The new 52 Universe is getting even more diverse with the return of Steel, who returns in ACTION #4 by Grant Morrison and Rags Morales. In addition to teaming with Superman in the main story, the “John Henry Irons” of the DCU will get his very own 8-page back-up by Sholly Fisch and Brad Walker. And he’ll be back for another back-up in ACTION #7.
Created as one of the “variant Supermen” during the Death of Superman story, Steel had a pretty good comics run in the ’90s, getting up to issue #52 of his very own series — until he had the misfortune to star in a movie. With Steel by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. the film is considered one of the very worst superhero movies of all time. Since then he’s appeared as a back-up character here, there, and everywhere.
Despite the cinematic setback, Steel has always been a pretty cool character, so it’s about time he returned.
Morrison used Steel in his “JLA” run rather well.
When was Steel ever cool? Seriously? He’s about as cool as Mantis and Ghost Dad. How bout this, how about we create a new black character that isn’t rigged to get poor sales by making him/her look as stupid as possible (example, gay teen called “bunker” whose power is giant “Thing” hands. Yup, that’s a real winner).
The irony of all this is that after all these years, Black Lightning has become cool by comparison. But I honestly can’t think of any character existing or not existing that could make Steel look cool.
Where is Lord Bowler when you need him?
I agree with WriterGal76. Steel, Cyborg, and Milestone’s Hardware has these ridiculously Liefield-inspired bulky armor.
Iron Man and RoboCop can look cool, so what’s the problem? Steel has shown to be a good character, now suit him up proper.
I love Steel. (The character. Not the movie). I imagine his armor will get cooler as time goes on (This is his new “Year One” look, set five years ago, right?). I DO hope that he’s not as goofy looking as the new Cyborg. I liked his original design from “Reign” best, although he will probably need his own S-Shield since he’s not gonna be filling in for Superman this time around…
I always liked the original Bogdanove-designed Steel costume. And he was a great character from the beginning, with a really intriguing relationship with Lex Luthor. Reign of the Supermen was better than it had any right to be.
writergal76: Bunker does indeed have a horrific costume, but please tell me you’re not implying that he looks stupid because he’s gay.