Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 2: The Art of the Movie from Titan Books is now available. This reissue for the Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga series will match the others in size, making it a great part of a collection as well, and goes in-depth into the making of the 2010 film starring Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, and Mickey Rourke.
“Behind every great Iron Man stands a dedicated group of artists – in this book their secrets are revealed,” says the official description. “In Iron Man 2: The Art of the Movie, you’ll find everything from preliminary sketches to fully rendered 3-D images; storyboards to intricate set designs; and all the heroes, villains and technology you’ve ever imagined! All of Iron Man’s new armors, all of Whiplash’s weapons, Tony Stark’s lab and more are profiled with art and commentary from creators (including comic book fan-favorite Adi Granov).”
While Iron Man 2 isn’t my favorite MCU movie (it’s my least favorite of the trilogy), I still found Iron Man 2: The Art of the Movie to be quite the fascinating read. The art is gorgeous, and it really helps you realize how much work goes into every aspect of these films. It gave me a newfound appreciation for how many practical suit designs were used, such as War Machine’s multi-piece suit, and a really good look at the drones as well.
It’s also nice to see a real diversification in what is shown off inside the book. There are storyboards that show how key moments were planned out, fantastic concept art, behind-the-scenes photos showing how it was filmed, plus stills from the film too. The creation of every aspect, from set design to props and narrative design, is captured wonderfully in this book.
It’s not just a visual treat, though. There are some incredible quotes from creatives throughout the book, including director Jon Favreau and Marvel Studios’ head Kevin Feige. Getting this insight really makes you appreciate the finished product even more and helps fill in some blanks as well. Even if I don’t love Iron Man 2, I still have a lot more appreciation for the finished product and know its characters and scenes much more after giving it a read.\
Iron Man 2: The Art of the Movie Book Review: Final Verdict
Titan Books’ Iron Man 2: The Art of the Movie is an easy recommendation for any Marvel fan, especially those with a soft spot for Tony Stark. With fantastic art, a ton of informative blurbs that explain what you’re looking at, and quotes that help give you a new appreciation for the film, this is a great art book and an addition to any Marvel fan’s bookshelf.
