Warning! Spoilers for Iron Man #22 by Marvel Comics
Now that his time as a god is over, Iron Man is going back to his version of basics, as the hero will sport a new version of his Stealth Armor in an upcoming Marvel Comics story. In the first look at Iron Man #22, Iron Man wears a version of his weakest armor, but with a twist, as it's actually a feature on one of his newest suits.
Iron Man's Stealth Armor first debuted in Iron Man #152 by David Michelinie, Bob Layton, John Romita Jr., Glynis Wein, and Joe Rosen. Tony Stark's Armor Model 7 was made specifically to keep the hero cloaked as he underwent a reconnaissance mission but had few other capabilities. While its dark appearance kept him hidden for the most part, offensively, the suit was bare-bones, as it was armed with few weapons and severely underpowered. Ultimately, the Stealth Armor barely succeeded in its first mission and nearly cost Stark his life due to its shortcomings.
Iron Man writer Christopher Cantwell shared the cover for Iron Man #22 by Alex Ross, which features the surprise return of the Stealth Armor but with a twist. The armor is not the Model 7 suit, but instead is the Model 70 suit using a stealth ability. The image shows Stark has learned from his previous mistakes involving his stealth suit. This version is his vintage-looking Model 70 armor, which assumably has the offensive capabilities his original Stealth Armor was missing. But, despite being a different model, it keeps the same look as the original Stealth Armor, including its classic red eyes. Check out Alex Ross' cover below.
Iron Man's Stealth Armor (with a twist) will return in Iron Man #22 by Cantwell, Ross, and Angel Unzueta. The issue will see Iron Man back in action only to discover his associate Vic Martinelli has been murdered. The issue will see Iron Man face off against the Titanium Man while the solicit teases the return of the Mandarin's Rings. To gain intel, he will go dark, which sees his Stealth Armor make a comeback.
Cantwell and the creative team behind Iron Man have done a fantastic job of telling exciting new stories starring the hero while paying tribute to his past - with small twists that differentiate them from the original. Readers can see Iron Man's Stealth Armor make its surprise return when Iron Man #22 by Marvel Comics arrives in comic book stores and online retailers on July 22, 2022.
Source: Christopher Cantwell - Twitter
