Ironclad, also known as Mike Steel, is an antagonist in Marvel Comics who mainly fights against the Hulk, Captain America, and the Fantasic Four. He is one of the four members of the U-Foes.
Mike Steel was an engineer, a scientist, and a pilot before gaining his superhuman powers. With his teammates, he attempted to duplicate the original rocket flight of the Fantastic Four through a cosmic ray belt, and gained superhuman powers just as they did. His team then first battled the Hulk, although during the battle Ironclad lost control of his powers and sank into the ground. Later, he rescued his teammate X-Ray and was reunited with the U-Foes. They again battled the Hulk and this time defeated him. In triumph, they exhibited the captive Bruce Banner on national television. However, Banner was freed by Rick Jones, Betty Ross, and the alien Bereet, and Banner transformed into the Hulk and defeated the U-Foes. With the U-Foes, Ironclad later escaped a special government prison, but was accidentally "deflected" by team leader Vector into the "Crossroads" dimension. There, he battled the Hulk and defeated him with the help of the alien "Puffball Collective," though he became trapped in a dimension of quicksand. Ironclad later escaped back to the "Crossroads" dimension, and with the U-Foes he escaped back to Earth through a dimensional warp unintentionally opened by the Mutant Charles Little Sky. The U-Foes battled the Avengers and Puma, and Ironclad was defeated by Captain America and Gilgamesh.
Some time later, alongside other superhuman criminals, Ironclad attempted to escape from the Vault, and battled the Avengers and Freedom Force. Alongside Electro, Ironclad sided with Thunderball against Venom for leadership of the convicts. Ironclad was later freed from the Vault, and with teammates Vapor and X-Ray, Ironclad attacked the Avengers West Coast, mistakenly believing they had killed Vector. Vector then reappeared alive and well, and led his teammates in a strategic retreat. With the U-Foes, Ironclad later attacked a New York hospital in search of Charles Little Sky (who was now known as Portal), where they battled Darkhawk, Daredevil, and Captain America.
Mike was one of the one-hundred and forty-two superhumans who registered as part of the Super-Human Registration Act.
The Hood
Though a registered hero, Ironclad later joined the Hood's criminal organization who planned to take advantage of the split in the superhero community caused by the Superhuman Registration Act.
Other Media
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes
Ironclad in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
Ironclad appears in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes. In the episode "Hulk Vs. The World," a blood-containing red vial labeled with the name Ironclad is featured. In the episode "Gamma World" Pt. 1, he alongside the U-Foes attack the Avengers in the Cube, and attacks Thor. He is defeated by a combined strike from Mjolnir and Captain America's shield.
The Incredible Hulk
Ironclad is a boss and recurring enemy in The Incredible Hulk video game. Here, he was voiced by Mitch Lewis. However, the character acts almost exactly like the Hulk, but is programed to constantly use a shield, and is only open for attack when dazed. The similarities allow Players to dress Hulk as him as an extra. Ironclad, like the rest of the U-Foes, sometimes appear randomly in between missions to cause panic. However, in at least some experiences, the U-Foes seem more interested in attacking the area, and will only attack Hulk if he approaches. Ironclad can be unlocked by having one of the U-Foes members attack him by accident.
Powers and Abilities
Strength
Due to Ironclads Exposure to radiation, he can lift somewhere up to eighty to nine tons.
Durability
Ironclad is very durable to blunt force and high temperatures, he takes blows from the hulk who can hit with the force of one-hundred tons, proving that he can actually fight with the Hulk. H can also resist -75 to 800 degrees of Fahrenheit.
Density Shifting
Iron clad can alter his mass and weight, being able to either loom in the air or be as heavy as a building.
