Marvel Hopes Iron Man Is Heating Up

The flawed but brilliant billionaire Tony Stark, alias Iron Man, is considered to be one of Marvel Comics’ best characters. His battle with alcoholism and his efforts stopping his technology from falling into the wrong hands have led to some great stories.

But it’s been a long time since Iron Man has enjoyed the popularity of characters like Spider-Man or the Incredible Hulk. Marvel believes the summer of 2008 is a great time for that to change. Robert Downey Jr., an actor who knows more than a little bit about substance abuse himself, will play Stark in May’s big budget film adaptation of Iron Man.

With Iron Man on thousands of screens in May, the House of Ideas is launching a new monthly title. This may capitalize on what is certain to be at least a short-term boost in Iron Man’s popularity. Matt Fraction will write The Invincible Iron Man while Salvador Larroca will handle the art chores. The company’s taking a bit of a risk greenlighting a second title for a character that hasn’t traditionally sold that well. But if ol’ Shellhead doesn’t become a household name now, it may never happen.

Image courtesy of Marvel Comics