Not a lot of connection to the last issue here. I can feel a lot of change going into the Acclaim takeover here. The move into the change is strange - because much o fthe last four issues - and the resolution - seemed final - and fun. But the new direction doesn't feel connected at all to the last story - nor to Shadowman. But for goodness sakes, I don't remember when the last time I read a Shadowman comic was. The issue also has a Birthquake Preview - which ijn itself is a joke - as was Birthquake. But to look into my crystal ball - it looks a bunch like the Iron Man / X-O Manowar comic. And it's the art, certainly.
A great cover, and the art within the pages stuns! The story - of Mandarin constructing a robot (android) that severs its own chains, really, is a bit of a TOO-classic story, but it really works in these pages. Monthly following of Tony has been decidedly pleasant. Ultimo's drawings - down at the feet and then TOWERING above him - amazing to see Tony dwarfed against him. Really shows something. The panels are creative, too - the pacing is brilliantly told - and we even have a LONG wait while Tony is descending to recover his armor. The Cap story is much better than it has been. A tragic story of love lost, and cliched, most certainly, but I found myself driving forward from panel to panel - wanting to know how the end finally arrived.
Tough call.
Give it to Marvel - but only for the bad connection to last month.