Guardsman

Guardsman is the name used by operatives wearing Stark-derived power armor, most notably associated with security duty at the Vault, a federal prison for supervillains. The role has been filled by multiple individuals connected to Tony Stark's world, including members of the O'Brien family.

Debuting in the landmark Bronze Age crossover Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions #1 in 1982 — courtesy of the legendary creative trio of Mark Gruenwald, Bill Mantlo, and John Romita Jr. — Guardsman stepped onto the Marvel stage in genuinely grand fashion. This armored figure has kept remarkable company over the decades, sharing pages with Tony Stark, Iron Man, Michael O'Brien, Jack of Hearts, and Bobby Drake across titles like Iron Man Annual and the Iron Man Epic Collection. The fact that a character born in one of Marvel's earliest crossover events has maintained a presence all the way into 2025 speaks to a quiet, enduring staying power that collectors and continuity enthusiasts have long appreciated. If you're tracing the threads of Marvel's armored legacy or hunting down Bronze Age gems, Guardsman is a name worth knowing.