Iron Man first appeared in Tales of Suspense #39, published by Marvel in 1963. That places it in the Silver Age.
Why this issue matters
Tony Stark debuted as a wounded arms manufacturer who builds a suit of armour to survive. Stan Lee reportedly wanted the least likely hero possible for the era, a weapons dealer, and it worked.
Key facts
Tales of Suspense #39
- Character: Iron Man
- Publisher: Marvel
- Cover year: 1963
- Era: Silver Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Other first appearances from 1963
- Sandman Amazing Spider-Man #4, 1963
- Lizard Amazing Spider-Man #6, 1963
- Reverse-Flash (Eobard Thawne) The Flash #139, 1963
- Doctor Octopus Amazing Spider-Man #3, 1963
- Vulture Amazing Spider-Man #2, 1963
- Spider-Man Amazing Fantasy #15, 1963
More Marvel firsts from the Silver Age
- Kang the Conqueror Avengers #8, 1964
- Ultron Avengers #55, 1968
- Electro Amazing Spider-Man #9, 1964
- Mysterio Amazing Spider-Man #13, 1964
- Scorpion Amazing Spider-Man #20, 1965
- Rhino Amazing Spider-Man #41, 1966
- Norman Osborn Amazing Spider-Man #23, 1965
- Gwen Stacy Amazing Spider-Man #31, 1965
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.