REVIEW: LNHCP # 37-- ILC # 2

[Tom Russell]

Martin has a difficult task with his Irony Man story for ILC.  The
character of Irony Man has largely been defined in three ways:

1, as a parody of a certain Marvel Comics character;

2, as one who detects and emits irony;

and 3, as a big jerk.

In this very short ILC entry, Martin puts his focus on this last
trait, with a passing mention of the first.  He saves the middle one
for last.

Basically, the story is about Irony Man coveting the leadership
position and wishing ill on Fearless Leader.  He discovers that
Fearless Leader has disappeared and holds a meeting which quickly
elects him as leader.

And that's it, that's the whole story.  We don't actually get to see
Irony Man lead the LNH.  But we do get a fair idea of what he'd be
like from the rest of the story, so perhaps Martin's right in cutting
it short, leaving it to the imagination.

Still, I would have liked to spend a little more time with Irony Man
and see how he handled certain situations, what he thought was the
best way to organize and run the team.  There could be a lot of funny
ideas to spin out of such an abrasive character taking charge, and the
irony could have built up a bit more.

As it is, the last line-- in which Irony Man states that he's not
going anywhere, when we know full well that he will-- is ironic enough
to make one smile, perhaps chortle, but no more.  I think if the story
had a strain of really strong dramatic irony-- I'm talking Greek
Tragedy level irony here-- it would have been ironic enough-- and thus
funny enough-- to make me piss my pants.

==Tom