Marvel Profiles: ‘Iron Man’

Tony Stark is “the cool exec with the heart of steel.” He’s a genius, playboy, billionaire, philanthropist, and he’s not afraid to let everyone know. Thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Stark and his alter ego, the Invincible Iron Man have become a household name. But where did the golden Avenger really come from?

Created by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber with art by Don Heck and Jack Kirby, Iron Man was introduced in 1963 in Tales of Suspense #39. Based on Howard Hughes and made to be a symbol against the Cold War, most of his early villains were from the Soviet Union. Their purpose was to steal or destroy technology Stark had created to aid National Defense Agencies like the Army.

Of course he was already inventing technology before he could even drive. While on a trip to Vietnam to aid the Army, Stark stepped on a booby trap was severely wounded. He was captured by Wong Chu, a local Warlord who wanted Stark to build weapons for his forces. His life hanging by a threat, Stark was saved by a fellow prisoner named Ho Yinsen, a scientist in his own regard. Together, the two designed and built a chest plate which was capable of keeping Stark’s injured heart beating. Realizing the chest piece could also work to power other devices, Stark and Yinsen built a suit of armor and gave birth to Iron Man.

While still in Vietnam and trying to make his way back, he met a soldier named James Rhodes, who was one of the first trusted with Stark’s true identity as Iron Man. He would later get his own armor and become known as War Machine. After escaping the country and returning to America, Stark used the Iron Man armor to fight against many villains, create new technologies, but dealt with many struggles along the way. He would redesign his armor into many different versions, but would realize the weapons he created were hurting people and focused his company, Stark Industries on technology which could benefit humanity. He would also lose his business to Obadiah Stane and have to start again from the bottom, become both the Secretary of Defense and the leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. and become a member of The Illuminati, a group designed to keep the bigger threats of the world in check behind the scenes.

Stark is blessed with many allies who have his back when the chips are down and many villains who want nothing more than to see him dead. His right hand woman, Victoria “Pepper” Potts has stuck beside him for many years and is the love of his life but the two are always just able to be together. One of the best examples is when she married, Harold “Happy” Hogan, Stark’s chauffeur. Happy would unfortunately meet his end at the hands of villain known as Spymaster during Civil War. His enemies would include armored fiends trying to test his metal such as Crimson Dynamo, Titanium Man, and Iron Monger. He would also face organizations of evil such as A.I.M. and their most recognized member, M.O.D.O.K.

Other than the Illuminati, Stark as Iron Man has been a part of many teams throughout the Marvel Universe. He started as one of the first Avengers, but went on to join other split off teams such as The Avengers West Coast, the New Avengers, and The Mighty Avengers. He would also create his own team called Force Works, and briefly be a part of teams such as The Thunderbolts and The Guardians of the Galaxy.

Throughout his career, Stark has had two great enemies. The first, The Mandarin, is a man who not only has utilized ten rings, each with their own unique power but is also a master strategist. He sees both Stark and Iron Man to be obstacles which stand in the way of his destiny of ruling the world. His second greatest enemy is his personal battle with Alcoholism. His struggle is one hel deals with even today and has cost him the trust of friends, the comfort of lovers, and the business he dedicated his life to advancing. Still, despite the efforts of many, Stark has shown he can be tough as nails, resourceful in a pinch, and can create technology which allows him to keep saving the world as Iron Man.