Iron Man #1 (1968) is the debut issue of the Iron Man series, marking the first appearance of Tony Stark as the armored superhero, Iron Man. The comic was written by Stan Lee, with art by Don Heck, and it introduces readers to the character who would go on to become one of Marvel’s most iconic superheroes.
The issue begins with Tony Stark, a wealthy and genius inventor, as the head of Stark Industries, a company that manufactures advanced weaponry for the U.S. military. While on a business trip to Vietnam (then referred to as Indochina), Stark is captured by a group of communist forces. They want to force him to build a devastating weapon for them, but while being held captive in a cave, Stark is critically injured by a landmine explosion that shrapnels his chest.
Stark’s life is saved by a fellow captive, Ho Yinsen, a fellow scientist who helps him build a crude, iron chestplate to keep the shrapnel from reaching his heart. Stark, using his brilliant scientific mind, eventually engineers a full suit of armor powered by a miniature arc reactor. This armor not only keeps him alive but also gives him the strength and weaponry to escape from his captors. After a dramatic battle with the forces holding him captive, Tony manages to break free, donning the now-iconic Iron Man suit for the first time.
After escaping, Tony returns home and seeks treatment for his injuries. He then refines the armor, making it more advanced and practical for future use. He adopts the secret identity of Iron Man to fight against the forces of evil while maintaining his public persona as a wealthy, playboy industrialist. However, the issue ends with the reveal that Tony’s arc reactor-powered chestplate will be a constant reminder of the vulnerability he faces — a key element of his ongoing struggle and the personal cost of his superhero career.
Iron Man #1 is a foundational issue that introduces the essential elements of Tony Stark’s character: his genius intellect, his moral journey, and the creation of the iconic Iron Man armor. The issue lays the groundwork for Tony Stark’s transformation from a self-serving weapons manufacturer to a heroic figure, setting the stage for his ongoing adventures as Iron Man.