Iron Man's armor has come in a multitude of colors, components, strengths, styles, and weapon types. Each time they change armor that comic issue becomes a key. The very first change of armor was from the MK I version grey armor (almost medieval in appearance) to the golden armor in Tales of Suspense #40. But it didn't stay pure gold for long. Then Tales of Suspense #48 hit the newsstands with hot-rod red and gold the MKIII debuted. It was designed by Steve Ditko with Stan Lee at his side writing this huge improvement into the script. Each successive generation created a new armor style: from the late 1960's MKIV, the Space Armor of the 1980's, to War Machine of the 1990's each version of Iron Man is a key. Finally, in the modern era (the 2000's) at least 35 suits or modifications were written into the comics. Is chasing iron, (Iron Man that is) profitable?

With Tales of Suspense #40, Stan Lee created the golden armor for Iron Man. This armor is very quaint and the returns for this "golden oldie" have been substantial mostly in the lower grades: grade (9.0) is positive +47.8%, grade (7.0)  positive +10.3% ROI and very fine plus (6.5) has returned positive +39.6%. Obviously, this Silver Age book has done well and most of the Silver Age Iron Man will continue to increase in value.

Tales of Suspense #48 is Steve Ditko's creation and pretty much the modern looking version of Iron Man. This version is my favorite and ranks just behind the very first Iron Man in TOS #39. Current ROI for Tales of Suspense #48 in grades (9.8) is positive +60.1%, (7.5) at positive 47.1%, and a (3.0) with positive 35.4% ROI.

In the late Sixties, and early Seventies we got to see the truly modern Iron Man. The comic book: Iron Man #1  (1968) created by Jack Kirby and the recently passed Stan Lee (Rest easy Stan no more autographs to sign). This book has been bouncing back and forth in the top three for the last several months. The returns are continuing to repulsor into the Stratosphere. The (9.8) mint grade is scooping up the ROI with positive +131.5%. Even further down the rankings were impressive with (7.0) at positive +44.6%. This is the must-have book of Iron Man from the 20th Century (minus the first appearance of course).

In providing this article on Iron Man, it was astonishing how many times the writers had changed the suit in the 2000's. My last count had it at 35 changes to the suit. This would make an interesting collection for someone; just Iron Man suits and mods. Don't forget one of my personal favorites the Hulkbuster Iron Man armor from Iron Man #304. This book has mixed results, but will probably pick up as this gets older (9.8) mint condition grade only positive +4.5%. Finally, there is Invincible Iron Man #1 (vol.2) that has the suit of armor tied into Tony's synapses. Stay away from this issue as it has a negative return in mint condition (9.8) at negative -57% and (9.6) is just as bad.

Forgive me, folks, I know I haven't touched on even half of the suits with this blog. Please feel free to like and respond on Facebook and post your favorite armor. Now, I have overlooked many versions but I believe these will be and are the important ones. Stay away from the newer versions as they can lose money over time. But definitely chasing Iron Man in the Bronze and Silver Age is the smart speculative play. "Clench up Legolas" this could get expensive (source: The Avengers).