Iron Man is one of the most popular comic book characters right now, but his popularity also comes with a lengthy history spanning over 60 years. When we talk about heroes like him, it’s always hard to know: what’s the best comic to start with? Well, actually, now is the perfect moment to do that. A must-read new story by Joshua Williamson, the current writer for Superman, is out as of today.
Williamson hasn’t worked with Marvel for a while, so it’ll be interesting to see how he tackles the story and whether he brings freshness to it. He has said he has been collecting many ideas in a dedicated notebook, which also might indicate we get a long series — and that means there’s no better time to be an Iron Man fan.
But we can’t forget all the smash hits from the character’s extensive history. We’ve prepared a list featuring many other comics, both old and new, for all kinds of fans. Even if you’ve been reading Iron Man for a while, this might just give you the push to read that comic that has been collecting dust on your bookshelf.
1. Iron Man (2026)
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Carmen Carnero
You don’t need to be up to date to start with the latest series! Williamson returns to Marvel and promises to give Tony a new archenemy. The new run will also see Madame Masque creating a weapon even more powerful than Iron Man’s suit.
2. Iron Man: The Mask in the Iron Man
Writer: Joe Quesada
Artist: Sean Chen
Issues: Iron Man #26-#30
The relationship between the hero and his suit has been explored many times, but Quesada is one of the writers who did it best. Here we see a more reflective and vulnerable Tony dealing with a sentient Iron Man armor. The dialogue is pitch-perfect, and watching the armor evolve is an unsettling experience.
3. I Am Iron Man
Writer: Murewa Ayodele
Artist: Adedotun Akande
As a celebration of Iron Man‘s 60th anniversary, Ayodele and Akande explore the character’s rich history in five fantastic issues. You can feel their love for him on every page, and it’ll make you want to like him as much as they do.
4. Invincible Iron Man Vol. 1: The Five Nightmares
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Salvador Larroca
It’s Tony’s turn to come face to face with a younger, smarter, and more dangerous version of himself. Ezekiel Stane, the revenge-bent son of his archenemy, is a terrifying villain and one of the best things about this book. Also, we get an incredible issue reuniting Iron Man and Spider-Man after Civil War.
5. Iron Man: Heroes Return
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Sean Chen
Busiek brings Tony Stark back to his roots as a businessman and superhero. It’s a series that focuses more on characterization than action or any crazy twists, and is a fun and straightforward read.
6. Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin
Writer: Joe Casey
Artist: Eric Canete
This series recreates Iron Man’s first meetings with the Mandarin, honoring their classic stories while bringing something new to the table. It’s a great way for new readers to understand their heated rivalry and see Mandarin as the threat he is.
7. Iron Man: Demon in a Bottle
Writer: David Michelinie, Bob Layton
Artist: Bob Layton, John Romita Jr.
Even for beginners, Demon in a Bottle probably needs no introduction. This is one of Tony’s character-defining moments, aided by one of the most iconic comic covers in history. It’s a daring exploration of Tony’s alcoholism, and it’s no surprise that it’s still applauded today.
8. Iron Man: Doomquest
Writer: David Michelinie, Bob Layton
Artist: Bob Layton
This is an essential story to understand Iron Man’s rivalry with Doctor Doom. But most of all, this is just an incredibly fun two-issue story. It has all the fantastical shenanigans you’d want from an old comic, such as Tony and King Arthur fighting Doom and Morgan le Fay.
9. Iron Man Vol. 1: Believe
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Greg Land
Gillen reintroduces Extremis, a nanovirus, as it’s distributed around the world. That forces Iron Man to face various antagonists and use different suits to stop it from spreading. It’s a solid and casual adventure, perfect for new readers.
10. Iron Man: War Machine
Writer: Len Kaminski
Artist: Kev Hopgood
The War Machine and James Rhodes’s friendship with Tony Stark are extremely important to the Iron Man mythos. Here you’ll see how Rhodey assumes Tony’s place as the CEO of Stark Enterprises and grows into the suit.
11. Superior Iron Man
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Yıldıray Çınar
This takes Iron Man in a different direction, as the AXIS event turns him into an even more self-absorbed douche and the villain of the story. It’s a very interesting concept and also a great read for Daredevil fans.
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