Inspired by Superman's selflessness, John Henry Irons used his
engineering genius to reinvent himself into a champion in his own
right.
The perfect combination of brains and brawn, John Henry Irons was one of
four different people to take up the mantle of Superman when Kal-El lost
his life while saving Metropolis from the monster known as Doomsday.
Initially referred to by the media using Superman's nickname, "The Man
of Steel," Irons simply went by Steel when Superman came back from the
grave.
A former weapons engineer, John Henry Irons moved to Metropolis to start
a new life. There, on one fateful day, Superman saved his life. Forever
grateful, John Henry paid it forward when the city's protector died. He
took up the fight to protect the innocent in Superman's name, wearing
his iconic "S" shield in tribute.
Irons used his scientific genius to construct a suit of armor that
allowed him to fly and gave him superior strength. He also created a
giant metal hammer in homage to his namesake, the folk hero John Henry.
Now a permanent member of Superman's extended family, Steel is living
proof that everyone has it in them to become a Superman.
Steel: A Celebration of 30 Years collects Action Comics #4,
Adventures of Superman #500, Convergence: Superman: Man of Steel
#1-2, JLA #17, Justice League Unlimited #35, Steel #1, Steel
# 34, Steel #1, Suicide Squad #24, and Superman: The Man of
Steel #22, #100, and #122!
