Now that the MCU’sIron Manreboot is a certainty, there are several Tony Stark comics Marvel Studios could eventually adapt.Iron Man was always a key player in Marvel Comics, but it was the MCU that transformed him into a global icon. Backed by a strong team of producers, directors, and writers, Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man became the cornerstone of a multi-billion-dollar franchise.
Throughout the MCU’s Infinity Saga, many of Iron Man’s most iconic comic book arcs found their way to the screen. Elements from stories likeExtremisandCivil Warwere adapted with a modern spin. Still, several major Iron Man comic arcs remain untouched, which leaves open the possibility for future adaptations once Marvel Studios finds its next Tony Stark.
10Iron Man: Enter The Mandarin
Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin(2007);Written by Joe Casey; Art by Eric Canete, Dave Stewart
Iron Man: Enter the Mandarinis a six-issue comic miniseries that reimagines Tony Stark’s first encounter with his most iconic nemesis.Set early in Iron Man’s career,Enter the Mandarintackles high-tech espionage during the Cold War. As is usual with the best Iron Man stories, Tony Stark must outwit his foe beyond his technological comfort zone.
Following a reboot,Enter the Mandarincould be the first in a string of showdowns where Xu Wenwu is the star.
Iron Man: Enter the Mandarinis an ideal foundation for the MCU’s next Iron Man. After the MCU overlookedTony Stark’s lifelong feud with the Mandarin, anEnter the Mandarinadaptation could finally pit them against each other. Following a reboot,Enter the Mandarincould be the first in a string of showdowns where Xu Wenwu is the star.
9I Am Iron Man
I Am Iron Man(2008); Written by Peter David; Art by Sean Chen, Guru eFX
I Am Iron Manis a 2008 miniseries that revisits key moments in Tony Stark’s life, from his origin in the cave to battles with villains like Iron Monger and Fin Fang Foom. It condenses Iron Man’s early years into a streamlined narrative.I Am Iron Manis structured as a reflection by Tony Stark himself, making it an effective summary of his evolution from the hero’s perspective.
Starting a new Iron Man arc with the last line uttered by Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark would be nothing short of poetic.
Instead of rehashingIron Man’s origin story, the MCU could use a similar structure toI Am Iron Manto summarize the new Tony Stark’s early years before launching into his present-day story. James Gunn’sSupermanskips Superman’s first three years as superhero. A few years later, the MCU could do the same, but provide a heartfelt recap before cutting to the chase.
8Iron Man: Doomquest
Iron Man: Doomquest(1981); Written by David Michelinie; Art by Bob Layton, John Romita Jr., Ben Sean
Iron Man: Doomquestis a classic two-part arc where Tony Stark and Victor Von Doom are sent back in time to Camelot. Despite their ideological differences, both men need to cooperate to return to their era.Doomquestexplores how similar Iron Man and Doctor Doom are in terms of intellect, pride, and leadership instincts.
Iron Man: Doomquestcould be ideal for introducing a rebooted Iron Man and a rebooted Doctor Doom in the MCU. With Robert Downey Jr. long gone from both roles, Marvel could recast both Tony Stark and Victor Von Doom in a new Iron Man movie. Downey’s influence on both characters makesDoomquesta symbolic next step in the franchise.
7Armor Wars
Armor Wars(1987–1988); Written by David Michelinie, Bob Layton; Art by Mark D. Bright, Barry Windsor-Smith, Bob Sharen
Armor Warsfamously sees Tony Stark discover that his armored technology has been stolen and distributed. Determined to prevent others from misusing his inventions, Stark goes rogue, battling allies and enemies alike in a crusade to shut down every unauthorized suit.Armor Warsexplores Tony’s responsibility and willingness to sacrifice his public image.
A post-Secret Wars Armor Warsmovie could allow for a rebooted Tony Stark to appear alongside Rhodey
WhileanArmor Warsmovie has been confirmed for a while, it likely won’t release until afterAvengers: Secret Warsreshapes the MCU timeline. A post-Secret Wars Armor Warsmovie could allow for a rebooted Tony Stark to appear alongside Rhodey. Together, they could honor Robert Downey Jr.’s legacy before a brand-new Stark-centered story begins.
6Ultimate Iron Man
Ultimate Iron Man(2005); Written by Orson Scott Card; Art by Andy Kubert, Danny Miki, Richard Isanove
Ultimate Iron Manreimagines Tony Stark with a drastically different origin and personality. This version of Tony has enhanced biology, was raised in an ultra-corporate environment, and builds his armor as a teenager.While controversial,Ultimate Iron Manintroduces unique elements like biotech armor and a deeply insecure Stark.
Marvel Studios has borrowed heavily from the Ultimate Universe, including Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury and Spider-Man’s modern tone. However, Ultimate Iron Man remains mostly untouched. A rebooted MCU could draw on Ultimate Tony Stark’s biotech suit designs and corporate paranoia to reinvent Stark’s world in a rebooted MCU.
5The Five Nightmares of Tony Stark
The Five Nightmares of Tony Stark(2008); Written by Matt Fraction; Art by Salvador Larroca, Frank D’Armata
The Five Nightmares of Tony Starkexplores Iron Man’s psyche through the lens of his worst fears, such as losing control of his technology, becoming obsolete, and having his legacy twisted by others.Five Nightmareintroduces Ezekiel Stane, a next-gen terrorist who uses Stark’s own tech innovations against him. Here more than ever, Iron Man grapples with the idea that he’s no longer ahead of the curve.
AfterIronheartset up Ezekiel Stane’s villain turn, Obadiah Stane’s son could fight a rebooted Tony Stark.
WhileIron Man 3andAvengers: Age of Ultrontouched on Tony’s fear-driven decisions and guilt, the MCU never fully explored the existential dread that definesFive Nightmares. A rebooted MCU could dig deeper into a younger Stark’s paranoia. With a new actor in the role, aFive Nightmaresadaptation could offer the most intimate Iron Man movie to date.
4Iron Man: Director of SHIELD
Iron Man: Director of SHIELD(2007); Written by Daniel Knauf, Charles Knauf; Art by Roberto de la Torre, Dean White
Iron Man: Director of SHIELDfollows Tony Stark as he steps into a leadership role afterIron Man’s role inCivil War. This arc explores the political and ethical weight of running the world’s most powerful intelligence agency, as Tony Stark tries to maintain order. All along, Stark continues to confront new enemies and balance his Iron Man responsibilities.
It would be extremely difficult to replace Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic Nick Fury portrayal in an MCU reboot. So,rather than recast Fury or pivot to Nick Fury Sr., Marvel could make a new Tony Stark the next Director of SHIELD. Such a shift would honor the comics while offering a new, high-stakes direction for Iron Man.
3Superior Iron Man
Superior Iron Man(2014–2015); Written by Tom Taylor; Art by Yildiray Çinar, Guru eFX
Superior Iron Manpresents a darker version of Tony Stark who becomes obsessed with perfection after gaining a new perspective duringAXIS. This evil version of Stark distributes the Extremis app to the public, only to charge exorbitant prices once they become addicted.Superior Iron Manpushes Tony into villain territory in ways few arcs ever have.
Superior Iron Manlikely wouldn’t be the best starting point for a newly rebooted Tony Stark. Nevertheless, it’s a memorable modern classic that deserves an eventual live-action adaptation. Once audiences are familiar and comfortable with a new Iron Man, Marvel could dive into hisSuperiorstint, at least for a brief period.
2The Invincible Iron Man: World’s Most Wanted
The Invincible Iron Man: World’s Most Wanted(2009); Written by Matt Fraction; Art by Salvador Larroca, Frank D’Armata
The Invincible Iron Man: World’s Most Wantedfollows Tony Stark on the run after Norman Osborn rises to power followingSecret Invasion. With Osborn hunting him for the sensitive information in his brain, Stark systematically erases his mind.World’s Most Wantedis a psychological and physical gauntlet that strips Iron Man down to his core.
A showdown between Norman Osborn and Tony Stark is too good for the MCU to ignore
LikeSuperior Iron Man,World’s Most Wantedwould be best suited for a later chapter in the rebooted MCU. AWorld’s Most Wantedadaptation also offers the perfect excuse to introduce a new version of Norman Osborn, who’s long been absent from the main MCU. A showdown between Norman Osborn and Tony Stark is too good for the MCU to ignore.
1Invincible Iron Man (2016)
Invincible Iron Man(2016); Written by Brian Michael Bendis; Art by Stefano Caselli, Marte Gracia
Brian Michael Bendis' 2016Invincible Iron Manarc begins with Tony Stark missing after the events ofCivil War II. In his absence, Riri Williams takes up the mantle of Ironheart while Victor Von Doom wears Stark-inspired armor and claims to be the newIron Man. Meanwhile,Tony Stark exists only as an A.I.until his surprise return.
The 2016Invincible Iron Manrun is ideal for launching a rebooted Iron Man in the MCU. AfterAvengers: Secret Warspotentially resets the timeline, the MCU could begin a new era with Stark already gone and Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams facing a recast Doctor Doom. The eventual reveal of Tony Stark’s return would be a huge moment both inside and outside the screen.
