Broken Frontier

The mystery of the Iron Fist deepens as Danny Rand discovers that someone else has access to his power base.

We’re only two issues in and already I am chomping at the bit for more. So far I have been tickled pink by the news of Iron Fist’s return, and it’s great to see this classic 70’s character get the proverbial revamp without sacrificing any of the key elements that made him a classic in the first place. Even better though is the news that writer Ed Brubaker (along with Matt Fraction) would be handling the storytelling duties to really give this new ongoing series great credence.

Well, let me then put this all into perspective for you by saying this series will probably be the breakout title in 2007 for Marvel Comics. I say this because of the conceptual basis on which this new series is based, and in my humblest of estimations new life is being breathed into this character. Iron Fist seems fresh again, and in this issue he’s dealing with the news of learning about Misty Knight’s new Heroes for Hire group working for the government. Not only that, he’s also learned (through his lawyer Jeryn) his company (Rand Corp) is being readied for a hostile takeover by rival Japanese company Wai-Go. Of course nothing can top the disturbing events which see our earnest young hero learning that someone else other than himself is also using the power of the Iron Fist. Now that’s definitely a bigger dilemma to ponder.

Is that enough for you? I’m guessing it probably isn’t and that should keep everyone coming back for more. Of course, to find such an ideal writer to pull this feat off, the upper brass at the House of Ideas plundered brilliant writer Ed Brubaker from their stable of talent. In turn Ed brought Matt Fraction to help him flesh out this series and within two issues I am completely hooked. Both writers seem genuinely enthused with the material and have layered their script with heaping amounts of believable dialogue and intricate plotting to round things out. I definitely like what I am reading, so I have high hopes for this series lasting longer than the previous one from a few years ago.

Along for the ride to aid our two prolific writers is artist David Aja. Now this guy is relatively new to the North America scene, but already he’s proving his chops in just such a short time. I wasn’t that fond of his guest stint on Daredevil a few months back, but since then he’s leaped and bounded into the spotlight with a style that’s solid from page to page. His work reminds me of a cross between Alex Maleev and Sam Keith, and his storytelling is fluid enough to adhere greatly to action packed and tightly written scripts such as this one here. I think he’s one artist that fans should keep their eye upon for the next few years.

So if you are looking for a title that sizzles and is bristling with excitement then I suggest picking this one up. I firmly believe Danny Rand is an underused character and all it takes is the right creative team and the right angle to make this series work as an ongoing title. This one definitely has it all and 2007 is surely going to be the year of the Iron Fist. Remember folks, you heard it first here.