.
Τα σκίτσα είναι αρκετά καλά, σε σημείο κάποια να φαίνονται σαν φωτογραφίες, τόσο αληθινά. Ωστόσο είναι εντελώς στατικά (σαν φωτογραφίες) με αποτέλεσμα να μην καταφέρνει ο σκιτσογράφος να πιάσει τα αληθινά συναισθήματα των χαρακτήρων. Για παράδειγμα, σχεδόν σε όλους τους διαλόγους ο χαρακτήρας είναι με κλειστό στόμα...
Η έκδοση και πάλι εξαιρετική.
Καλό αλλά και μια μεγάλη χαμένη ευκαιρία για κάτι πάρα πολύ δυνατό. (6/10)
Η ιστορία είναι ενδιαφέρουσα και χωρίς υπερβολές, ωστόσο είναι δοσμένη τσαπατσούλικα, σαν να ήθελε ο συγγραφέας / σεναριογράφος να πει πολλά και πνιγόταν από το λιγοστό αριθμό σελίδων που είχε στη διάθεσή του. Επομένως, ότι μηνύματα είχε να δώσει περνάνε σχεδόν απαρατήρητα, ενώ χάνεται η ευκαιρία να στηθεί πιο όμορφα και στρωτά η ιστορία που οδήγησε στη δημιουργία του Iron Man.
Τα σκίτσα είναι αρκετά καλά, σε σημείο κάποια να φαίνονται σαν φωτογραφίες, τόσο αληθινά. Ωστόσο είναι εντελώς στατικά (σαν φωτογραφίες) με αποτέλεσμα να μην καταφέρνει ο σκιτσογράφος να πιάσει τα αληθινά συναισθήματα των χαρακτήρων. Για παράδειγμα, σχεδόν σε όλους τους διαλόγους ο χαρακτήρας είναι με κλειστό στόμα...
Η έκδοση και πάλι εξαιρετική.
Καλό αλλά και μια μεγάλη χαμένη ευκαιρία για κάτι πάρα πολύ δυνατό. (6/10)
October 10, 2014
Very impressed. A perfect place for someone new to Iron Man (or has only seen the movie) to start. It's thoughtful and interesting with extremely well drawn action scenes.
Thank you to the one who recommended this to me!
Thank you to the one who recommended this to me!
August 19, 2019
A good introduction to Iron Man.
October 1, 2024
Fantastic “soft reboot� of Iron Man that, in many ways, serves as a storyboard for the successful Marvel Studios films. I loved it!
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