10 Insane Alternative Versions Of Iron Man You Won't Believe Exist

8. Ironed Man

Iron Man Emperor Stark
Marvel Comics

Back in the days when the bar for parody comics was really low - like, Marvel creating an oddly familiar duo named "Gnatman and Rotten" low - Not Brand Echh was born... and managed to be genuinely funny.

The series was the House of Ideas' way of mocking mostly its own characters, with one or two DC faces thrown in the mix just for kicks. This is the backdrop under which the Ironed Man was born - although his real name is Bony Stark, which I actively dare you to not think about in every waking moment you're able to forever onwards.

Bony exists to parody many of the tropes in Iron Man comics, such as his old habit of "just so happening" to find his enemies and their secret bases, or that his armour just so happens to malfunction like once per issue.

It's not groundbreaking in the realms of comic self-awareness, but the fact that it happened at a point way before Deadpool or even Ambush Bug existed is wonderful, because it makes it the grandpappy of meta superhero humour.

Contributor
Contributor

I like my comics like I like my coffee - in huge, unquestionably unhealthy doses.