This book really had great writing in this stage. While I wasn't a fan of losing Aric in the armor for a while, I can understand much of the changes it brought about in the armor and in him. What a great set-up. The armor is a mess, and both Randy and Aric have had some bad days, so let's go kick some tail - old style. Great story - and dialogue insertion, too. Rounded out, fun, and without much pre-tense yet. A real brawl. The end previews out the Armorines - a set of characters forgettable in the Valiant Universe, but...
Dear God.
Iron Man vs. Mandarin. Captain America vs. Sumo. Perfect racist stereotypes. As we look back on the comic, it's easy to see that many of our dark opinions have certainly changed for the better. The Iron Man story is excellent. Well-thought, and really trying to confront the Tony Stark thing. It's REALLY taking off into the stratosphere. And is enjoyable. It continues the story into the next issue, too. Cap's story is terrifyingly racist. Buck teeth, sumos, and terrible set-up. It could REALLY be offensive, but it isn't terrible, just another lamed enemy.