The Good
IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON has been very enjoyable take on Danny Rand, thus far. This issue deals mainly with some moments in Rand's recent history rather than the startling revelations which took place in the last issue. The pace is a bit slower here as Kaare Kyle Andrews delves into some moments between Brenda and Danny.
The dialogue, in these opening scenes, is fantastic. Both Brenda and Danny have strong voices within these scenes and it's believable, to a point. No one is really lifting someone else up with one leg and doing one-handed push ups, but hey, he's a super-hero. What the scene does extremely well is grow the relationship between the two characters.
For readers newer to Iron Fist, this issue puts a lot of Danny's part into perspective and really helps develop the character. For those who just jumped on for this series, this particular issue shows a much more human side to the character and therefore, he becomes a much more compelling character to the reader.
On the art side of things, this book is still extremely strong. One thing Andrews does, which I have fallen head-over-heels in love with, is give an aging effect to the pages that take place in the past. Aside from making this a "no brainer" for readers being able to determine whether or not the scene took place in the past or the present, the effect is incredibly cool. The colored look, the folded pages, and the crinkled up paper gives this amazing look to the book which truly stands out.
This is a pretty chilling issue as Andrews' art gives readers some ghostly moments as Danny deals with his past. Kaare's creature designs really stand out and have a look that will keep reader's eyes glued to the page. The color work here, as well, works so well, especially during the scenes in the past where everything has a sepia tone look.
The Bad
There was a scene here that was pretty awkward and didn't fit. While Danny and Brenda are chatting it up, Danny shows Brenda some kung fu. During this scene she accidentally kicks him in the back of the head, which is still fine. After that, she uses a taser on him. Then, she tries to use it again. Then, Danny and Bredna have sex. Huh? What is going on? It's such a weird moment and doesn't make sense.
The Verdict
IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON is a bit different than the other Marvel books on the shelf, which many have taken a more light-hearted and fun approach to story telling. This book is dark and sad, without over-doing it. Danny Rand's past is explored and he has a lot of demons in his past which still haunt him to this day. This is an Iron Fist for a new generation of Marvel readers and Andrews is doing a fine job at putting together a first story arc which isn't just strong. It's also shaping who Danny Rand is now in the Marvel Universe. Overall, I highly recommend this issue.