Tales from the 50 Cent Bin! - Steel #1

Next up for this last week is another one of Superman’s replacements from the 90’s: Steel or “The Man of Steel.” John Henry Irons (nice name, by the way) was introduced in The Adventures of Superman #500. He initially was… a steel-working man that Superman once saved. He created his own armor and fought crime. As time went on however, we found out that he used to work on military weaponry for corporations. He got tired of it and faked his own death. After Superman returned from the grave, Irons kept the armor but ditched the ‘S’ and the “Man of” part.

He had his own series that spun out of the Superman books.  It only lasted four about four years. He even was on the JLA for a bit. He eventually made his way back to the Superman books in the 2000’s as a supporting character. His niece, Natasha Irons, even took up his mantle. Irons was also one of the main characters in the pretty cool max-series, 52. He was retooled for a bit in the New 52, but it looks like they’ve gone back to his original origin. These days, I think he’s even dating Lana Lang in the Rebirth era.

As for any other appearances, he’s been seen in the DCAU, he’s been in a couple DCU animated movies, and there’s the Shaquille O’Neal movie to consider. Yes, the 1997 movie is bad, but it’s a good type of bad. Thankfully, I can talk about some that’s probably better. Steel #1 was released during February 1994 and it was written by Louise Simonson, Steel’s creator. While Jon Bogdanove did the cover, the pencils were handled by Chris Batista. Inks were done by Rich Faber. So, what happens when John returns to Washington D.C.? A whole lotta trouble, that’s what!

Steel #1

Writer: Louise Simonson

Pencils: Chris Batista

Inks: Rich Faber

Colors: Gina Going

Letters: Pat Brosseau

Editor: Frank Pittarese

“Wrought Iron”

We start out with John returning to Washington D.C. His home isn’t exactly in the best part of town either. He gets welcomed back by his teenage niece, Natasha. As they’re in kind of a weird position, the bus station gets rocked by a drive-by-shooting. John notices that the weapon being used is the BG-80, the “Toastmaster,” a weapon he helped create years ago. He jumps into action pulls some nice stunts without his armor. He tries to question them, but the rival gang uses a substance called “Tar” to go all-Bane on them. Before John gets knocked out, he notices that his nephew, Jemahl, is with one of the gangs.

Dang!

When he awakens, he gets tended to by Natasha and a paramedic. They eventually make it to his family’s house and he gets a warm welcome. Unfortunately, a neighbor next door calls someone about the return of John. During dinner, John and his family talk about his time in Metropolis. They also let John know that they knew he was the armored Superman. Jemahl then returns from wherever he was. Before John gets any info on what Jemahl’s been up to, a bunch of armored goons bust through the door in search for John.

John’s grandfather tells everyone to head toward the basement while John takes on the goons. It turns out that they’re from AmerTek, the company John used to work for. Bess, John’s grandmother, throws him an iron skillet and he uses that to defeat the group. Once they’re knocked out, he rips off pieces of their armor for spare parts and leaves them outside for the cops. He then goes to the basement and starts to rebuild his Steel armor since it was destroyed during the battle with Cyborg-Superman. Days later, he finishes his armor but leaves off the signature ‘S’. After his grandmother gives him his cape, we end the issue as he flies off into the city.

Hmm... what would be John's theme song? I'll go with this...

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I thought that this was a fine issue. It spins off right from where John was left at the end of “Reign of the Supermen.” His armor’s damaged and he’s looking for some down time. Unfortunately, “The Man” won’t even let him have that! I thought John was handled well here even though he doesn’t get to do much. I can see where the Steel movie got its inspiration since most of what happens here did happen in the movie. Luckily, this is at least better than that thing was. I also liked John’s family as well.

The artwork was nice for the most part. I really haven’t been exposed to early Chris Batista. I only know about his time on the series, 52, where he also drew John Henry Irons. The action scenes were pretty good especially that one move John pulls with his bag. The fight in the house is also staged well and I liked John’s modified costume. As for any negatives, some of the dialogue wasn’t too my liking. Natasha’s use of “Unca’ Hunk” was annoying. While I did like the artwork, there were some places where it wasn’t up to snuff. Other than those things, I thought this was a nice issue to start John off on.

If you wanted to know where John went to after Metropolis, this is the place to look. I’ve always liked Steel. Even when his stories weren’t the best, I liked the character. He was one of the cool parts of “Reign of the Supermen” since he was the only one who acted like Superman. Don’t let the armor or darker shade fool you. Well, it’s time to move on to another ally. This one  may be a little special. Until then, Peace, God Bless, and don’t lose that iron skillet. That’s a lotta power!

NEXT TIME: WONDER WOMAN!!