Iron Man (comic Book)
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''Iron Man'' is the name of several
comic book A comic book, also called comicbook, comic magazine or (in the United Kingdom and Ireland) simply comic, is a publication that consists of comics art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are of ...
titles featuring the character
Iron Man Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. The charact ...
and published by
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...
, beginning with the original ''Iron Man'' series that debuted in 1968.


Publication history


Volume 1

The character made his
first appearance In American comic books and other stories with a long history, first appearance refers to the first issue to feature a fictional character. These issues are often highly valued by collectors due to their rarity and iconic status. Reader interes ...
in ''
Tales of Suspense ''Tales of Suspense'' is the name of an American comic book anthology series and two one-shot comics published by Marvel Comics. The first, which ran from 1959 to 1968, began as a science-fiction anthology that served as a showcase for such arti ...
'' #39 ( cover dated March 1963). After issue #99 (March 1968), the ''Tales of Suspense'' series was renamed ''
Captain America Captain America is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by cartoonists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''#Golden Age, Captain America Comics'' #1 (cover ...
''. An Iron Man story appeared in the one-shot issue '' Iron Man and Sub-Mariner'' #1 (April 1968), before the "Golden Avenger" made his solo debut with ''Iron Man'' #1 (May 1968). The series' indicia gives its
copyright A copyright is a type of intellectual property that gives its owner the exclusive right to copy, distribute, adapt, display, and perform a creative work, usually for a limited time. The creative work may be in a literary, artistic, education ...
title as ''Iron Man'', while the
trademark A trademark (also written trade mark or trade-mark) is a type of intellectual property consisting of a recognizable sign, design, or expression that identifies products or services from a particular source and distinguishes them from others ...
ed cover logo of most issues is ''The Invincible Iron Man''. Artist
George Tuska George Tuska (; April 26, 1916 – October 16, 2009),George Tuska
at the Social Security Death Index via Fami ...
began a decade-long association with the character with ''Iron Man'' #5 (Sept. 1968). Writer
Mike Friedrich Mike Friedrich (; born March 27, 1949) is an American comic book writer and publisher best known for his work at Marvel and DC Comics, and for publishing the anthology series '' Star*Reach'', one of the first independent comics. He is also an a ...
and artist
Jim Starlin James P. Starlin (born October 9, 1949) is an American comics artist and writer. Beginning his career in the early 1970s, he is best known for space opera stories, for revamping the Marvel Comics characters Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock, and ...
's brief collaboration on the ''Iron Man'' series introduced
Mentor Mentorship is the influence, guidance, or direction given by a mentor. A mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person. In an organizational setting, a mentor influences the personal and p ...
, Drax, Starfox, and
Thanos Thanos is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was created by writer-artist Jim Starlin, and first appeared in '' The Invincible Iron Man'' #55 ( cover date February 1973). An Eternal– Deviant w ...
in issue #55 (Feb. 1973). Friedrich scripted a metafictional story in which Iron Man visited the
San Diego Comic Convention San Diego Comic-Con International is a comic book convention and nonprofit multi-genre entertainment event held annually in San Diego, California since 1970. The name, as given on its website, is Comic-Con International: San Diego; but it is co ...
and met several Marvel Comics writers and artists. He then wrote the multi-issue "War of the Super-Villains" storyline which ran through 1975. Writer
David Michelinie David Michelinie (; born May 6, 1948) is an American comic book writer best known for scripting Marvel Comics' '' The Amazing Spider-Man'' and '' Iron Man'' and the DC Comics feature Superman in ''Action Comics''. Among the characters he create ...
, co-plotter/inker
Bob Layton Bob Layton (born 1953) is an American comic book artist, writer, and editor. He is best known for his work on Marvel Comics titles such as '' Iron Man'' and ''Hercules'', and for co-founding Valiant Comics with Jim Shooter. Early life Bob Layt ...
, and penciler
John Romita Jr. John Salvatore Romita (; born August 17, 1956), known professionally as John Romita Jr., is an American comics artist best known for his extensive work for Marvel Comics from the 1970s to the 2010s. He is the son of artist John Romita Sr. Early ...
became the creative team on the series with ''Iron Man'' #116 (Nov. 1978). Micheline and Layton established Tony Stark's
alcoholism Alcoholism is, broadly, any drinking of alcohol (drug), alcohol that results in significant Mental health, mental or physical health problems. Because there is disagreement on the definition of the word ''alcoholism'', it is not a recognize ...
with the story "
Demon in a Bottle "Demon in a Bottle" is a nine-issue story arc from the comic book series ''The Invincible Iron Man'' (vol. 1), published in issues 120 through 128 in 1979 by Marvel Comics. It was written by David Michelinie and Bob Layton and illustrated by J ...
", and introduced several supporting characters, including Stark's bodyguard/girlfriend
Bethany Cabe Bethany Cabe, also known as Iron Woman, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by David Michelinie and Bob Layton, the character made her first appearance in ''Iron Man'' #117 (Dec. 1978). S ...
; Stark's personal pilot and confidant James Rhodes, who later became the superhero War Machine; and rival industrialist Justin Hammer, who was revealed to be the employer of numerous high-tech armed enemies Iron Man had fought over the years. The duo also introduced the concept of Stark's specialized armorsDeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 202: "In ''Iron Man'' #152, Iron Man unveiled his all-black stealth armor." as he acquired a dangerous vendetta with Doctor Doom in the "
Doomquest "Doomquest" is a two-issue Iron Man story arc written by David Michelinie and Bob Layton with art by John Romita Jr. and published by Marvel Comics. The arc first appears in ''Iron Man'' #149–150. One of the most popular stories of the title ch ...
" storyline. The team worked together through #154 (Jan. 1982), with Michelinie writing three issues without Layton. Following Michelinie and Layton's departures,
Dennis O'Neil Dennis Joseph O'Neil (May 3, 1939 – June 11, 2020) was an American comic book writer and editor, principally for Marvel Comics and DC Comics from the 1960s through the 1990s, and Group Editor for the Batman family of titles until his retir ...
became the new writer of the series and had Stark relapse into alcoholism. Much of O'Neil's work on this plot thread was based on experiences with alcoholics he knew personally. Jim Rhodes replaced Stark as Iron Man in issue #169 (April 1983) and wore the armor for the next two years of stories.DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 211: "Jim was the natural choice to replace
tark Tark may refer to: *Tark, East Azerbaijan, a city in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran *Tark, Ardabil, a village in Ardabil Province, Iran *Bal Tark, a village in Gilan Province, Iran *Tark Darreh, a village in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran *Jerry T ...
as Iron Man when Tony's problem's with alcohol prevented him from doing the job. Jim continued in his role until ''Iron Man'' #199 (Oct. 1985)."
O'Neil returned Tony Stark to the Iron Man identity in issue #200 (Nov. 1985). Michelinie and Layton became the creative team once again in issue #215 (Feb. 1987). They crafted the "
Armor Wars "Armor Wars" is a seven-issue Iron Man story arc written by David Michelinie and Bob Layton with art by Mark D. Bright and Barry Windsor-Smith and published by Marvel Comics. The arc first appears in ''Iron Man'' #225–232. Publication history ...
" storyline in issues #225 (Dec. 1987) to #231 (June 1988). John Byrne and John Romita Jr. produced a sequel titled "Armor Wars II" in issues #258-266 (July 1990-March 1991). The series had a crossover with the other ''Avengers''-related titles as part of the " Operation: Galactic Storm" storyline. This initial series ended with issue #332 (Sept. 1996).


Volume 2

Jim Lee Jim Lee (Korean 이용철; born August 11, 1964) is a Korean American comic-book artist, writer, editor, and publisher. He is currently the Publisher and Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics. In recognition of his work, Lee has received a Harvey ...
,
Scott Lobdell Scott Lobdell (; born 1960) is an American comic book writer and screenwriter known for his work on numerous ''X-Men'' series for Marvel Comics in the 1990s, various work for DC Comics in the 2010s, namely '' Red Hood and the Outlaws, Teen Tita ...
, and
Jeph Loeb Joseph "Jeph" Loeb III () is an American film and television writer, producer and comic book writer. Loeb was a producer/writer on the TV series ''Smallville'' and ''Lost'', writer for the films '' Commando'' and ''Teen Wolf'', and a writer and ...
authored a second volume of the series as part of Heroes Reborn, which was drawn primarily by
Whilce Portacio William "Whilce" Portacio (; born July 8, 1963) is a Filipino American comic book writer and artist noted for his work on such titles as ''The Punisher'', ''X-Factor'', ''Uncanny X-Men'', '' Iron Man'', ''Wetworks'' and ''Spawn''. Portacio was als ...
and Ryan Benjamin. This volume took place in a parallel universe and ran 13 issues (Nov. 1996 – Nov. 1997).


Volume 3

Volume 3, whose first 25 issues were written by
Kurt Busiek Kurt Busiek ( ) (born September 16, 1960) is an American comic book writer. His work includes the '' Marvels'' limited series, his own series titled ''Astro City'', a four-year run on '' The Avengers, Thunderbolts'' and '' Superman.'' Early lif ...
and then by Busiek and
Roger Stern Roger Stern (born September 17, 1950) is an American comic book author and novelist. Biography Early career In the early 1970s, Stern and Bob Layton published the fanzine ''CPL'' (''Contemporary Pictorial Literature''), one of the first platfor ...
, ran 89 issues (Feb. 1998 - Dec. 2004). Later writers included
Joe Quesada Joseph Quesada (; born January 12, 1962'' Comics Buyer's Guide'' #1650; February 2009; page 107) is an American comic book artist, writer, editor, and television producer. He became known in the 1990s for his work on various Valiant Comics books ...
, Frank Tieri,
Mike Grell Mike Grell (born September 13, 1947) is an American comic book writer and artist, known for his work on books such as '' Green Lantern/Green Arrow'', '' The Warlord'', and '' Jon Sable Freelance''. Early life Grell studied at the University of ...
, and
John Jackson Miller John Jackson Miller (born January 12, 1968) is an American science-fiction author, comic book writer, and commentator, known for his work on the ''Star Wars'' franchise and his research into comic book circulation history, as presented in the St ...
. Issue #41 (June 2001) was additionally numbered #386, reflecting the start of dual numbering starting from the premiere issue of Volume 1 in 1968. The final issue was dual-numbered as #434.


Volume 4

The next Iron Man series, ''Iron Man'' (vol. 4), debuted in early 2005 with the
Warren Ellis Warren Girard Ellis (born 16 February 1968) is a British comic book writer, novelist, and screenwriter. He is best known as the co-creator of several original comics series, including ''Transmetropolitan'' (1997–2002), ''Global Frequency'' ( ...
-written storyline "
Extremis ''Extremis'' is a six-issue story arc from the comic book series ''Iron Man'' (vol. 4), published in issues one through six in 2005 and 2006 by Marvel Comics. It was written by Warren Ellis and illustrated by Adi Granov. ''Extremis'' elevat ...
", with artist
Adi Granov Adi Granov (;) is a Bosnian-American comic book artist and conceptual designer. He is best known for his painted work with Marvel Comics, for whom most of his comics work is produced, in particular his work on Iron Man. He is especially known f ...
. It ran 35 issues (Jan. 2005 - Jan. 2009), with the cover logo simply ''Iron Man'', beginning with issue #13, and ''Iron Man: Director of
S.H.I.E.L.D. S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in ''Strange Tales'' #135 (August 1965), it often dea ...
'', beginning with issue #15. On the final three issues, the cover logo was overwritten by "War Machine, Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D.",''Iron Man'' (IV)
in the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators
which led to the launch of a '' War Machine'' ongoing series. '' The Invincible Iron Man'' (vol. 1), by writer
Matt Fraction Matt Fritchman (born December 1, 1975), better known by the pen name Matt Fraction, is an Eisner Award-winning American comic book writer, known for his work as the writer of '' The Invincible Iron Man'', '' The Immortal Iron Fist'', ''Uncanny ...
and artist
Salvador Larroca Salvador Larroca () is a Spanish comic book artist, primarily known for his American work on various ''X-Men'' titles for Marvel Comics. Career After several years of working as a Cartography, cartographer, he began working as a comic artist at ...
, began with a premiere issue cover dated July 2008. For a seven-month overlap, Marvel published both Volume 4 and Volume 5 simultaneously. This ''Invincible'' volume jumped its numbering of issues from #33 to #500, cover-dated March 2011, to reflect the start from the premiere issue of Volume 1 in 1968.


Volume 5

After the conclusion of ''The Invincible Iron Man'' (vol. 1), a new Iron Man series was started as a part of
Marvel NOW! Marvel Now! (stylized as Marvel NOW!) is a comic book branding for the relaunch of several ongoing comic books published by Marvel Comics, that debuted in October 2012 with new #1 issues. The relaunch also included some new titles, including '' U ...
. Written by
Kieron Gillen Kieron Michael Gillen (; born 30 September 1975) is a British comic book writer and former video game and music journalist. In comics, Gillen is known for ''Phonogram'' and ''The Wicked + The Divine'', both co-created with artist Jamie McKelvie ...
and illustrated by
Greg Land Greg Land (born 1956) is an American comic book artist, best known for his work on books such as ''Uncanny X-Men'', ''Birds of Prey'', and ''Fantastic Four''. Career Greg Land first got a job with an independent publisher as the artist for ''Stor ...
, it began with issue #1 in November 2012, and ended with issue #28 in June 2014. The fifth volume consists of the "Iron Metropolitan" and "Rings of the Mandarin" story arcs. The volume also revealed that Tony was adopted, and that he had a disabled half-brother named
Arno The Arno is a river in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is the most important river of central Italy after the Tiber. Source and route The river originates on Monte Falterona in the Casentino area of the Apennines, and initially takes a s ...
.


Collected editions


''Marvel Masterworks: Iron Man''


''Essential Iron Man''


Iron Man ''Epic Collection''s


''Iron Man Omnibus''


''Iron Man''


''Heroes Reborn''/''Heroes Return''


''Iron Man'' (vol. 4)/''Invincible Iron Man'' (vol. 1)


Marvel NOW!


Miniseries


See also

* ''
Infamous Iron Man ''Infamous Iron Man'' is a 12-issue American comic book miniseries featuring the Marvel Comics character Victor Von Doom. Written by comic veteran Brian Michael Bendis, and drawn by Alex Maleev, the series began publication in October 2016. ''I ...
''


References


External links


''Iron Man''
at Cover Browser {{Iron Man, state=collapsed 1968 comics debuts Comics by Archie Goodwin (comics) Comics by David Michelinie Comics by Dennis O'Neil Comics by Gerry Conway Comics by John Byrne (comics) Comics by Len Wein Comics by Roger Stern Comics by Roy Thomas Iron Man Marvel Comics titles