Iron Man (Vol 1 1968) Issues 1-50
In the initial run of Iron Man issues 1-50, the series established Tony Stark as a complex superhero, intertwining his persona as a brilliant inventor and industrialist with his covert life as the armored Iron Man. Stan Lee, who laid the groundwork, was soon joined by writers such as Archie Goodwin, who significantly shaped the series’ direction by deepening Tony Stark’s character and introducing a substantial rogues' gallery. The artwork in these early issues was notably handled by artists like Gene Colan and Don Heck, whose distinctive styles helped define the visual aesthetic of Iron Man. These artists brought Tony Stark's world to life with vivid detail and dynamic action sequences, setting a high standard for the series’ artistic direction. This period is crucial for establishing many of the foundational elements that would define Iron Man's character and his struggles, both as a superhero and as a flawed human being. Key Issues include :
#1 - 1st ongoing Iron Man title series, Origin of Iron Man
#2 - 1st appearance of Demolisher & Janice Cord
#12 - 1st appearance of the Controller
#13 - 2nd appearance of the Controller
#15 - 1st appearance of Alex Nevsky (later Crimson Dynamo)
#21 - 1st appearance of Crimson Dynamo III
#22 - Death of Janice Cord
#27 - 1st appearance of Firebrand
#33 - 1st appearance of Spymaster
#43 - 1st appearance of the Guardsman
#46 - Death of the Guardsman
