Tony Stark is currently one of the biggest names in Marvel Comics. Thanks to the character's incredible popularity in things like the MCU, it only makes sense that he is also one of their biggest comic book characters.
For years, Tony's cocky attitude, sleek armors, and heroic nature have made him one of the biggest and most influential comic book characters. Because of this, several other versions of him have been explored beyond just the main Marvel universe. Looking at some of the strongest and weakest interpretations, here is our list of the best and worst versions of Tony stark.
10 Worst: House of M
Though Tony Stark was seldom in the main House of M series, Marvel still explored the character's role within the universe. Unfortunately, for all the similarities this version of Tony shared with the main one, he couldn't quite measure up to the same type of character.
For years, the House of M version of Tony developed weapons to be used against mutants, arguably making him one of the key villains. When sapiens ended up losing the war, Tony then developed armor for gladiator-style entertainment. While this version was still a brilliant technician, it is easy to see why he is one of the worst versions of Tony around.
9 Best: The Invincible Iron Man (2007)
Shortly before launching the powerhouse that is the MCU, Iron Man starred in his own animated adventure in 2007's The Invincible Iron Man. Though not many are likely to know the film, it is definitely one of the stronger alternate versions of the character around.
Likewise, the film also showcases some stronger depictions of Tony's supporting cast, doing characters like The Mandarin far more justice than Iron Man 3 (2013) ever did. While the film isn't the best alternate depiction of Tony out there, many would be surprised with how underrated it truly is.
8 Worst: Noir
As part of the Noir Marvel universe, Tony actually had a lot of potential, especially within a 1930s setting. Unfortunately, things didn't exactly work out for the character, as the story went in a rather strange direction.
Considering how Tony himself didn't even design the Iron Man armor in this universe, it is easy to see how this version is a bit underwhelming. With some weird plot twists involving his father as well, this is definitely one of the weaker versions of Tony the Marvel has given readers.
7 Best: Iron Hammer
As part of the more recent Infinity Wars series, several Marvel heroes were combined together to give readers entirely new versions of some bigger names in the universe. Fused with the God of Thunder himself, Tony Stark and Thor were combined to introduce Iron Hammer to comic fans everywhere.
With a unique spin on the two's backstory, this definitely made for an interesting version of both Iron Man and Thor alike. Though this version of the character likely wouldn't work too well in the long term, it was definitely a cool concept to see given the context of the story.
6 Worst: Heroes Reborn
For those who are unfamiliar with Heroes Reborn, it is probably for the best. This timeline was originally supposed to serve as a hard reset for the overall Marvel Universe, but was eventually canceled to the well-deserved poor reception.
With overly muscular designs all around and some over-the-top character depictions, it is easy to see why so many people hated this chapter in Marvel's history. While this version of Tony stark proved to be better than some of the other characters from this time, it is still one of the worst versions of him to date.
5 Best: Ultimate
The ultimate universe definitely had a few bumps during the early days, but its depiction of Tony Stark was actually a bit stronger. Here, Antonio Stark operates the suit, and for the most part, resembles a lot of the same traits that many fans are familiar with.
Though this version of Tony was not without his controversies, he still made for an interesting portrayal of the character. Likewise, seeing him grow and change over the years really helped some get attached to him, despite the mistakes he may have made.
4 Worst: Superior
Superior Iron Man saw all of the worst qualities of Tony Stark and upped them by tenfold. Though Tony is supposed to be a bit of a jerk at times, superior Iron Man really took things to a whole new level.
While this was still the main version of the character for a time, the tampering with his personality made him far from the same character that so many know and love. Despite the fact that this could have been an interesting idea, it is definitely one of the worst depictions of Tony Stark around.
3 Best: MCU
Of course, one of the strongest versions of Tony Stark to date is none other than Robert Downey Jr.'s iconic portrayal of the character. For over 10 years, this version of Tony contributed greatly to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making it all the more heartbreaking when the character made the ultimate sacrifice.
RDJ's version of Iron Man remains one of the most celebrated portrayals of a comic book character in any superhero movie, and for good reason considering how perfectly he embodied Tony Stark. For such an epic journey the character has had on the big screen, he will truly be missed within the MCU.
2 Worst: Iron Maniac
Hailing from Earth 5012, the Iron Maniac shows readers what a totally evil version of Tony Stark would look like. Granted, he is from a radically different, war-torn version of the Marvel universe, but it still doesn't make up for the horrible things he has done in the past.
With an armor that vaguely resembles that of Dr. Doom as well, the Iron Maniac really solidifies his entire "Evil Iron Man" personality. Though the character is intriguing in his own ways, he is easily one of the worst versions of Tony ever imagined.
1 Best: Main
Of all other versions of Tony Stark around, the main 616 on has to be the best ever. Considering how all other version have been inspired or influenced by this one, it is safe to say that this depiction of the character is what all others are judged and compared to.
Likewise, few other versions of Tony have come close to accomplishing the same things that this one has. From weilding the Infinity Gauntlet, to running S.H.I.E.L.D., to much more, this is easily the best version of Tony Stark and Iron Man that has ever been.