Marvel just relaunched Iron Man with a fresh #1 issue following a six-month hiatus in 2025. Joshua Williamson writes the series with art by Carmen Carnero. This run features the debut of the all-new Mark 75 armor. Tony Stark has updated his suits in the comics for decades. While Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal remains iconic, it represents only a fraction of the character’s mythos. Casual fans might believe the character starts and ends with RDJ, but the story actually dates back to 1962. The Armored Avenger debuted in Tales of Suspense #39. Since then, over 75 upgrades have appeared across comics and film. Here are eight of the best suits.
Mark 1
The Mark 1 stands as the original suit. In Tales of Suspense #39, a land mine mortally wounded Stark in Vietnam. Marvel later retconned the location to Siancong, while the MCU placed events in Afghanistan. Kidnappers demanded a weapon, but Stark had other plans. Ho Yinsen, a fellow captive, sacrificed his life to buy Stark time for construction. Bulky and grey, the suit could not sustain flight but managed short catapult hops. It acted primarily as a pacemaker for Stark’s damaged heart. Ultimately, this prototype weapon secured his escape and laid the groundwork for every future iteration.
Mark 3
Debuting in Tales of Suspense #85, the Mark 3 improved upon the Mark 2 while retaining the classic red and gold aesthetic. This model introduced the signature repulsor ray energy blasts from the palms. Beyond the revolutionary weaponry, the suit curiously featured rocket-powered roller skates.
Mark 7
Arriving in 1985’s Iron Man #200, the Mark 7 became necessary after Stark left an older model with Rhodey. Stark accelerated his updates during this era as technology advanced. Known as the Silver Centurion, the suit utilizes a red and silver color scheme. RDJ donned this specific look during the third act of Iron Man 3. Capabilities include temporary invisibility, powerful pulse bolts, and a “unibeam” emitter in the triangular chest plate. Readers can see this suit in action in the Iron Man: Armor Wars Omnibus. The 768-page hardcover collects the epic storyline where enemies steal Stark’s tech. Buy it on Amazon now for $89.
Mark 13
The Mark 13 represents the first of Stark’s truly modern, high-power suits. Debuting in Iron Man #300, the “Modular Armor” features a gold torso and faceplate against red limbs. Its name derives from the plug-in components that allow adaptation into heavier weaponry. The design functions more as a modular weapons system than a static suit. While not technically the original Hulkbuster, the Mark 13 included the first Hulkbuster configuration setting. This design dominated the 1990s, appearing in the Force Works series, cartoons, and video games.
Mark Nil
The Mark Nil functions as a dedicated stealth suit. When worn, Stark remains invisible to radar. The color scheme shifts between black and dark blue depending on the specific issue. Because the design prioritizes espionage and evasion, it lacks heavy weapon systems. Consequently, the Mark Nil ranks as one of the physically weakest suits in the armory.
Mark 29
Known as the Bleeding Edge armor, the Mark 29 arrived during the 2006 “Extremis” storyline. Terrorists utilized the Extremis virus, a Super Soldier Serum variant, to defeat Stark. To survive, Stark injected himself with the virus, merging man and machine. Nano-components of the suit miniaturize and store themselves within his bone marrow. This post-human status allows telepathic control over the armor and direct access to satellite sensors. Additionally, the upgrade accelerates physical healing. As one of the most powerful configurations, the Mark 29 inspired the cinematic universe. Adi Granov, the artist for this run, even served as a concept artist for the 2008 film.
Mark 50
The silver-white EndoSym armor serves as a powerful, experimental successor to the Bleeding Edge technology. Appearing during the Axis storyline and Superior Iron Man run, the Mark 50 operates with an unsettling efficiency. It behaves more like a Venom symbiote than mechanical plating. Stark maintains a psionic connection with the liquid metal, bypassing standard electronics. He does not wear the Mark 50 so much as he bonds with it physically and emotionally.
Mark 72
The Mysterium Armor boasts incredible durability. After Feilong seized Stark Industries, Tony constructed this suit from Mysterium, an experimental metal softer only than Adamantium. The unique hull allows for higher energy discharge through repulsors than previous models. Stark designed the Mark 72 to pilot an even larger, skyscraper-sized rig against Feilong’s Sentinels. Compared to earlier iterations, the Mysterium plating renders the wearer practically invulnerable.
Future Upgrades
Where does the Mark 75 stand? With the new Iron Man #1 releasing on January 28, 2026, readers need time to assess the suit’s capabilities. It faces a rich history of predecessors. As long as Marvel secures the right creative teams, fans can look forward to decades of new upgrades and stories.
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The post The Mark 75 is Ready: The 8 Best Iron Man Armors From Comics and Film appeared first on Personal Finance Advice.
