Remember when all of a sudden #0 issues were chic? Let's hope that the decimal numbered issue isn't next to gain popularity because it's obviously just a cheap ploy to get you hooked on a new book. Normally I'd say that it's a good thing to have an issue for new readers to catch them up to speed. The biggest reason I don't start reading a book I've never read before is because I'm totally lost (case in point: if you've never read Green Lantern, go read an issue and try to figure out what the hell is going on). The problem with this book is that #500.1 doesn't explain anything to new readers. It vaguely hints at the history of Tony Stark but doesn't even tell us what's been going on in detail for the past few issues. With that said, this is a great standalone read, perhaps writer Matt Fraction's best issue yet (I usually can't stand his writing). It has Tony Stark speaking at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. It's whip-smart and cute and fun and has a neat little ending. The art by Salvador Larocca is exceptional as well. The whole point behind the .1 issues that Marvel is putting out is totally lost with this particular issue, but at least there's a good book that's come out of it. I guess that's a good thing. ***1/2
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