This book has taken an interesting direction since the start of the Dark Reign era. Fraction has composed the book much in the way Brubaker did in Captain America after Steve’s death. We now follow three very different characters in their quest to undermine Norman Osborn. Of course, we see Tony Stark, now suffering from downgraded technology and decreasing mental acuity. We also follow Pepper Potts, who has an affectionately designed (and beautifully drawn) Iron Maiden armor. She is detained and threatened by Osborn’s sinister H.A.M.M.E.R. as they would like to learn her secrets. Finally, we follow Maria Hill, the former S.H.I.E.L.D. operative and Stark foil, who may be the only character with the skills to accomplish this trio’s goals.

This is a fun read, if not imperative to a greater understanding of the Marvel Universe at large. The art is totally appropriate to the book, and as I noted above, the Iron Maiden armor is great.