By Ben Morse
S.H.I.E.L.D. may have Tony Stark as its Director, but Iron Man takes direction from a new commanding officer come May: Marvel editor Warren Simons.
The man behind smash hits like THOR and IMMORTAL IRON FIST, Simons takes the reins of the brand new INVINCIBLE IRON MAN ongoing series by writer Matt Fraction and artist Salvador Larroca when it launches alongside the May 2 "Iron Man" movie.
Marvel.com caught up with Simons—and believe us, that's no easy task when it comes to one of the busiest men in comics—and got the schematics on Shellhead's newest venture into the heart of the Marvel Universe.
Marvel.com: Why is the time right for INVINCIBLE IRON MAN?
Warren Simons: Well, with the exceptionally awesome "Iron Man" movie hitting the theaters in May, we thought an equally delicious and action-packed INVINCIBLE IRON MAN # 1 would be the perfect jumping on point for new readers and long-time comic book fans alike.
The first issue features terrorist cells, space shuttles, supermodels, and Tony Stark learning that a faster, smarter, newer version of an old arch-nemesis just might be lurking on the horizon…and doing awful, awful things.
Marvel.com: What is the focus/mission statement of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN and how is it distinct from IRON MAN: DIRECTOR OF S.H.I.E.L.D.?
Warren Simons: We're aiming to provide a kick-ass entry point into the Marvel Universe for fans of the film, while also telling great stories for already established
Iron Man and Marvel fans. With INVINCIBLE, we're focusing on Tony as a super hero, and downplaying the espionage angle and Tony's role as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Marvel.com: How did you get the gig editing this book?
Warren Simons: That's the great thing about blackmail…it just keeps on giving.
Marvel.com:Why was Matt Fraction selected to write the book? What does he bring to the table specifically as an Iron Man writer?
Warren Simons: Matt's got a great imagination, and has a real love for bizarre futuristic-retro-steampunk science, as readers of IMMORTAL IRON FIST or Five Fists
of Science will attest. That's kind of a great place to start for an Iron Man writer. He's also got a real affection for Tony Stark.
Marvel.com: Why was Salvador Larroca selected to draw the book? What does he bring to the table specifically as an Iron Man artist?
Warren Simons: Salva's a great artist, and he's done a beautiful job with the [cover and] first three pages of issue # 1 [shown throughout this article]. He's got a great handle on the tech, and has brought a real sense of depth and magnitude to the pages. Tony's a billionaire, a super hero, a scientist, a genius; he's larger than life. It takes a special artist to capture that.
Marvel.com: Who is Tony Stark to you?
Warren Simons: He's a billionaire super hero, one of the smartest and most inventive men in a universe populated with geniuses, and he's also a man, who at his core, might possess a bit too much hubris for his own good.
Marvel.com: What can you say about the first arc of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN? What familiar supporting cast members, guest stars and villains will be showing up in the book's first year?
Warren Simons: War Machine, Pepper Potts, some A.I.M. terrorists/bee-keepers, and someone with the last name of Stane…
It's going to be a difficult six months for Mr. Stark.
For more Iron Man, check out Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited. And remember: "Iron Man" comes to a theater near you on May 2!
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