It began in March of 1963. Marvel Comics writer Stan Lee was on a roll, having created Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, and Thor in the preceding year, all of which would quickly become flagship characters for the label, and eventually star in TV shows, video games, and movies. His next major creation came in Tales of Suspense issue #39, titled Iron Man Is Born! The issue was scripted by Lee's brother Larry Lieber based on a story that Lee wrote himself, and was penciled by legendary artist Don Heck.
At the time, Vietnam was the most violent place in the world and the war itself was picking up faster and faster. Communism was public enemy number one and war profiteers were a close second. Perhaps the reason Iron Man has been so popular throughout his history was because of his constantly-updating relevance to current events, as was portrayed in his origin and, more recently, his movie. Since Iron Man's identity and powers are technology-driven and man-made, the character has been able to continue updating itself to keep up with the times, resulting in a lasting quality that a lack of has caused other heroes to fade into obscurity.
And so, in this time when weapons manufacturers, industrialists and many politicians were hated by the general public of the United States for their critical involvement in an increasingly unpopular war, Stan Lee had the idea to take one of these despised characters and make him one of the most admired and cherished fictional peronas in culture: a super hero. But how could he create a protagonist who exemplified this position but was still likeable and believeable as a hero?
The answer came in Anthony Edward Stark, a young, handsome, charming, wealthy, and intelligent playboy industrialist weapons designer who made millions selling his futuristic inventions to the United States government. He was exactly the kind of man America loved to hate. Tony was based on Howard Hughes - he was a test pilot for the future, strong-willed, genius, and a just a little bit insane.In Tales #39, we are introduced to the character as he demonstrates his new invention to the Army, deep in the heart of the Communist empire--Vietnam. After the demonstration, Tony and his military escort are walking through the jungle back to the base when the escort springs an explosive booby trap.
Lying wounded on the jungle floor, Tony is discovered and captured by the red leader Wong-Chu, and when Tony awakens, he is informed of the grim truth: in the explosion, a piece of shrapnel was lodged in his chest and draws nearer to piercing his heart with every beat. They tell Tony that he is to make weapons for them, and if he does, they will save him. He knows they're lying. With the help of fellow prisoner and scientist Ho Yinsen, He constructs an invincible iron suit, the chestpiece of which will keep his heart beating as long as he is wearing it and it is charged. But as Tony finishes dressing himself in the armor, Wong-Chu's men become suspicious and come to investigate. In order to buy Tony more time, Yinsen selflessly uses himself as a distraction, and is murdered by the reds. Tony then blasts his way out of the compound, freeing himself and avenging his good friend's death.
The issue was a hit. Iron Man was becoming popular and it was still the beginning of a long and still-running reign for the righteous Golden Avenger.
To be continued...
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