10 Iron Man Graphic Novels You Must Read Before You Die
1. Iron Man: Extremis
Iron Man has always stood as an example of a superhero without any superpowers, but over time, that status changed. When the Extremis storyline was premiered in 2005, Iron Man was elevated significantly in power and abilities thanks to the inclusion of the Extremis Virus.
When Stark was injected with the virus, it completely altered his physiology and stored his armor within the hollow of his bones. He also gained the ability to tap into any form of technology using his mind, which turned him into a newly-powered superhero who utilized his connection to technology to significantly enhance his abilities as Iron Man.
The story heavily inspired both the retelling of the origin used in the first Iron Man film as well as the primary plotline of Iron Man 3, which featured Killian and Extremis, though in a slightly modified form.
This story marked a significant change for the character, his abilities, and his overall place in the Marvel Universe. Not only did it inspire the film that launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it had long-lasting implications to the character in the comics as well as those he associated with. Eventually, Extremis changes and the character along with it, but this was the story that effectively launched the MCU and helped inspire a whole new generation of readers.