Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, has become one of the most popular superheroes in the world, thanks in large part to his 2008 film, which kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise. Indeed, many of the MCU’s movies take direct inspiration from some of the best Iron Man stories. Ever since his debut in 1963, the founding Avenger has built decades’ worth of gripping storylines that have cemented him as one of the most engaging and morally complex superheroes in Marvel Comics. Although he’s most well-known for his vast array of suits, many of Iron Man’s best stories instead focus on the deeply flawed and regretful man beneath the armor.
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Even though he’s one of the smartest men in the world and the owner of countless powerful armors, Iron Man is by no means perfect because he’s made his fair share of mistakes that have cost many people their lives. Still, every day he puts on his armor so that he can do good and repent for his misdeeds. It’s his tragic yet relatable motivation and weaknesses that have allowed the Armored Avenger to secure his place among the best superheroes of all time.
10) Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Following Iron Man’s victory during Civil War and the passage of the Superhuman Registration Act, the hero is rewarded for his actions by becoming the new director of S.H.I.E.L.D. The story follows Tony as he becomes one of the most powerful people on the planet and the head of a global peacekeeping agency. The weight of his new position burdens Tony, as he must balance defending the free world with keeping the superhero community in check. If all of this wasn’t enough, he must also confront his archnemesis, the Mandarin, who has returned with a new scheme to wipe out 98% of humanity. It’s an epic storyline that offers great character introspection for Tony in the lens of a political and spy thriller.
9) “The Mask in the Iron Man”
Tony has always relied on his suits to be a superhero, but in “The Mask in the Iron Man,” his own armor turns against him. When his latest armor becomes sentient, Tony must take responsibility for this new life form and teach it to use its destructive potential for good. It’s a shocking premise: Tony is practically thrust into fatherhood and must struggle with his own shortcomings if he wants to teach the armor about the nature of humanity and heroism. The armor itself is a fascinating character because it both desires its “father’s” approval but is also quick to resort to murder. “The Mask in the Iron Man” offers a unique look into the relationship between Tony and his most incredible creation.
8) “Doomquest”
Iron Man and Doctor Doom are the two most popular armored characters in Marvel Comics, and “DoomQuest” puts the hero and villain in a battle that takes them back in time to Arthurian Camelot. A magical mishap accidentally lands them in the middle of the opposing sides in the war between King Arthur and the sorceress Morgan Le Fay. Although initially Iron Man fights for King Arthur and Doctor Doom fights for Morgan Le Fay, the two super-geniuses realize that they must work together if they want to return home. The story is a fun and creative tale that sees two of the most technologically savvy Marvel characters trapped in a primitive time of magic and superstition.
7) “Extremis”
The comic series that helped lay the blueprint for Iron Man’s portrayal in the MCU, “Extremis” updates the Armored Avenger’s origin and character for the modern age. The story follows Tony as he contemplates what good his technology has actually accomplished for the world. At the same time, a new super-soldier serum called Extremis is being used by terrorists threatening to throw the world into chaos. Things become so dire that Tony begins upgrading his own body, risking becoming more machine than man. The thought-provoking story makes Tony stronger than he ever was before, as well as lays the groundwork for all future Iron Man stories and the MCU.
6) Iron Monger Saga
Another storyline that helped shape much of the first Iron Man movie, the Iron Monger Saga has Tony face off against the man who tried to systematically destroy every part of his life: Obidiah Stane, aka Iron Monger. The maniacal billionaire Stane seizes control of Tony’s company, resulting in the hero losing his fortune and spiraling into alcoholism. However, even after losing everything, Tony picks himself back up and dons his Silver Centurion armor to face off against Stane. Of course, Stane is prepared for this and debuts his Iron Monger suit to combat his heroic rival. It’s an epic story that displays Tony’s perseverance and acts as the finale of the feud between the two billionaire geniuses.
5) “Deliverance”
Iron Man’s most recurring threat isn’t villains like the Mandarin or Obidiah Stane, but instead his own alcoholism. After losing his company and friends, Tony is left destitute and consequently falls off the wagon. As Tony drowns his sorrows, he feels like a worthless failure who should just let himself freeze to death during a blizzard. However, Tony finds the spark to keep living when he helps his homeless friend who goes into labor on the frigid street. The story doesn’t end on the happiest of notes, and Tony doesn’t put on his Iron Man suit even once. However, that’s alright because it’s instead a tale of hitting rock bottom, finding hope in a bleak world, and showing that a person doesn’t need a costume to be a hero.
4) Confession
Iron Man’s side may have won the battle against Captain America during Civil War, but the victory gives him no satisfaction. After America’s hero is assassinated, a repentant Tony weeps over the body of his fallen friend. Tony can do nothing but wish that things had gone differently, and states that winning the conflict wasn’t worth him losing his morals and friend. For many people, Civil War left a lasting stain on the Armored Avenger’s legacy because of the moral compromises he makes to emerge victorious. However, Confession does a fantastic job of showing how Tony hates himself for what he has done, and it helps pave the way for his redemption. It’s a heartbreaking story about a man who wishes that he could undo his mistakes.
3) “Armor Wars”
Tony is willing to do anything to ensure that his technology doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. When Tony discovers that his armor designs were stolen, he begins a one-man-crusade to get them back. Tony’s drive to prevent future catastrophes leads him to take drastic measures that put him at odds with the U.S. Government, the Soviet Union, S.H.I.E.L.D., and even fellow heroes. It’s this willingness to commit actions with severe unintended consequences for the greater good that becomes a staple of Tony’s character and influences many future storylines like Civil War. “Armor Wars” is a heart-pounding thrill ride with countless twists that explores the morally grey nature of the Armored Avenger.
2) “World’s Most Wanted”
After the events of Secret Invasion, the villain Norman Osborn becomes the new head of S.H.I.E.L.D., and his first directive is to issue a warrant for Tony’s arrest. Osborn did this because, within Tony’s cybernetic implants, lies the only copy of the Superhuman Registration Act files, which contains the secret identities of almost every superhero. To protect the files and ensure Osborn can’t misuse his technology, Tony begins a global trek as a fugitive. The story has Tony ask if he’s willing to sacrifice everything, including his own mind, to ensure that the files don’t fall into enemy hands. “World’s Most Wanted” acts as the redemption arc for Tony as he tries to undo the mistakes he made during Civil War.
1) “Demon in a Bottle”
One of the darkest and most nuanced stories Marvel has ever told, “Demon in a Bottle” is the definitive Iron Man story because it shows the Armored Avenger at his most human. The stress of his superhero career and the threat of losing his company led Tony to drink excessively. By succumbing to his addiction, Tony’s problems only get worse, and he pushes away his loved ones. It’s a haunting story that introduces Tony’s battle against alcoholism. The story has been praised for its realistic and timeless portrayal of how addiction can destroy a person and the people around them. Where previous Iron Man comics portrayed him as a confident, genius, armored superhero, “Demon in a Bottle” peels back the layers to reveal the vulnerable, relatable character hidden beneath.
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