{"product_id":"steel-1-first-appearance-of-natasha-irons-1994-nm-copy","title":"Steel # 1 First Appearance of Natasha Irons 1994 NM-","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSteel #1\u003c\/b\u003e (1994) marks the launch of the first ongoing solo comic book series for John Henry Irons, spinning out of the massive success of the 1993 Death of Superman and Reign of the Supermen storylines. The issue is highly notable for establishing Steel's status away from Metropolis and for featuring the \u003cb\u003efirst appearance of Natasha Irons\u003c\/b\u003e, who eventually becomes a superhero herself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe Core Plot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWritten by legendary co-creator Louise Simonson, the debut issue focuses on John Henry attempting to transition from a substitute Superman back into his own man:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-top: 0in;\" type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eThe Return Home: After Superman returns to life, John Henry leaves Metropolis and returns to his hometown of Washington, D.C., looking to lay low, regroup, and reconnect with his extended family.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eThe Street War: Immediately upon his arrival, John Henry witnesses a violent street gang warfare. He is horrified to discover that the local gangs are using \"Toastmasters\"—deadly, high-tech energy weapons that he personally designed years ago when he worked as a ballistics expert for the corrupt military contractor AmerTek.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eThe \"Tar\" Threat: During the chaos, John Henry encounters gang members taking a street drug called \"Tar,\" which grants them temporary super-strength and near-invulnerability, allowing them to knock him out cold.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eForging a New Legacy: After his family home is attacked by armed intruders, John Henry realizes he cannot run from his past. He decides to forge a brand new suit of mechanized armor. The issue ends with his grandmother asking him where his \"S-shield\" is, prompting his evolution into a standalone hero fighting to clean up his own deadly tech legacy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eKey Comic Book Details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-top: 0in;\" type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eCreative Team: Co-created and written by Louise Simonson, with artwork by Chris Batista and Jon Bogdanove.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eHistorical Significance: While John Henry Irons debuted in The Adventures of Superman #500 (1993), this February 1994 issue officially kicked off his 52-issue solo run. It introduces his core supporting cast, including his grandparents (Butter and Bess) and his brilliant young niece, Natasha Irons, who would later take up the mantle of Steel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BattleBuddyComics.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48508454207588,"sku":"BT410","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/7606\/4868\/files\/IMG_2026_06_05_14_27_33_559.jpg?v=1780687692","url":"https:\/\/battlebuddycomics.com\/products\/steel-1-first-appearance-of-natasha-irons-1994-nm-copy","provider":"BattleBuddyComics.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}