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Marvel Season One
Iron Man Season One
128-Pages! All-new original graphic novel, modernizing the formative first days of this super-hero icon that defined pop culture! Billionaire weapons manufacturer Tony Stark is gravely injured by dangerous extremists -- one a former friend. When asked to build a weapon, Tony instead constructed a mechanized suit of armor to escape and become one of the world's great super heroes.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Howard Chaykin
1,050 books119 followersHoward Victor Chaykin is an American comic book artist and writer. Chaykin's influences include his one-time employer and mentor, Gil Kane, and the mid-20th century illustrators Robert Fawcett and Al Parker.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 7, 2021
Iron Man gets an updated origin story focusing on his drinking problem along with his traditional origin updated to modern times. I liked Chaykin's story quite a bit. Gerald Parel while a talented artist, needs to tone the black down. Some panels were so dark you couldn't even tell there was art in them. I re-read this recently when it was repackaged as Iron Man: Invincible Origins
March 5, 2020
Iron Man: Season One follows the tale of a drunk and spoiled billionaire who accepts his self destructive behaviors and seeks for redemption, while also being an armored superhero. The artwork is gorgeous and the extra one star is just for that.
September 30, 2013
3.5 stars
Is drunk Tony ever a bad thing?
Nah.
But if you're a fan of the post-rehab Stark, don't worry. He'll clean up eventually. Right?
Season One is a solid origin story. Really. It's just...well, I read Iron Man: Extremis a little while ago, and...sigh it's just so much better.
Doesn't mean that Season One wasn't good! Just not as good.
This one focuses more on Tony's drinking problem, and uses it the catalyst for everything that happens to turn him into Iron Man. And that's not a bad way to go about telling the story at all.
I didn't notice anything super-new or super-fresh, but it was still fun to read.
Recommended for fans of Iron Man
But really, isn't everyone these day?
Is drunk Tony ever a bad thing?
Nah.
But if you're a fan of the post-rehab Stark, don't worry. He'll clean up eventually. Right?
Season One is a solid origin story. Really. It's just...well, I read Iron Man: Extremis a little while ago, and...sigh it's just so much better.
Doesn't mean that Season One wasn't good! Just not as good.
This one focuses more on Tony's drinking problem, and uses it the catalyst for everything that happens to turn him into Iron Man. And that's not a bad way to go about telling the story at all.
I didn't notice anything super-new or super-fresh, but it was still fun to read.
Recommended for fans of Iron Man
But really, isn't everyone these day?
December 24, 2013
The best thing that I liked about these Marvel Season One hardcovers was that they all had bonus digital codes that can be redeemed for digital edition that can be read on the Marvel Digital Comics or Comixology apps. I traded my code for X-Men: Season One for an Iron Man: Season One digital code and I admit, the digital experience is starting to grow on me. The convenience and with less physical clutter to deal with encourage the growth of my digital comics collection.
But I already am digressing from the point, being that I already have my ultimate version of Iron Man and that is the Robert Downey, Jr. portrayal of the character in several Marvel movies. Reading the book, it is easy to see writer Howard Chaykin borrowing elements from the films. For example, the modern origin of Iron Man now place Tony Stark as a captive of Taliban Afghanistan rather than the Silver Age Viet Cong infested Southeast Asian jungles. Still, Chaykin manages to add something to the mythos, giving Tony an intellectual rival and former college buddy who now ples his trade in religious fanaticis, rather than Tony's more materialistic pursuits.
But I already am digressing from the point, being that I already have my ultimate version of Iron Man and that is the Robert Downey, Jr. portrayal of the character in several Marvel movies. Reading the book, it is easy to see writer Howard Chaykin borrowing elements from the films. For example, the modern origin of Iron Man now place Tony Stark as a captive of Taliban Afghanistan rather than the Silver Age Viet Cong infested Southeast Asian jungles. Still, Chaykin manages to add something to the mythos, giving Tony an intellectual rival and former college buddy who now ples his trade in religious fanaticis, rather than Tony's more materialistic pursuits.
May 22, 2017
Tied with 'The Avengers' for the least interesting of the Season One series. The artwork was blah, Tony's characterization was sort of bland, and the origin story was better told in the 2008 movie. However, the final page was a good ending.
September 19, 2018
This was very meh.
There’s not a lot to love about this book. I think the art could have really worked with stronger writing. It reminded me of Alex Maleev’s work a little bit and I like the gruffness to it. The rough lines usually work well with Tony’s unstable state of mind... with stronger writing.
This re-tells the origin of Iron Man. I’m not actually sure which Iron Man it is, however. It differs from the origin I read from Tales of Suspense and it differs from the Afghanistan retcon in 2004. It’s just a little odd because it’s like reading everything slightly off kilter.
It’s boring. I can say that.
I love Tony as a character but none of the heart is here. I don’t mean the quips because that’s not all he is. But even Tales of Suspense had more compelling scenes of him angsting and lamenting the fact that no one can ever really get close to him because of his terrible secrets.
Some of this doesn’t make all that much sense like Tony and Yin Sen having enough to build an armor that sturdy in the cave?? Also, the subplot with Tony’s investors was so boring that I kept forgetting about it when they weren’t present.
Pepper was a real after thought. I don’t understand how she knew to contact Rhodey or why she invited a pilot that met Tony once to his intervention.
The only good aspect of this book was the insights into Tony’s alcoholism. Less dramatic than Demon In a Bottle (and a hell of a lot less complex and emotional), this book does a meh job of expressing Tony’s inner monologue and the journey he goes through to reach step one in the recovery process.
So, no, it’s not a recommend. There are comic edit sets on tumblr that will give you all you needed to know.
There’s not a lot to love about this book. I think the art could have really worked with stronger writing. It reminded me of Alex Maleev’s work a little bit and I like the gruffness to it. The rough lines usually work well with Tony’s unstable state of mind... with stronger writing.
This re-tells the origin of Iron Man. I’m not actually sure which Iron Man it is, however. It differs from the origin I read from Tales of Suspense and it differs from the Afghanistan retcon in 2004. It’s just a little odd because it’s like reading everything slightly off kilter.
It’s boring. I can say that.
I love Tony as a character but none of the heart is here. I don’t mean the quips because that’s not all he is. But even Tales of Suspense had more compelling scenes of him angsting and lamenting the fact that no one can ever really get close to him because of his terrible secrets.
Some of this doesn’t make all that much sense like Tony and Yin Sen having enough to build an armor that sturdy in the cave?? Also, the subplot with Tony’s investors was so boring that I kept forgetting about it when they weren’t present.
Pepper was a real after thought. I don’t understand how she knew to contact Rhodey or why she invited a pilot that met Tony once to his intervention.
The only good aspect of this book was the insights into Tony’s alcoholism. Less dramatic than Demon In a Bottle (and a hell of a lot less complex and emotional), this book does a meh job of expressing Tony’s inner monologue and the journey he goes through to reach step one in the recovery process.
So, no, it’s not a recommend. There are comic edit sets on tumblr that will give you all you needed to know.
November 28, 2017
I really, really liked this.
True, there is not as much action as one would expect from superhero graphic novel, but there's so much of the Tony Stark's problem with alcohol and how it makes him lonely. It is amazing!
I really thought that this novel was spot on and showed Tony's character for what he truly is. He actually thought a lot and didn't speak up that often, which was a great way to picture the character - a bit more psychological approach. So, in my opinion, the book was not missing dialogues, the fact that there was lack of them just showed an edge of Stark's personality and I liked it so much.
And the art was really beautiful, the pictures captured the right vibe, which is always lovely.
True, there is not as much action as one would expect from superhero graphic novel, but there's so much of the Tony Stark's problem with alcohol and how it makes him lonely. It is amazing!
I really thought that this novel was spot on and showed Tony's character for what he truly is. He actually thought a lot and didn't speak up that often, which was a great way to picture the character - a bit more psychological approach. So, in my opinion, the book was not missing dialogues, the fact that there was lack of them just showed an edge of Stark's personality and I liked it so much.
And the art was really beautiful, the pictures captured the right vibe, which is always lovely.
April 28, 2025
Some superhero origin stories are less in need of an update than others, and arguably Iron Man is among them. Move the setting of Tony Stark's direct encounter with his weaponry from its initial location in "Southeast Asia" (hint-hint) to a place closer to central Asia (hint-hint) four decades later in the MCU, and everything else is able to remain (depressingly) intact. With its blending of elements from both settings, Howard Chaykin's relocation of events to "Chardistan" seems a nod to this shift, and is among the more minor changes he makes to it. The others are fully in keeping with the modernization goals of the "Season One" concept. We still get Tony Stark, alcoholic millionaire, only the alcoholism is more evident and his company is more understandably struggling to survive because of it. This is being exploited by a trio of S.H.I.E.L.D. administrators, who don't see why they shouldn't use their positions of trust for personal profit. This adds a element of intrigue to the story that unfortunately is sidelined in favor of a more overt conflict between Stark and Maouad Khouri, a former college friend turned religious zealot. Khouri serves as a convenient mirror image to Stark, and allows for the sort of superhero battles that are why so many buy comic books in the first place. It's the least-interesting part of the story, and that it takes up as much of the series as it does blunts what might have been a much more interesting updating, even if the overall effort is still worth a read.
March 4, 2019
Ok. Not great.
The art was pretty. It looked like it took a lot of work... but it didn’t clearly tell the story. The action was jumbled and confusing. The lines weren’t clear. It would look better in a gallery than in a comic book.
The dialogue and letterboxes were lame. I don’t like tjis writer. At least 5 times, the narrator says “and thats when ______.” It was distracting.
Going into detail about Tony’s alcoholism was an interesting sub plot, but could have been done better. If seemed like an afterthought, especially in the final pages.
This is a classic story being retold. We all know the story so well. It’s a simple story. So... why did it feel so confusing? Jumbled art? Crummy writing? I’m not sure how this was such a mess, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
2.5 stars for pretty art and some ok parts. I’m generously rounding it up to a 3.
The art was pretty. It looked like it took a lot of work... but it didn’t clearly tell the story. The action was jumbled and confusing. The lines weren’t clear. It would look better in a gallery than in a comic book.
The dialogue and letterboxes were lame. I don’t like tjis writer. At least 5 times, the narrator says “and thats when ______.” It was distracting.
Going into detail about Tony’s alcoholism was an interesting sub plot, but could have been done better. If seemed like an afterthought, especially in the final pages.
This is a classic story being retold. We all know the story so well. It’s a simple story. So... why did it feel so confusing? Jumbled art? Crummy writing? I’m not sure how this was such a mess, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
2.5 stars for pretty art and some ok parts. I’m generously rounding it up to a 3.
November 29, 2014
This is a modernization of Iron Man's origin story and, honestly, it's worth it for the art, because the art is absolutely gorgeous. I really love the style and the muted colors. The actual story... well, the timeline's updated, obviously, and the countries are shifted to more fictional ones than the original...
And, oh, yeah, the entire story is basically soaked in alcohol-fuelled melodrama. You get the impression that the writer read Demon In A Bottle, decided that that was fabulous, and went on therefore with the idea that it would be great to redo Iron Man's story with Tony as a basically non-functioning alcoholic, which he really wasn't the time he actually did this in canon. Seriously, here he builds the armor while drunk, with Yinsen criticizing him for all the alcohol he can smell on him.
In case you're hoping that the building of the suit is what snaps him magically out of his addiction... well, no. You want drunken suit fights? You can have drunken suit fights! You don't want drunken suit fights? Tough, you're getting them anyway. This is a Tony Stark who, right after having his life saved with that miraculous chestplate, finds a village, gets drunk, and bemoans that no one will ever have sex with him again because he's got to wear the chestplate. At one point there is a full page of him sitting on the floor, depressed and badmouthing himself, with a bottle on one side of him and the Iron Man helmet on the other. (We get it, we get it. You're not very subtle, Marvel.)
So, yeah, it would have been better with maybe a bit of a lighter touch on the "Tony hits the bottle" theme. But, like I said, the art is great, and it was an interesting if heavy-handed read.
And, oh, yeah, the entire story is basically soaked in alcohol-fuelled melodrama. You get the impression that the writer read Demon In A Bottle, decided that that was fabulous, and went on therefore with the idea that it would be great to redo Iron Man's story with Tony as a basically non-functioning alcoholic, which he really wasn't the time he actually did this in canon. Seriously, here he builds the armor while drunk, with Yinsen criticizing him for all the alcohol he can smell on him.
In case you're hoping that the building of the suit is what snaps him magically out of his addiction... well, no. You want drunken suit fights? You can have drunken suit fights! You don't want drunken suit fights? Tough, you're getting them anyway. This is a Tony Stark who, right after having his life saved with that miraculous chestplate, finds a village, gets drunk, and bemoans that no one will ever have sex with him again because he's got to wear the chestplate. At one point there is a full page of him sitting on the floor, depressed and badmouthing himself, with a bottle on one side of him and the Iron Man helmet on the other. (We get it, we get it. You're not very subtle, Marvel.)
So, yeah, it would have been better with maybe a bit of a lighter touch on the "Tony hits the bottle" theme. But, like I said, the art is great, and it was an interesting if heavy-handed read.
March 2, 2016
Try as I might, I couldn't finish it. This was such a misfire. The aim of these "Season One" graphic novels was to retell the origins of Marvel's biggest characters with modern touchstones and whatnot. Granted, the Marvel Ultimate Universe already accomplished this in slightly different ways. With the exception of the Fantastic Four one, few have been worthwhile for new or old readers.
The secondary plots of this Iron Man retelling take a front seat to anything related to Tony Stark. The author (Chaykin) seems to realize that you know all of Iron Man's origin's key moments (and you do) and that they ultimately don't matter in this version that seems satisfied with itself for adding in semi-realistic elements of political corruption and modern-day terrorists. So, brushing Iron Man's origin aside, here's a graphic novel that's supposed to present you Iron Man's origin!
Additionally, the art here fails grandly. It's muddy, blurry and in so many ways, suggests absolutely no action - no talking, reacting, nothing. Much like the DGAF writing, these unappetizing visuals border on offensive.
I gave up on Peter David's limp "retelling" of the Avengers' origin midway through, and as unfair an assumption it would've been, I should've taken Chaykin's involvement as a sign that this would be another failed attempt to breathe life into already vibrant characters.
The secondary plots of this Iron Man retelling take a front seat to anything related to Tony Stark. The author (Chaykin) seems to realize that you know all of Iron Man's origin's key moments (and you do) and that they ultimately don't matter in this version that seems satisfied with itself for adding in semi-realistic elements of political corruption and modern-day terrorists. So, brushing Iron Man's origin aside, here's a graphic novel that's supposed to present you Iron Man's origin!
Additionally, the art here fails grandly. It's muddy, blurry and in so many ways, suggests absolutely no action - no talking, reacting, nothing. Much like the DGAF writing, these unappetizing visuals border on offensive.
I gave up on Peter David's limp "retelling" of the Avengers' origin midway through, and as unfair an assumption it would've been, I should've taken Chaykin's involvement as a sign that this would be another failed attempt to breathe life into already vibrant characters.
February 21, 2020
Iron Man: Season One is a new more take on Tony Stark's transformation into Iron Man! :D The actions starts from the very beginning with Stark finding himself in Chardistan getting himself into a spot of bother and from the very beginning the action does not let up! :D Topping all of this up is that fact that the senior execs of his Company are busily embezzling his money in League with the S.H.E.I.L.D. Director and the only thing standing in their way is Pepper Potts! :D
The character development and conspiracies dovetail neatly together and the action is piled on! :D At the same time we get to see the issues that Tony and Pepper have to deal with and this handled neatly really showing the levels of their relationship! :D At the same time his execs, Loretta and Neal Van Zandt and Shield Director Denton are up to no good in the neighbourhood! :D this works out neatly though as it sets up Nick Fury's position as the Director! :D This all comes across brilliantly as you see how things are neatly tied and new plot points are sets up with Pepper promotion and the advent of Iron Man! :D
The art is incredible and really goes brilliantly with the script! :D The painted art style really marries up with the scrip points and the cinematic camera angles really go perfectly with the scripts pace in a book that never lets up! :D
Iron Man: Season One works on all levels creating a creating a great take on the origins on Iron Man! :D Iron Man: Season One is full of character development, betrayal, world building, action, daring do, conspiracies and adventure! :D Brilliant and Highly Recommended! :D Get if You Can! :D
The character development and conspiracies dovetail neatly together and the action is piled on! :D At the same time we get to see the issues that Tony and Pepper have to deal with and this handled neatly really showing the levels of their relationship! :D At the same time his execs, Loretta and Neal Van Zandt and Shield Director Denton are up to no good in the neighbourhood! :D this works out neatly though as it sets up Nick Fury's position as the Director! :D This all comes across brilliantly as you see how things are neatly tied and new plot points are sets up with Pepper promotion and the advent of Iron Man! :D
The art is incredible and really goes brilliantly with the script! :D The painted art style really marries up with the scrip points and the cinematic camera angles really go perfectly with the scripts pace in a book that never lets up! :D
Iron Man: Season One works on all levels creating a creating a great take on the origins on Iron Man! :D Iron Man: Season One is full of character development, betrayal, world building, action, daring do, conspiracies and adventure! :D Brilliant and Highly Recommended! :D Get if You Can! :D
May 31, 2021
Amazing artwork. A surprising amount of death and destruction. Stark learns some responsibility.
January 19, 2020
I liked the artwork and the adult aproach to the storyline, but over all it sadly didn't grip me. Especially the beginning was too fast paced and I still wonder how the first suit could have been this advanced. Also beating the bad guy was kinda just happening. I did like the story around with the business people. It was interesting to read, but not very memorable overall.
May 8, 2013
Es un ejercicio similar al Batman Year One o el Superman The Man of Steel, tampoco esta lejano del Hulk Gray .
Es una "puesta al día" o re-telling del origen de Iron-man, es muy similar a la aclamada cinta del 2008, y podríamos decir que el guión se maneja en el mismo nivel de PG-13, todos sabemos que el comic puede ser más cruento, pero no hay necesidad en esta historia. El arte es lo mejor de este relato que no deja de mencionar al demonio en la botella de Tony Stark.
Podría ser interesante en otra época, pero se estrena en las fechas de la tercera entrega fílmica que tiene un relato muy similar (y parecido al comic original, con menos alcohol y corrupción gubernamental) y con Marvel Now recien arrancada, no hay al parecer un publico hambriento por esta historia, pero, aunque muy pocos, siempre serán recibidos los nuevos lectores, en especial la gente más joven.
Es una "puesta al día" o re-telling del origen de Iron-man, es muy similar a la aclamada cinta del 2008, y podríamos decir que el guión se maneja en el mismo nivel de PG-13, todos sabemos que el comic puede ser más cruento, pero no hay necesidad en esta historia. El arte es lo mejor de este relato que no deja de mencionar al demonio en la botella de Tony Stark.
Podría ser interesante en otra época, pero se estrena en las fechas de la tercera entrega fílmica que tiene un relato muy similar (y parecido al comic original, con menos alcohol y corrupción gubernamental) y con Marvel Now recien arrancada, no hay al parecer un publico hambriento por esta historia, pero, aunque muy pocos, siempre serán recibidos los nuevos lectores, en especial la gente más joven.
September 26, 2013
Some interesting choices made for this updated version of Iron Man's origin story. It goes back in time further than the other Season Ones I've read. Although never specifically stated, the use of the F16 as the primary SHIELD fighter and the mention of the USSR seems to place this story in the 80s, but the situation in "Chardistan," where the initial elements of the origin story are set, doesn't seem to be a direct analog of any 80s conflict. Instead it seems to be closer to Vietnam or modern conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The core story is the same. Tony Stark is injured and captured while on an on-site visit to a war zone where his products are being used. With the help of another prisoner he is kept from dying and builds the original suit of Iron Man armor which he then uses to escape.
The truly interesting choice was to include in the story the single most interesting aspect of Iron Man: Tony Stark's alcoholism. I give Chaykin kudos for recognizing that and making it the real story of Season One Iron Man.
The core story is the same. Tony Stark is injured and captured while on an on-site visit to a war zone where his products are being used. With the help of another prisoner he is kept from dying and builds the original suit of Iron Man armor which he then uses to escape.
The truly interesting choice was to include in the story the single most interesting aspect of Iron Man: Tony Stark's alcoholism. I give Chaykin kudos for recognizing that and making it the real story of Season One Iron Man.
September 27, 2016
A reboot of the original story, updated for today's world.
If you've seen the movie, you know the story - alcoholic weapons monger, Anthony Stark, is in the Middle East when he is taken prisoner. With the help of a scientist, he builds an iron suit which allows him to escape back to the States, at which point, Things Happen and Tony decides to turn his life around.
So, what's different about this book? Well, for one, the art is very nice. None of the 4-span colors for this graphic novel, people are immediately recognizable, the panels are large. The color scheme is muted, with a faint blue tinge, which helps with the somewhat somber storyline. There are a few surprises (at least for me but I have read few Marvel comics).
There are two storylines going on - Tony's and Maouad Khouri's, Pepper's and three corrupt business partners, and how they tie up at the end is satisfying.
A very good introduction but I thought it could have gone into a bit more depth for those of us who only know the movies. That said, I enjoyed reading Season One.
If you've seen the movie, you know the story - alcoholic weapons monger, Anthony Stark, is in the Middle East when he is taken prisoner. With the help of a scientist, he builds an iron suit which allows him to escape back to the States, at which point, Things Happen and Tony decides to turn his life around.
So, what's different about this book? Well, for one, the art is very nice. None of the 4-span colors for this graphic novel, people are immediately recognizable, the panels are large. The color scheme is muted, with a faint blue tinge, which helps with the somewhat somber storyline. There are a few surprises (at least for me but I have read few Marvel comics).
There are two storylines going on - Tony's and Maouad Khouri's, Pepper's and three corrupt business partners, and how they tie up at the end is satisfying.
A very good introduction but I thought it could have gone into a bit more depth for those of us who only know the movies. That said, I enjoyed reading Season One.
June 25, 2013
With Iron Man being the hot commodity he is these days, it seems that it also requires that his origins be told and retold countless times. I've lost track of the reboots, but after Matt Fraction's Invincible Iron Man, I wasn't too keen on jumping into another one.
But Howard Chaykin... I had to. I did. Really. And I'm not sorry. Parel's illustrations elevates comic book graphics to fine art. There are some gorgeous shots of the original suit, and this more than makes up for some not so fine art. Chaykin's key focus is one of the enduring milestones of Tony Stark, his strength as well as failing: his addiction. And the consequences of choices made in a state of artificial confidence and a lack of social consciousness.
But Howard Chaykin... I had to. I did. Really. And I'm not sorry. Parel's illustrations elevates comic book graphics to fine art. There are some gorgeous shots of the original suit, and this more than makes up for some not so fine art. Chaykin's key focus is one of the enduring milestones of Tony Stark, his strength as well as failing: his addiction. And the consequences of choices made in a state of artificial confidence and a lack of social consciousness.
September 16, 2013
The plot was just another rehash of the Iron Man origin story (kind of unnecessary since the first Iron Man movie modernized the origin story), so it was in no way groundbreaking. Plot-wise, this is about a 3 star comic, in other words, it's not bad, but it's nothing special. The 4th star was added for the gorgeous art. It's not typical comic book style art, but I loved it! Each panel almost resembles a fine art painting rather than a panel of a comic.
April 8, 2013
Yet another variation on Iron Man's origin, and interestingly enough one focused on Tony's alcoholism. There's an undercurrent of Howard Chaykins' preoccupations, and some of the depictions of Middle Easterners in the fictional Chardistan are kind of questionable, but it's an intriguing version that also sets up a possible Nick Fury Season One.
April 12, 2013
The art is wonderful in this book, as the paint soaks the pages as alcohol does Tony Stark's liver. The story is familiar but with layers that give make it fresh. Rookie Iron Man fans should enjoy this case study of what makes this hero more than just his wealth and resources.
Please read my full review at:
http://www.examiner.com/review/iron-m...
Please read my full review at:
http://www.examiner.com/review/iron-m...
July 9, 2015
I like comic books it was interesting
February 14, 2017
These seem....much too short. I'd hate to have paid $24.99 and then felt that way. Thank the gods for libraries.
May 19, 2019
比較簡單的一個故事，重述起源，有點文藝，畫風超美的(哈嘶
「大家好，我是Tony…
…我是一個酒鬼。」
「大家好，我是Tony…
…我是一個酒鬼。」
October 18, 2025
I went into Iron Man: Season One expecting another quick retelling of Tony Stark’s origin. Something predictable, maybe even safe. But to my surprise, this book had real weight behind it. It didn’t just rehash the “man builds armor to escape captivity” story; it dove deep into the why behind Iron Man; his ego, his guilt, and most importantly, his self-destruction.
What really stood out to me was how they handled Tony’s struggle with alcohol addiction. It wasn’t treated like a side note or a throwaway flaw. It was raw, messy, and brutally honest. You can feel the internal conflict of a man who’s brilliant enough to create miracles but too broken to save himself. That self-destructive nature made him feel more human than ever.
The art complemented that tone really well too. It’s sleek when it needs to be but doesn’t shy away from the grimy, vulnerable moments. The panels where Tony looks genuinely lost or spiraling were some of my favorites. It’s not about Iron Man the hero; it’s about Tony Stark the man.
If I had one minor issue, it’s that the story occasionally feels like it’s racing through certain moments that could’ve been fleshed out more, especially the aftermath of his first major moral reckoning. But that doesn’t take away from how strong this version of his origin is.
Overall, Iron Man: Season One is one of those stories that really understands what makes Tony Stark compelling. It’s not just the armor or the genius. It’s the vulnerability hiding underneath it all.
What really stood out to me was how they handled Tony’s struggle with alcohol addiction. It wasn’t treated like a side note or a throwaway flaw. It was raw, messy, and brutally honest. You can feel the internal conflict of a man who’s brilliant enough to create miracles but too broken to save himself. That self-destructive nature made him feel more human than ever.
The art complemented that tone really well too. It’s sleek when it needs to be but doesn’t shy away from the grimy, vulnerable moments. The panels where Tony looks genuinely lost or spiraling were some of my favorites. It’s not about Iron Man the hero; it’s about Tony Stark the man.
If I had one minor issue, it’s that the story occasionally feels like it’s racing through certain moments that could’ve been fleshed out more, especially the aftermath of his first major moral reckoning. But that doesn’t take away from how strong this version of his origin is.
Overall, Iron Man: Season One is one of those stories that really understands what makes Tony Stark compelling. It’s not just the armor or the genius. It’s the vulnerability hiding underneath it all.
November 18, 2019
So far none of these "Season One" stories have really nailed it for me.
Art: Absolutely gorgeous. Reminds me of the concept art you often find for movies. Beautiful paintings essentially. But that's where it ends. The details on each panel aren't specific enough that it can be hard to make out what is happening. The art needs to be more distinct for me to tell what's happening in action scenes and to tell the difference between two characters that are somewhat identical in appearance.
Story: Typical Tony Stark story but slightly modernized. However, I wasn't a big fan. I can't quite put my finger on it.
Dialogue: Better than the Spider-Man Season One. It definitely reads like Stark.
Either way, I'm not sure I'd recommend it to new readers simply because of the art.
Art: Absolutely gorgeous. Reminds me of the concept art you often find for movies. Beautiful paintings essentially. But that's where it ends. The details on each panel aren't specific enough that it can be hard to make out what is happening. The art needs to be more distinct for me to tell what's happening in action scenes and to tell the difference between two characters that are somewhat identical in appearance.
Story: Typical Tony Stark story but slightly modernized. However, I wasn't a big fan. I can't quite put my finger on it.
Dialogue: Better than the Spider-Man Season One. It definitely reads like Stark.
Either way, I'm not sure I'd recommend it to new readers simply because of the art.
February 16, 2026
It kind of an Elseworlds take on the origin of Iron Man, attempting to establish it in a more modern time for a modern audience. Seasoned comic book scribe and artist Chaykin does a pretty good job with the story, with this blend of the classic origin tale and a Demon in the Bottle definitely coming out in the classic gritty style one associates with most of Chaykin's output. Parel handles the art chores on this one, and while he successfully avoids the stiffness often associated with painted artwork, the tradeoff is that everything is kind of murky and out of focus all the time. Still, there are moments of absolute gorgeous action, despite the muted tones that abound throughout. It's a decent enough read, though it might not be to the liking of existing Iron Man fans.
Read
December 1, 2018Let's face it: it's getting harder and harder to rate the comics book (even a book, tbh) these days. I'm not self-proclaimed resourceful about comics and have very little knowledge about it. This one is loosely based on Iron Man film's adaptation, but it's added more gloomy, alcoholic and mature Tony Stark, which, ahem, is very very attractive attribute. And the art is AMAZING. I love love the style of illustrations. It paints the characters realistic and is so hard not to like. Hope they would write more than a season one.
January 10, 2021
Loved it! It was interesting comparing this story with the MCU's Iron Man. A bunch of smaller details were different in this book, but the character was very recognizably Tony Stark. My one complaint with this graphic novel is that the artwork wasn't super appealing to me. The coloring was kind of dark, and the lines weren't always very defined. So a few times, I had to stare at a panel to try and figure out what was visually happening.
But for someone like me who hasn't read many Marvel comics, this was a good book that delves into Tony Stark's character.
But for someone like me who hasn't read many Marvel comics, this was a good book that delves into Tony Stark's character.
February 23, 2023
For a while, most fans thought of Howard Chaykin as a (brilliant) artist - and then he started writing his own stuff to critical acclaim.
With Iron Man: Season One, Chaykin and artist Gerald Parel revise Iron Man's origin in a tale that forces Tony Stark to recognize his drinking problem a lot sooner than in most takes.
The result is a wickedly jagged graphic novel that shakes up a lot of stuff in IM's canon.
Parel's superb art sits (comfortably) between photo-real and impressionist.
Highly recommended.
With Iron Man: Season One, Chaykin and artist Gerald Parel revise Iron Man's origin in a tale that forces Tony Stark to recognize his drinking problem a lot sooner than in most takes.
The result is a wickedly jagged graphic novel that shakes up a lot of stuff in IM's canon.
Parel's superb art sits (comfortably) between photo-real and impressionist.
Highly recommended.
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