While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is cashing in on Tony Stark’s image to portray Doctor Doom, it’s really missing a chance to show off one of the coolest rogue versions of Iron Man. Long before a Robert Downey Junior was cast as Doom, the comics had a much more unique way of having Stark break bad.
If there’s one thing the 2014 crossover series AXIS is remembered for, it’s for a pivotal moment in which a spell which inverted the moralities of numerous Marvel heroes and villains. One such hero affected by this spell was Iron Man, and he actually ensured his status as a villain remained by shielding his mind when the spell was undone.
Calling himself the ‘Superior’ Iron Man, Stark relocated to San Francisco, where he debuted Extremis 3.0, a free version of his virus to perfect people’s minds and bodies. But once people were addicted to the improvements Extremis 3.0 gave their bodies, Stark limited the service and charged people nearly a hundred dollars a day to continue using it.
Superior Iron Man Was a Tony Stark at His Absolute Worst
But He Was Incredibly Interesting to Watch
The Superior Iron Man series was engaging because it gave fans a look at the danger Stark could be if he never became the hero he is today. Or worse, the threat he’d be if he actively tried to use his genius for his own financial benefit. With no one to keep him in check, Tony can be a monster.
Unfortunately, Tony’s era as the Superior Iron Man came to a close thanks to the 2015 Secret Wars event, which reset Stark back to his normal heroic self. But it’s a period worth remembering, especially now that the MCU appears to be going for its own evil Iron Man story, albeit one that inexplicably involves Doctor Doom.
While Interesting, Avengers: Doomsday Lacks Superior Iron Man’s Creativity
Iron Man Fans Should Look Back at What a Real Evil Iron Man Looks Like
Granted, there’s no confirmation that the MCU’s Doom has anything to do with Tony Stark. But the casting is no doubt getting fans all excited about the prospect of an evil Iron Man facing down Marvel’s greatest heroes. While it is indeed interesting, fans curious about an amoral Tony would do well checking this particular era of Iron Man history.
Superior Iron Man was Tony Stark at his most unhinged. But despite how cruel and self-serving he was, he was an amazingly captivating villainous protagonist. If fans really do want to see an evil Iron Man, they shouldn’t wait for Doctor Doom’s debut, but rather, track down comics from Tony’s Superior era.
