Stark Week Day 5: Iron Man Avengers Films Fun Facts

From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to his comic book origins, Tony Stark has amassed countless fans over the years. He first debuted as Iron Man in Tales of Suspense #39 (1962). Six years later, he had his own title.

Since those initial appearances, Iron Man has become a founding member of the Avengers, a hero to the entire 616 universe (and beyond), plus a constant fan favorite. Here are a few fun facts about some of Iron Man’s most popular MCU moments during the Infinity Saga!

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Iron Man Avengers Movies Fun Facts

Mark XLIII, AKA Mark 43, is the first Iron Man suit created after the Clean Slate Protocol. In design and performance, it is extremely similar to Mark 42, with the added introduction of a self-repair function. This suit helps Iron Man infiltrate the Sokovian HYDRA Research Base in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

As one of the team’s leading strategists, Tony Stark takes it upon himself to develop backup defensive plans for the Avengers. Namely, a protocol to stop the Hulk should Bruce Banner’s alter ego unleash too much gamma-radiated rage. The Hulkbuster matches the Hulk in height and strength. Later, it evolves into Mark 48, Hulkbuster 2.0. Hulkbuster armor is equipped with multiple weapons to subdue a Hulk, including sleeping gas. Plus, the armor is powered by multiple arc reactors so that it can withstand (and fight against) Hulk’s muscle.

Mark 50 introduced nanotechnology to Iron Man armor. This groundbreaking innovation allowed the armor to morph in real time according to what Tony needed, and gave us multiple unforgettable fight scenes in Avengers: Infinity War. When the Black Order invaded Earth, Mark 50 assisted Iron Man against these threatening foes. Mark L really did its best work on Titan, where Iron Man and his allies nearly succeeded in restraining Thanos.

Finally, the suit that turned a super hero into an absolute legend. Mark 85 was the Iron Man suit that helped Tony beat Thanos, and is considered to be the peak of Iron Man battle technology. As a direct evolution of Mark L, Mark LXXXV used the same nanite technology but with considerably enhanced strength and durability. This suit’s design allowed Iron Man to withstand Thanos’ sheer physical force, as well as survive long enough to wield an Infinity Gauntlet. The entire universe owes its existence to Mark 85.

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Of course, with over six decades of comic book storytelling and nearly three decades of films, there is so much more to learn about Iron Man.

What are your favorite Iron Man facts? Join the conversation with other Marvel fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!