Tony's Superhero Saturdays: John Henry Irons a.k.a. Steel

Not all superheroes are born with powers. Some build their own legacy—through intelligence, determination, and an unshakable will to protect others. That’s exactly what John Henry Irons, better known as Steel, represents.

Created as a symbol of hope, heroism, and Black excellence in STEM fields, Steel is more than just a man in armor—he’s a modern-day Blacksmith, a scientist, and an inventor who forged his own path as a hero.

On this 15th day of Black History Month, we honor John Henry Irons, the Black Superman of DC Comics.

The Creation of Steel: A Black Hero for a New Era

Steel was created in 1993 by Louise Simonson and Jon Bogdanove during one of DC Comics’ most famous storylines—The Death of Superman.

Why Was Steel Created?

• When Superman died fighting Doomsday, the world was left without a protector.

  
  

• Four new heroes stepped up, including John Henry Irons, who didn’t claim to be Superman but wanted to honor his legacy.

  
  

• Steel was unique—he had no superpowers, just his mind, his heart, and the armor he built.

Inspired by the Legend of John Henry

His name, John Henry Irons, is a tribute to John Henry—the legendary African American folk hero who was said to have raced against a steam-powered drill and won, proving that human strength and willpower could overcome machines.

Steel embodies this same spirit of resilience, using his mind and skills to become a hero without superhuman abilities.

Steel’s Origin: The Moment That Changed His Life

Before he became Steel, John Henry Irons was a brilliant weapons engineer who left the arms industry after realizing the destruction his inventions were causing. He wanted to use his intelligence for good, so he started over as a construction worker in Metropolis.

The Day Superman Died

Everything changed when Superman fought Doomsday—one of the deadliest battles in DC Comics history.

• During the catastrophic battle between Superman and Doomsday, John Henry Irons was working at a construction site.

• Earlier in his life, Superman had once saved John Henry, after John Henry had saved his co-worker from falling off a building they were constructing, and that moment stuck with him forever.

• As Superman fought Doomsday, John Henry saw the destruction unfolding and refused to stand by and watch.

• He grabbed a sledgehammer—symbolizing his determination to help Superman—but before he could act, he was buried under rubble when the construction site collapsed.

Rising from the Rubble

• When John Henry finally dug himself out, he learned the devastating news: Superman and Doomsday had both died in battle.

• Knowing that Metropolis had lost its greatest hero, John Henry Irons made a vow—if Superman was gone, someone had to carry on his legacy.

• Using his engineering genius, he built his own steel armor and sledgehammer, becoming Metropolis' new protector—Steel.

✅ Steel’s journey began with a simple act of courage—he didn’t just want to be saved, he wanted to help save others.

Becoming Steel

• After Superman’s death, John Henry Irons saw his weapons falling into the wrong hands, leading to violence in Metropolis.

  
  

• To stop criminals from using his own technology, he built a suit of armor and forged a massive hammer, becoming Steel.

  
  

• Unlike other Superman replacements, he never claimed to be Superman—but he carried on his mission of protecting the innocent.

✅ Steel was proof that a hero doesn’t need powers—just the courage to do what’s right.

Steel’s Powers and Abilities

Unlike Superman, Steel has no superhuman abilities—but what he lacks in powers, he makes up for with genius-level intellect and a nearly indestructible suit of armor.

Steel’s Armor & Equipment

🛠️ Power Suit – His armor is made of super-durable metal, allowing him to withstand attacks from metahumans and even Kryptonians.

🔨 The Hammer of Steel – His signature sledgehammer can crush through enemies, deflect energy blasts, and return to him like Thor’s Mjolnir.

🚀 Flight & Super Strength – His jet-powered boots let him fly at high speeds, and his armor enhances his strength and durability.

💻 Genius-Level Intellect – As one of DC’s smartest characters, Steel is a master engineer, scientist, and inventor.

✅ Steel built his own power—proving that Black heroes don’t just fight with fists, but with intellect.

Steel’s Role in DC Comics

Steel has been a major figure in DC for over 30 years, playing a key role in several major storylines.

1. The Death and Return of Superman (1993-1994)

• After Superman’s death, John Henry Irons became Steel to honor him.

• When Superman returned, he recognized Steel as a true hero and welcomed him into his circle.

• Steel went on to become a hero in his own right, protecting Metropolis even after Superman’s return.

2. His Own Solo Series (1994-1998)

• Steel became one of DC’s first Black superheroes to headline his own comic series.

• His stories focused on fighting street crime, protecting his family, and proving that intelligence was just as powerful as superpowers.

3. Steelworks (2023-Present) – Written by Michael Dorn

• Michael Dorn, famous for playing Worf in Star Trek, recently wrote Steelworks, a 2023 comic that explores Steel’s future as a superhero, scientist, and entrepreneur.

• This series re-establishes Steel as a major DC character, proving his legacy is far from over.

4. Member of the Justice League & Superhero Mentor

• Steel joined teams like the Justice League, Superman’s allies, and the Justice Society of America.

• He became a mentor to his niece, Natasha Irons, who later became Steel II and then Starlight.

• Even when Superman was alive, Steel remained one of Metropolis’ greatest defenders.

✅ Steel is more than a Superman tribute—he is a symbol of Black innovation, resilience, and heroism.

Steel in TV, Movies, and Media

1. The 1997 Steel Movie (Starring Shaquille O’Neal)

• The first live-action appearance of Steel was in the 1997 movie starring NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.

• The movie was poorly received due to a low budget and major changes from the comics.

• Despite the film’s failure, Steel remains a fan-favorite hero in DC Comics.

2. Reign of the Supermen (2019 Animated Movie)

• This film adapts the original “Reign of the Supermen” comic storyline, where Steel steps up to protect Metropolis after Superman’s death.

• He fights alongside Superboy, the Eradicator, and Cyborg Superman, proving that a true hero doesn’t need powers—just heart, intelligence, and a will to do what’s right.

3. My Adventures with Superman (2023-Present)

• In this animated series, John Henry Irons is a former military scientist who becomes a hero using his Steel armor.

• This version blends his genius, his sense of justice, and his ability to create powerful technology, modernizing his character for a new audience.

4. Superman & Lois (2021-Present)

• Steel is a major character in The CW’s Superman & Lois TV series, played by Wolé Parks.

• In this version, he’s from an alternate Earth where Superman turned evil, and he travels to stop Superman in this world.

• His daughter, Natalie Lane Irons, is introduced as a brilliant young engineer, similar to Natasha Irons, Johny Henry's niece from the comics.

✅ Steel is still getting the recognition he deserves across comics, animation, and live-action.

Why Steel is Important for Black Representation

John Henry Irons represents Black excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

🛠️ He’s a genius engineer – Unlike many superheroes who gain their abilities by accident, Steel BUILT his own power through intelligence and hard work.

🔨 He’s a self-made hero – He didn’t inherit wealth, powers, or abilities—he created his own legacy.

👨🏿‍🔬 He inspires Black kids in STEM fields – He shows that Black heroes can be inventors, scientists, and leaders in technology.

✅ Steel is proof that Black heroes can be more than just muscle—they can be geniuses, innovators, and world-changers.

Conclusion: Steel is a Hero for Black History Month

John Henry Irons wasn’t born with superpowers—he built his own power. He is a hero that Black kids can look up to, proving that intelligence, skill, and determination are just as powerful as super strength.

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✅ Steel is proof that Black excellence is unstoppable.