Steel # 1 First Appearance of Natasha Irons 1994 NM-

Steel #1 (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 first appearance of Natasha Irons, who eventually becomes a superhero herself.

The Core Plot

Written 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:

• The 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.
• The 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.
• The "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.
• Forging 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.

Key Comic Book Details

• Creative Team: Co-created and written by Louise Simonson, with artwork by Chris Batista and Jon Bogdanove.
• Historical 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.