How Heroes Make Tough Decisions in Ironheart 2020 #2
Riri’s involvement in the Iron Man 2020 arc continues in Ironheart 2020 #2. Following the events of Outlawed, Riri has had to make several difficult decisions, and the latest series of events hasn’t made her life any easier.
She thought she had decided, and that would be that, but when has life ever been that easy and straightforward for a superhero? A teenage one at that. Now she’s getting pulled back into the fray, thanks to her friend N.A.T.A.L.I.E. – and Tony’s tech.
For fans that haven’t been following Iron Man 2020, don’t worry. You can dive right into Riri’s side without much of an issue. However, you should probably understand the events in Outlawed or accept that spoilers are headed your way.
Writing
Ironheart 2020 #2 is everything we could have hoped for and then some. Riri’s struggles have always been poignant, but they feel much more intense and real than ever. Perhaps that’s because of the difficult decision she’s made recently.
Regardless, Vita Ayala and Danny Lore did a freaking fantastic job with this issue. There was a message woven into the narrative and several other beautiful points. All of which came alongside a story about a hero we love so much.
Looking back on it, I am extremely impressed by what was done here. Ironheart 2020 #2 merged two significant events, and it did so flawlessly. It’s hard enough to blend a solid plot with one major event, so this is a feat that deserves acknowledgment.
I don’t know when we’ll see Riri next or in what form her story will be, but I know we’ll see her again. I’m looking forward to that moment while appreciating what was done here and what it means to her character – and her fans.
Art
The artwork behind Ironheart 2020 #2 is so vibrant and alive. Her series has always been so full of color, but it feels like all of that has been let loose here. Her world is as vibrant as her suit, filled with tech and colors.
It certainly makes for a visually compelling issue to read, and that’s before diving into the rest of the artwork. Mattia Iacono did the lovely colors, while the lead artist was David Messina. They did a great job laying the foundation for this issue.
There’s a real sense of drama and movement on these pages. Riri’s emotions feel real and raw, bringing the point of her struggle home in a difficult way to explain with mere words. Undoubtedly, the artwork added to the impact of her tale here.
Meanwhile, VC’s Joe Caramagna provided the lettering, which was exactly the finishing touch this series needed. It’s a perfect match to the narrative and art style, all while being so carefully placed, never interfering but creating something in the process.
Conclusion
Ironheart 2020 #2 is every bit the issue the fans deserved while providing insight into two very different events occurring within the Marvel universe. It isn’t every day you see a crossover such as this, but I must admit it was beautifully done.
This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.
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