Iron Man #223

Iron Man issue 223 was published by Marvel Comics in October 1987 as part of the long-running Iron Man series. It was written by David Michelinie and Bob Layton, the creative duo widely credited with defining the modern iteration of Tony Stark, and features cover art by Layton. This issue is notable for its connection to the Armor Wars storyline, a pivotal arc in which Tony Stark discovers that his proprietary technology has been leaked to various supervillains, prompting him to systematically dismantle or neutralize any armor based on his designs.

The issue fits into the mid-80s era of Marvel storytelling, which frequently balanced high-stakes action with character-driven moral dilemmas. By forcing Stark to act as a vigilante against former allies and enemies alike, the narrative challenged the established status quo of the Iron Man persona. While not as historically singular as a first appearance or a major origin issue, it is recognized by collectors as a foundational chapter in one of the character's most influential story arcs, reflecting the themes of corporate responsibility and technological ethics that continue to define the Iron Man mythos.