Iron Man: Extremis

It had been a very, very long time since I took the time to enjoy anything comic, outside of some of the movies being made about particular ones. If you are wondering if you should make the purchase, please hesitate no longer. My interest in Iron Man: Extremis came as a result of seeing the motion comic on iTunes, and the phrase "motion comic" was instantly new to me. What I didn't know at the time was that what you see in the motion comic comes directly from the pages of the graphic novel 'Iron Man: Extremis,' and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU PURCHASE the graphic novel FIRST! That way, reading the fantastic work of Warren Ellis & seeing the exquisite artwork of Adi Granov prepares for THE EXPERIENCE of what this particular motion comic does in setting the bar for others that would follow. Motion comics are comic books or graphic novels that were not originally intended for animation, and attempts to bring it to an audience "live" through the motions normally created through the traditional medium of animation. Certainly, the story and artwork are undoubtedly a powerful combination I have rarely witnessed. The interview with artist Adi Granov on this DVD explains it beautifully. At the time, I could not recall where I enjoyed a storyline and artwork together more. While not required, reading the particular motion comic's comic books or graphic novel first before viewing the motion comic, helps you to better appreciate the level of talent it takes to successfully translate one medium to one never planned nor purposed for animation, but still brings it better than most animations that are made simply for animation.

This Iron Man DVD is a "motion comic" from Marvel Knights. They have taken the Extremis comic and turned it into a quasi-animated movie in six episodes. Before you discount this style of animation, note that the artwork is far superior to any of the other Marvel/DC "animated movies" (which all seem to look like slightly better versions of Cartoon Network cartoons) because it utilizes Adi Granov's original artwork with CGI enhancements of most of the tech and action scenes. The animation is fluid, and after only a few minutes you won't even realize you're not watching a fully-animated Marvel movie.The strength of this DVD is Warren Ellis' storyline, which is more compelling than any recent comic book movie, except for perhaps The Dark Knight and the first Iron Man movie. This motion comic is unpredictable, hard-core, and exciting.My only complaint about this DVD was N. Ronald Levine, who voiced the character of hippie Sal Kennedy - what a horrible casting choice! The scenes with Levine take you right out of the movie as you roll your eyes at the bad acting. Luckily, he's not in the movie much except for one scene in the middle.If you're like me, every time you buy one of these Marvel or DC animated movies, you look at the cover art and eagerly hope that the product itself utilizes that same level of artistic expertise, only to discover that it's another Cartoon Network-looking piece of crap. But with Iron Man: Extremis, you finally get to see a full story with top-notch painted animation - and it's worth it!I'm glad I gave this product a chance...and you will be too.

This was a haunting, and even a bit horrific view of Iron Man's encounter with the Extremiss technology.I can see why the gritty moving graphic novel style did not get a more broad viewing on TV. It is not your Super Friends bowl of sugary pops. This was an experiment for me that went quite right! Too bad there wasn't more! If you have not seen this, buy it anyway! Iron Man has never been my favorite character. But this is one of the best adventures I never herd anything about. All the better. You know, it does not matter how old a film is. If you have not seen it, it is brand new! If you like Marvel, you will love all the slightly twisted, hauntingly wicked, super scientific, out of control, back to the wall, blood sweat and tears this little epic has waiting for you. And you thought it was a cartoon!!!!!!! 'nuff said.

As an adult going on 50 years of comic book enjoyment this was a real treat. Great artwork, acting, and a story line that was up there with the best despite being somewhat lacking in the mystery department. That last comment may be somewhat unfair as these are not meant to be mysteries and Tony Stark doesn't play detective a la the Caped Crusader. It's just my way of thinking; if there's going to be a "who done it?" aspect to a story it is fair to offer a critique of that aspect as well...Definitely a worthy effort and I am not one to throw 5 Stars at something that didn't earn it. I'd highly recommend this to any action comic lover, no pun intended!