Steel (comics)
From Free net encyclopedia
Steel is a name used by several fictional characters owned and published by DC Comics in their universe. There have been four characters, all superheroes, to use the name.
Contents |
Steel (I): Henry "Hank" Heywood
The first Steel was Henry "Hank" Heywood, better known as Commander Steel, first appeared in Steel #1, published in March, 1978, though his active superhero career was set during World War II. His series lasted for only five issues. The character returned to comics, becoming a longtime member of the All-Star Squadron. Later in life, he sponsored the so-called "Justice League Detroit" during his grandson's time on the team.
The original Commander Steel apparently died battling the supervillain Eclipso in Eclipso #13 (1993). [1]
Steel (II): Henry "Hank" Heywood III
The second Steel was the late Henry "Hank" Heywood III, and the grandson of Commander Steel. He was a member of the "Justice League Detroit" team, and was mortally wounded in battle against one of the team's classic foes, Professor Ivo. His body remained preserved in the JLA Bunker until it was discovered and destroyed by Despero. [2]
Steel (III): John Henry Irons
Template:Main The third Steel, also known as the Man of Steel, was created by Louise Simonson and artist Jon Bogdanove in Adventures of Superman #500 (June, 1993). Aspects of the character are clearly inspired by the African American folk hero John Henry, as well as Superman. [3]
Steel is weapons engineer John Henry Irons, whose life was saved by Superman after he fell off a building while working in construction. Irons later created and donned a suit of powered armor in Superman's memory. During the "Reign of the Supermen", he was often called the Man of Steel to identify him in contrast to the other Supermen, which was shortened to Steel by Superman himself. He had a solo series (written by co-creator Louise Simonson and later by Christopher Priest).
Steel (IV): Natasha Irons
Template:Main The fourth Steel is Natasha Irons, John Henry's niece and apprentice. Following the events of the "Our Worlds At War" storyline, internal injuries meant John Henry was no longer able to utilize his armor. He designed a separate suit of armor for Natasha to wear. Natasha's suit can rapidly change size and grow to about thirty or forty feet in height. Template:-