Fans know Steel as a great inventor, and his Justice League armor makes Iron Man’s look pathetic in comparison. During the publisher’s DC One Million event, fans learned that Steel’s armor outlived him, and is still in use in the 118th century. Compare this with Iron Man, who seemingly designs new suits of armor every few months, and it becomes clear Steel is the superior inventor.
Steel is John Henry Irons, a former weapon designer, who first appeared in 1993’s Adventures of Superman #500. After realizing the extent of the destruction of the weapons he designed, Irons left the company and went underground, working on construction jobs in Metropolis. One day, Irons slipped and almost fell to his death, but was saved by Superman. When the Man of Steel perished in his fight with Doomsday, inspired by Superman’s example, Irons designed a suit of armor and adopted the “S” shield, fighting crime in Metropolis. After the real Superman returned to the land of the living, Irons took the name Steel and continued his crime fighting career. Steel would also become one of the most respected intellects of the DC Universe, lending his technological expertise to the Superman family on many occasions. Despite all of this, Steel does not enjoy the same reputation as Iron Man, but a revelation from DC One Million shows exactly why he is in the same league as Tony Stark.
The Justice League’s Watchtower headquarters is under attack and Steel and the Huntress are desperately trying to find a countermeasure. Steel tells her that he has adapted some of the Lord of Time’s tech, but that he left “no instruction manuals.” A text piece from the Lord’s files then reveals that Steel’s armor survived until the 118th century, and many champions, including Steel 7, Steelman of the New Centurians and Lancelot Grail the Cosmic Knight. The issue was written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Howard Porter.
Steel is DC's Best Inventor.
Steel’s armor survived until the 118th century, going into battle for nearly 100,000 years before finally being destroyed; in addition, a number of Earth’s greatest champions wore the armor. For one suit of armor to last that long is an impressive feat, and speaks volumes to Steel’s engineering prowess. By the 853rd century, Steel is a legend, and it is thanks to his suit’s resilience. Contrast this with Iron Man, who seemingly invents a new suit of armor every few months. Granted, some of Iron Man’s tinkering is due to previous suits being destroyed, but the fact remains Steel’s single armor lasted over ten millennia. Readers have never seen a comparable feat from Iron Man. Also, Iron Man has armor suits for many occasions, such as the Hulkbuster, but Steel only needs one.
Both Steel and Iron Man have earned the respect of their peers thanks to their engineering skills. Both heroes use suits of armor in their fights against crime, but Steel’s Justice League suit is far better, lasting over 100,000 years, a feat which makes Iron Man look pathetic.