Why I’m A Tony Stark Guy

Up until 2008, I didn’t know much about the Marvel universe. Growing up, I was introduced to Spider-Man and the X-Men via the animated shows they were featured in. I was always a superhero film fan who never really did the comic book research behind the characters.

Aside from Batman and Superman, I relied on what I saw on screen. Even in the cases of the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel, my comic book readings on those two was very minimal. Comic books entered my life only recently, about five years ago — thanks to The Capeless Crusaders podcast. It was through that show and my continued viewing of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that lead to my appreciation for not only comics, but for the imaginative universe created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and many others.

In a short amount of time, I built a “top 3” of my favorite Marvel characters. The second and third spots is a constant battle between Captain America and Daredevil. The morality and commitment to the American dream (patriotic, not nationalistic) that fuels Steve Rogers mixed with the Catholic guilt and sacrificial devotion to Hell’s Kitchen by Matt Murdock are elements that appeal to me, floating around in some form in my persona. However, the top spot belongs to one individual. One that I had absolutely no knowledge of until his respective film kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The self-proclaimed “genius/billionaire/playboy/philanthropist.” That’s right: my favorite Marvel character is Tony Stark aka Iron Man.

Of course, there are the very apparent reasons to like Tony Stark. Like my favorite character from Marvel’s rival publisher, Stark is extremely rich. He’s a multi-billionaire who spends his time wearing a suit of armor and battling bad guys — both earthly and cosmic. Albeit, Stark is a bit more upbeat and lively than the “silent guardian” I cheer on in the other universe. With that said, Stark’s bank account is not my primary reason for cheering the man on.

Being a tech genius does play a part in my admiration for the man. Fascinated by technology ever since my dad brought home our first Apple Macintosh when I was ten years old, Stark’s innovative gadgets and tools are mesmerizing to a guy like me. I mean, c’mon: phones that commandeer any display or television screen, pulling up a digital interface in mid-air, JARVIS and FRIDAY artificial intelligence programs built into his glasses, and an R&D department in his basement. Whats not to like? Throw in the expensive cars, nice suits, and a company brand featuring his name and it’s pretty much the dream. Yet, this still is not my primary reason for being a fan of the man.

Then, there’s Stark’s overall confidence topped off with smart-ass humor. Some may call it ego — and in some cases it definitely is — but I can relate to that confidence when it comes to topics I fully entrench myself in. When it comes to pop culture knowledge, especially film and television, I consider myself an expert. I try to refrain from being pompous about it, but there are those select moments where it must be done. Sometimes, it’s the only way to get the point across. Sometimes, you have to give them the Stark treatment.

However, there is still one thing above the previously mentioned that solidifies my loyal appreciation for Tony Stark. One main factor that made me bond with this fictional, comic book character. It’s a part of the man’s mythos and is the key in creating the future Avenger: Tony’s change in ideology.

The Stark family name was forever tied to war, developing state-of-the-art weaponry for the United States government. After the deaths of his parents, Tony eventually took the mantle as head of Stark Industries, continuing his father’s work. After an attack, hostage situation, and having his eyes opened to where weapons emblazoned with the Stark name were ending up, Tony had an awakening. He could not continue on the same path that was laid before him; he needed to take Stark Industries in a new direction. Along with his company, Tony made a change within himself, converting from alleged warmonger to the humanitarian calling for “peace in our time.”

I relate to Tony in this aspect because I went through a similar change. For about ten years of my life, I believed in only one political ideology. I watched one news source, listened to one radio show, and read only from specific authors along those same lines. It’s ironic that I began to change my way of thinking as I was introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I will not say that Tony Stark is my reason for changing my politics, ideology, and overall outlook on worldly events. What I will say is that this specific aspect of Tony Stark is one that I closely align with.

In no way is Tony perfect. He is a flawed human being. Aside from his occasional alcohol binge and past womanizing tactics, he has his share of errors from time to time. Errors that are fueled by his passion for correcting past mistakes made in the Stark name. It is his imperfections that add to the appeal for me. As rich, smart, and confident as he is, he still is not free from mistakes. Like any well-meaning person looking to help others, Tony is always in search of a way to protect humanity. He fights for a better tomorrow. Yet, sometimes the tactics he uses do not go according to plan and he is forced to find a way to correct his mistake.

I’ve had my share of good-hearted plans that did not quite work the way I had hoped. I definitely compare with Tony in this aspect. With that said, Tony is committed to being a positive impact on the planet, whether it’s in his lifetime or beyond. As he’s adventured on through the comics and the MCU, Tony has become less preoccupied with how cool and successful he is and more focused on acquiring that elusive peace in our time — no matter the stakes. Like him, I am less preoccupied with blindly following a specific political party or ideology and continue to strive for being a voice for an inclusive society — whatever it takes.

So, there you have it. My appreciation for the man in the Iron suit. The weapons manufacturer who became a symbol of peace. The innovative genius, kept alive by palladium, who created a new element. The Avenger who went toe-to-toe with a Titan, even as his armor was failing him. He has technology, brains, attitude, and riches. Yet, it is his constant devotion to correcting past mistakes and fighting for change — both externally and internally — that makes him my guy. He is “The Futurist” Tony Stark, my favorite character in the Marvel Universe.

— “The Azorean One” Anthony Esteves is a screenwriter, author, member of The Capeless Crusaders podcast & contributor to Latino Review Media.