Tony Stark (an American billionaire, industrialist, engineer, weapons designer/dealer, and extreme capitalist), while on business in Viet Nam, triggered an explosive booby-trap, which damaged his heart (that had bits of shrapnel all around it). He was then captured by Communist war-lord Wong Chu, and forced to design a weapon of mass destruction for him in return for his life.Tony is given the help of another prisoner (the kindly Prof. Ho Yinsin) to build the weapon. Instead, the two men created a heavy, gray armored metallic suit for Tony, so he could escape. The suit would give Tony superhuman strength, the ability to fly at super-sonic speed, fire magnetic energy beams from his gloves, and fire missiles; as well as having a chest-plate that would preserve his life, by keeping the shrapnel from his heart. While the suit was charging, Prof. Yinsin sacrificed his life to give Tony time to escape. This he did, destroying Wong Chu, his followers, and fortress in the process. Tony returned to America to begin his amazing new life. His armor was gold, but still bulky, in the following issue. He developed his streamlined red and gold armor in issue #48. He faced many foes (too many to count) including---The Mandarin, The Titanium Man, and The Crimson Dynamo (to name a few).In Sept. 1963, Iron Man helped form the super-hero team, The Avengers, of which he is still currently a member. He has also designed weapons for S.H.I.E.L.D., The Avengers, and the X-Men.
Iron Man received his own self-titled comic in May 1968. He was supported by his secretary (and girlfriend), 'Pepper' Potts and his chauffeur, 'Happy Hogan; who both knew his identity. By issue #116, Tony had developed an addiction to alcohol.
Iron Man has drawn by many truly classic artists including---Don Heck,Jack Kirby,Steve Ditko, Gene Colan (my personal favorite), and George Tuska; during the 60's & 70's.
Iron Man has been part of many animated series, an animated feature film, and now, 4 live-action movies. In 2008, Iron Man / Tony Stark was brought to vivid life, by Robert Downey Jr., in the movie, "Iron Man". Robert Downey Jr. excellently conveyed all of the sarcastic wit, arrogance, cockiness and conceit needed to play billionaire Tony Stark (and his alter-ego) to perfection. His amazing portrayal carried on to "Iron Man 2" and "The Avengers" (last year's Box Office champ, and one of the best superhero movies ever made). I'm definitely looking forward to "Iron Man 3", which comes out in a few days (on May 3, 2013 ).
Iron Man has now secured his 'invincible' legacy, for the years to come.
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