So far, the actual “Fear Itself” comics have been rather lackluster, but I have been enjoying a number of the tie-ins.  Matt Fraction appears to be saving some of his best ideas not for the main cross-over book, but for “Invincible Iron Man.”  I love that Bethany Cabe, who started working again for Tony last issue, is back on the scene.  Cabe is a much more suitable love interest for Tony than Pepper.  I hated, hated, hated that Pepper and Tony had become romantically involved because it was out of character, and I suspect that Fraction had introduced this idea to mimic what was taking place in the movies.  I didn’t like the Stark/Potts romance in the movies either, but I assumed that Gwyneth Paltrow had wanted a romance in order to expand her role.  At least the romance between Tony and Pepper has introduced an element of jealousy on Pepper’s part towards Bethany.   The idea of Tony Stark collaborating on weapons with the dwarves of Nordic myth is brilliant, and unexpected.  Fraction has also set up an intriguing cliffhanger involving Pepper as Rescue, some more armored Detroit Steel characters, and the powered-up Grey Gargoyle (who appears to have his head on straight again after Iron Man sliced part of it off last issue.).

            Salvator Larroca sets a high standard with his art.  Not all of the backgrounds have a lot of detail, but I can forgive this because of everything he does well.  The dwarves appear as one might expect, with exaggerated noses and ears, and I think the Detroit Steel armor has an interesting, Transformers inspired look.   The coloring enhances the art by giving Svartalfheim an otherworldly glow in the metal smelting areas, while Paris looks cloudy and grey since it is physically overcast by clouds and metaphorically overcast by the evil of the Grey Gargoyle.