Iron Man: Super Smash
By Dean Hale and Douglas Holgate
96 pages/Abrams Fanfare/$12.99
The team behind the entertaining Iron Man: Something Strange is back with a new graphic novel for younger readers, this time pairing Shellhead with the jade-jawed giant himself, the Hulk. In this whimsical adventure, Iron Man senses the Hulk has something against him, and he takes Thor’s suggestion to heart, that the pair bond through smashing things.
For the remainder of the story, the two travel together as they smash monsters, robot monsters, and rocks. Iron Man tries to get the hang of random violence rather than using his technological know-how to resolve problems. The Hulk is bemused and frustrated by his fellow Avenger. Over the course of the story, it becomes clear one person is behind the mayhem, and the reveal is a nice use of a lesser Marvel villain, one our heroes have little familiarity with but makes long-time readers smile.
The pace is brisk, and the artwork nicely complements the tone. And in a first, I believe Dean Hale has the Hulk be intentionally sarcastic in this not-too-bright incarnation.
There are nice lessons on friendship and responsibility carried throughout the story.
In the back, there are a few pages devoted to the process of going from script to finished artwork, which is a nice bonus for the young readers who will enjoy the adventure.
English (US) · 