Summary
Steelhas been a staunch ally ofSupermanfor over 30 years, but fans may not know that he was originally intended to be a much different character. One of the four “replacement” Supermen that sprang up in the wake of Superman’s death, Steel, has had perhaps the best arc of them all,yet one of his creators revealed that John Henry Irons almost took a decidedly different path.
John Henry Irons first appeared in 1993’sAdventures of Superman#500.
Writing in 2023’sSteel: A Celebration of 30 Years, artist 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 different titles starring the Man of Steel, and in the wake of his death, each team created their own replacement. Bogdanove recallsDan Jurgens suggesting to him and Louise they create a “comic relief” character, a kind of working-class “schlub” who dressed up as Superman.
Rather than seeing any comedic potential, Bogdanove and Simonson decided to focus on the idea’s more heroic elements.
Steel Is One of the Best Additions to the Superman Canon
Steel Has Been One of Superman’s Best Allies
Jurgens’ suggestion would lead to the creation of one of the best-ever additions to the Superman Family. In the universe, Steel was John Henry Irons, a former engineer who went underground when he learned his designs were being used to make deadly weapons. Relocating to Metropolis and working in construction, Irons’ life was saved by Superman. When the Man of Steel died shortly after, Irons felt compelled to use his engineering prowess to create a suit of armor and defend the city. Superman was impressed by Steel, and the two have been solid allies since then.
The pair did keep Jurgens’ idea of a working-class hero, but rather than fall into the trap of stereotypes, they instead leaned into John Henry Irons’ heroism and strong moral character.
While Dan Jurgens was aiming for something more light-hearted, Simonson and Bogdanove opted to go in a different, and much better, direction. The pair did keep Jurgens’ idea of a working-class hero, but rather than fall into the trap of stereotypes, they instead leaned into John Henry Irons’ heroism and strong moral character. Irons was horrified at what his designs were being used for, and he sees his career as Steel as atonement for the lives lost because of his weapons. This hashelped make Steel one of DC’s bestnew characters of the past 30 years.
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 moved far from his blue-collar origins, but still maintains his integrity and grit. While he still dons the Steel armor on occasion, John Henry is more content to let his niece Natasha carry the mantle these days. Instead,Steel is focusing on using his vast technological knowledgeto better humanity through his company Steelworks. Steel has come a long way in the DC Universe, going from a replacementSupermanto a vital character who can stand on his own. However,Steelwas originally intended 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
