Warning! Spoilers for Iron Man #18 by Marvel Comics
In a stunning new cover by superstar artist Alex Ross, Tony Stark transforms from a human, to Iron Man, to a powerful god. This week, Marvel Comics revealed a new look at the upcoming Iron Man #18, sharing a cover from Ross showing Iron Man's remarkable transformation into a god powered by the Power Cosmic. As usual, Ross' art is spectacular, depicting Iron Man evolving into one of the most powerful heroes in the universe.
While Iron Man usually doesn't have any superpowers, the Avenger transformed into a literal god after trying to stop Korvac from obtaining the Power Cosmic from Galactus' Worldship, Taa II. With his new powers, Tony Stark fought against Korvac in an epic cosmic battle that ended when the hero took the villain to another dimension and called on the Living Tribunal to take him away. Ultimately, Iron Man told the Living Tribunal he would use his powers to make the world a better place. However, in a new tease for Iron Man #18, it seems the new god might have pushed his powers too far.
In the first look at Iron Man #18 by Christopher Cantwell and Ibraim Roberson, Tony Stark appears to be struggling greatly with his new god powers and responsibilities. In a stunning cover art from Alex Ross, Stark evolves from an average human, to an armored hero, to a powerful god. Stark yells in anguish once he reaches the form despite his god form being his ultimate evolution. Check out the cover from Ross below.
The synopsis for the issue reveals Iron Man will actually become worse than Korvac. It further suggests Tony Stark is ready to put down his god-like powers and embrace his humanity again - but could risk being more vulnerable than ever against Korvac. Iron Man #18 is being teased as a David vs. Goliath face-off between Stark and Korvac.
Iron Man finally realizes that after all is said and done…he’s become worse than Korvac. And perhaps it’s time for Tony Stark to finally lay down his godlike powers and embrace his humanity. But if he does so, will he stand one shred of a chance against a cosmically enraged Korvac, or will he be destroyed like the small, armored bag of blood, flesh and bones he has once again become? David faces off against Goliath in this penultimate issue of the BOOKS OF KORVAC!
It's not overly surprising Iron Man will struggle with his god-like power. But, unfortunately, despite Stark's intellect, even he can't suddenly fully control being turned into a literal God without eventual repercussions. In this case, it seems absolute powers corrupts absolutely. Alex Ross' stunning cover art for Iron Man #18 is a great tease for what's next for Tony Stark in 2022.