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Iron Man (Canadian comics)

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Iron Man
Publication information
PublisherMaple Leaf Publishing
First appearanceBetter Comics #1 (March 1941)
Created byVernon Miller
In-story information
Alter ego
AbilitiesSuper strength, indestructibility, amphibiousness

Iron Man is a Canadian fictional character, created by cartoonist Vernon Miller for Maple Leaf Publishing. A superhero, the character's debut was in the first issue of Better Comics in March 1941,[1][2] a colour title, unlike most of the other Canadian comic books at the time which were printed in black-and-white and known as "Canadian Whites".[3]

Although he lacked a distinct Canadian identity,[1] Iron Man was the first Canadian superhero and, like many comic book heroes of the time, he fought against the Nazis.[2] He predates the better-known Marvel Comics character by 22 years and bears no likeness to that Iron Man. Superficially, he better resembles the amphibious Namor, the Sub-Mariner, who debuted two years earlier.[4]

Fictional history

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Iron Man was the last member of a mutated human subspecies that lived in the South Seas, having survived a devastating earthquake which eradicated his people. He lived alone in a sunken palace until roused from his mourning by World War II. After being summoned by two children and an adult named the Major, he threw in his lot with the Allies, viewing the Nazis as no better than pirates, whom he also hated.[4][5]

Special powers

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Iron Man was amphibious, indestructable, and had superhuman strength with which he could make great leaps and punch through steel.[4][5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Bell, John (2001-07-12). "Smashing the Axis". Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  2. ^ a b "Vernon Miller (Canada)". Lambiek. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  3. ^ Bell, John. "Comic Books in English Canada". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  4. ^ a b c Bell, John. Invaders from the North, page 60. Dundurn Press Ltd., 2006. ISBN 978-1-55002-659-7
  5. ^ a b "Iron Man". International Hero. Retrieved 2012-03-05.