Iron Man, whose real name is Tony Stark, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, Iron Man first appeared in Tales of Suspense #39 (cover dated March 1963).
Tony Stark is depicted as an industrialist, genius inventor, and consummate playboy. After being injured and captured by enemies during a war demonstration in Vietnam, Stark builds a powered suit of armor to escape, which later becomes his iconic superhero attire. This armor, designed to keep shrapnel away from his heart and augment his physical capabilities, evolves into increasingly sophisticated versions over time. The character's journey from a self-centered billionaire to a responsible hero forms a significant part of his narrative arc.
Iron Man has significantly impacted popular culture, especially through his portrayal by Robert Downey Jr. in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The character's movie debut in Iron Man (2008) was pivotal in launching the MCU, which has since become a dominant force in cinema. Beyond films, Iron Man has appeared in numerous animated series, video games, and merchandise.