Ablative sidelined once more: Iron Man’s Hall of Armor by Chris Skinner
CORRECTION! THE ABLATIVE IS IN THE PRINT AND THIS BLOG IS INCORRECT.
Please visit this blog for the update.
Well, it happened again. There’s been another Hall of Armor rendition and the Model 23 Ablative Armor is nowhere to be seen.
Let’s talk about the Iron Man: Hall of Armor print by Chris Skinner. This just went on sale at Sideshow Collectibles last week and sold out overnight. That’s no surprise, because it’s a very impressive piece. But, like most Hall of Armors, it didn’t include Tony’s Ablative Suit.
Searching…
The thing is, I get it.
I completely understand why the Axol the Ablative Armor was left out. It’s not a popular armor. Yes, it’s unique, but it only appeared in two issues of Iron Man ever. People leave it out all the time. There have been dozens of representations of the Hall of Armor — both in the comics and in fan art — and the Ablative doesn’t really show up much.
Searching…
Now, when I first saw this print, did I think that Axol would be right up front? No, no way he’d appear just above Tony’s head. Of course not. But as I scanned the image, did I hope that it might show up near the top? Of course, but no luck. Then, as I scoured the image, did I hope that at least we’d get a slight indication that the Ablative Suit might exist? Maybe something like a gauntlet appearance in this fan art from Jeff Slemons? That’s when the disappointment set in.
<sniff> <sniff> Searching…
Not even a blurred-out image of the leg-warmers. Not a hint of Iron Man’s codpiece. Nothing!
As usual I went straight to the source to get some answers, so I tried to get ahold of the artist, Chris Skinner. Tried twice, in fact, but I think he took me up on my offer to “ignore this message if you think it’s just the rambling of a madman.” So I haven’t heard back from him yet, but still hope I do. I love to talk to artists to find out exactly why they make the decisions they make.
Do I Hate Chris Skinner’s Hall of Armor?
No, I ordered it immediately (and that’s not something I ever do). Even though Axol is nowhere to be found, it’s a great representation of the Hall. There have been posters of the Iron Man Marks from the MCU, but this is the first true high-quality piece of the comic book Models.
Also, it glows in the dark, so…sold!
Print details:
Officially licensed by Marvel
Limited edition of 425
16 x 39” fine art giclée print
Glow-in-the-dark screen-printed inks
100% cotton, acid-free, smooth Mint Fine Art Paper 260GSM
Epson archival inks
An authorized, automated penciled signature
Embossed seal of authenticity
