The legendary words, “I am Iron Man,” resonate deeply, symbolizing the inseparable bond between Tony Stark and his alter ego, Iron Man. While it may be challenging to envision Stark without his armored persona, it is equally true that Iron Man could not have emerged in the same capacity without the man behind the suit.
Throughout the Marvel narrative, several characters have donned Iron Man-like suits, whether they were original designs by Stark or adaptations made for allies like Rhodey’s War Machine. However, only a select few have dared to embrace the name “Iron Man”and shoulder the expectations that accompany it. Very few have managed to elevate the legacy of Iron Man beyond what Stark has established.
10 Doctor Doom
Infamous Iron Man #1-12, by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Aleev
In the wake of crucial events like Secret Wars and Civil War II, Doctor Doom stands at a pivotal moment, striving for redemption. With Tony Stark presumed deceased following the turbulence of the conflicts, Doom seizes the chance to honor a complicated legacy while embarking on a path to atone for his past. Thus, he rebrands himself as the Infamous Iron Man, endeavoring to reconcile his villainous history with a more heroic purpose.
This storyline intricately explores the dual nature of Doctor Doom, portraying him not merely as a villain but as a character attempting genuine transformation in a realm where forgiveness may seem elusive.
9 “Happy”Hogan (with the Iron Legion)
The Iron Legion Debuts in Iron Man #300 by Len Kaminski, Kevin Hopgood, Steve Mitchell, Ariane Lenshoek, and Ken Lopez
Harold “Happy”Hogan, often recognized as Tony Stark’s loyal chauffeur and friend, proved that he was more than just Stark’s support system. When catastrophe struck, Hogan emerged as an Iron Man alongside an ensemble of support personnel from Stark’s life. Confronted with the menace of the Mandarin and his powerful Ultimo, Rhodey assembled a team consisting of Hogan, Eddie March, Michael O’Brien, Bethany Cabe, and Carl Walker to form the Iron Legion. Together, this group donned Iron Man suits to face the formidable threat, achieving surprising success against Ultimo.
8 Sonny Frisco’s Iron Man 2099
Secret Wars 2099 #1 by Peter David, William Sinney, Antonio Fabela, Andrew Mossa, and Joe Caramagna
Set in the futuristic landscape of 2099, Sonny Frisco mirrors the archetype of Tony Stark as an inventive genius. As a member of the Avengers appointed by Tyler Stone of Alchemax, Frisco becomes one of the most formidable Iron Man variants. His advanced armor showcases capabilities that arguably surpass Stark’s original designs, including enhanced speed and destructive energy blasts, setting a new benchmark for what Iron Man can achieve.
Frisco proves that it takes more than just the suit to embody Iron Man; his ingenuity propels him to craft armor that outperforms previous iterations.
7 Howard Stark of the New Ultimate Universe
In an alternate reality known as Earth-6160, Howard Stark emerges as Iron Man, taking on the role typically held by his son, Tony. In this timeline, Howard’s technological genius leads him to develop Iron Man technology well ahead of his son’s time, leading to widespread innovations. Despite his well-intentioned endeavors, Howard finds himself entangled in conflicts with The Maker’s Cabal, culminating in a supposed demise that propels Tony to honor his father’s legacy as Iron Lad.
6 Steve Rogers (in Bullet Points Reality)
Bullet Points #1 by J. Michael Straczynski, Tommy Lee Edwards, and John Workman
In the unique setting of Earth-70105, the trajectory of Steve Rogers’ life diverges dramatically when Dr. Abraham Erskine dies before administering the Super Soldier Serum. Instead, Rogers becomes sutured into a metal battle suit under Project Iron Man. This suit ensures he plays a pivotal role in World War II, although it effectively binds him to its use for decades until he faces another adversary, a Hulk-like Peter Parker.
5 Tony’s Brain Tumor Anthony, in the Original Ultimate Universe
The Ultimates #10 by Jonathan Hickman, Sam Humphries, Luke Ross, Matthew Wilson, Clayton Cowles
In the original Ultimate Universe, Tony Stark grapples with what he believes to be a brain tumor that bizarrely manifests as a sentient child he names Anthony. Initially perceiving the entity as a hallucination, Tony soon discovers that Anthony is, in fact, an Infinity Stone. After the stone is extracted, Tony succumbs to its removal, but its consciousness integrates with his Iron Man suit, fashioning a new identity for Iron Man.
4 Nick Travis
Iron Man: The End #1 by David Michelinie, Bob Layton, Mike Cavallaro, Artmonkey Studios
In a non-canonical finale titled Iron Man: The End, an older Tony Stark recognizes his limitations and chooses Nick Travis, a promising MIT student, as his successor. As Travis takes on the mantle of Iron Man, he and Stark develop the most advanced suit yet while navigating their contrasting personalities and visions. Ultimately, they work together to confront a final adversary, culminating in the announcement of Travis as the new Iron Man.
3 James Stark
Avengers Twilight by Chip Zdarsky and Daniel Acuna
James Stark, the son of Iron Man and Janet van Dyne (The Wasp), initially walks a darker path. In the dystopian landscape of Avengers Twilight, he utilizes his father’s legacy for personal gain, transforming into a formidable adversary for the Avengers. His tailored Iron Man suit rivals his father’s technology, reflecting both power and moral ambiguity as he navigates his complex identity.
2 James “Rhodey”Rhodes
Iron Man #170 by Denny O’Neil, Luke McDonnell, Steve Mitchell, Bob Sharen, and Rich Parker
Rhodey Rhodes infamously steps into the role of Iron Man during Tony Stark’s darkest hours, a time marked by Stark’s struggle with alcoholism. In Iron Man #170, with Stark incapacitated after revealing his identity in a drunken stupor, Rhodes takes command of the suit to confront the villain Magma, showcasing his bravery and resilience. His successful defense ultimately leads to Rhodey becoming known as War Machine, further solidifying his legacy as a hero in his own right.
Through these varied narratives, we see the enduring influence of Iron Man beyond Tony Stark. Each successor, from Doctor Doom to Rhodey Rhodes, carries forward the essence of Iron Man while forging distinctive legacies that contribute to the rich tapestry of the Marvel Universe.
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