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Summary
Steelhas been a unswerving friend ofSupermanfor over 30 years , but fans may not know that he was originally intend to be a much different character . One of the four “ replacement ” Supermen that spring up in the wake of Superman ’s death , Steel , has had perhaps the in force arc of them all , yet one of his Almighty revealed that John Henry Irons almost accept a in spades different path .
John Henry Irons first appear in 1993’sAdventures of Superman#500 .
Writing in 2023’sSteel : A festivity of 30 Years , creative person Jon Bogdanove , who created John Henry Irons with Louise Simonson , recounted the character ’s genesis . At the time of Superman ’s death , DC was publishing four unlike titles star the Man of Steel , and in the backwash of his death , each team created their own replacement . Bogdanove recallsDan Jurgens suggesting to him and Louise they create a “ comic relief ” character , a sort of working - class “ schlub ” who dressed up as Superman .
Rather than examine any comedic potential difference , Bogdanove and Simonson settle to focus on the mind ’s more heroic constituent .
Steel Is One of the Best Additions to the Superman Canon
Steel Has Been One of Superman’s Best Allies
Jurgens ’ suggestion would direct to the origination of one of the considerably - ever gain to the Superman Family . In the universe , Steel was John Henry Irons , a former locomotive engineer who went underground when he learned his designs were being used to make deadly weapons . relocate to Metropolis and working in twist , branding iron ’ life was saved by Superman . When the Man of Steel died shortly after , branding iron felt compelled to use his engineering artistry to create a suit of armor and champion the city . Superman was impressed by Steel , and the two have been solid allies since then .
The brace did keep Jurgens ’ idea of a working - class bomber , but rather than lessen into the ambuscade of stereotypes , they rather leaned into John Henry Irons ’ valiance and strong moral character .
While Dan Jurgens was aiming for something more light - hearted , Simonson and Bogdanove opt to go in a dissimilar , and much better , charge . The pair did keep Jurgens ’ idea of a working - class hero , but rather than settle into the maw of stereotype , they instead leaned into John Henry Irons ’ valor and strong moral lineament . iron was horrified at what his designs were being used for , and he examine his career as Steel as atonement for the lifetime lose because of his weapon . This hashelped make Steel one of DC ’s bestnew characters of the past 30 year .
Steel Has Become One of DC’s Best Characters
If DC Has Gone With Jurgens' Suggestion, the World Would Have Been Deprived of a Hero
Today , Steel has move far from his blue - collar origins , but still keep his wholeness and grit . While he still dons the Steel armour on social function , John Henry is more content to let his niece Natasha persuade the mantle these days . or else , Steel is focusing on using his vast technological knowledgeto better humanity through his company Steelworks . brand has come a recollective elbow room in the DC Universe , going from a replacementSupermanto a vital character who can stand on his own . However , Steelwas earlier stand for to be much different – and it would have been to his detriment .
Source : Bogdanove , Jon . " The First Black Superman . “Steel : A Celebration of 30 Years
