Invincible Iron Man #500.1

The first of Marve's "Point 1 Initiative" comics provides a story that anyone can read and get a full understanding of the characters involved. 
 

The Good 

In a sense this is an origin story. You might be saying, "But I already know Tony Stark/Iron Man's origin." That may be the case. The Marvel ".1" stories are meant for new readers. It tells someone not familiar with every little detail of Tony Stark's life everything and more they would want or need to know. That doesn't necessarily mean Iron Man fans should simply pass on the issue. 
 
This issue is still by the regular Invincible Iron Man creative team. We still have Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca delivering the goods in presenting Tony's origin, in a slightly different manner. That means it's not just flashback after flashback. Fraction chose a clever way to bring everyone up to speed on who Tony Stark is. Even long time Iron Man readers might learn a thing or two. Or at least see past events in a different light. It's a clever way to make the issue accessible to new readers while not making long time readers that buy the issue regret their purchase. 
 

The Bad 

For me, it is an origin issue. It's a very clever presented origin but still an origin. It's nicely done and in a nice package. It's a great buy for those not completely familiar with Iron Man yet still enjoyable for everyone else, just not crucial. 
 

The Verdict 

Do you want to know all about Tony Stark? Do you think you know all the details of his life? This Marvel .1 issue delivers Iron Man's life story in a way that brings new readers up to speed and also provides an entertaining interpretation to readers that already know the story. Fraction and Larroca ensure that long time readers won't feel they bought simple flashback issue by providing the quality that we've seen throughout the series.