- "Demon in a Bottle" (Iron Man #120-128, 1979): Often considered the quintessential Iron Man story. It delves into Tony Stark's alcoholism and his struggle with personal demons, showing his vulnerability beyond the armor. This storyline added significant depth to the character.
- "Armor Wars" (Iron Man #225-232, 1988): A groundbreaking storyline where Tony Stark discovers his armor technology has been stolen and is being used by villains. He takes extreme measures to retrieve it, even confronting government agencies and his allies, raising questions about responsibility and the dangers of advanced technology.
- "Extremis" (Iron Man Vol. 4 #1-6, 2005): This modern classic redefines Iron Man's origin for the 21st century. It introduces the Extremis virus, which Tony uses to enhance his body, allowing him to mentally interface with his armor. This arc heavily influenced the Iron Man movies.
- "The Five Nightmares" (Invincible Iron Man Vol. 1 #1-7, 2008): Kicking off Matt Fraction's acclaimed run, this story pits Tony against Ezekiel Stane, the son of Obadiah Stane, who uses Stark's own technology against him in terrifying ways. It explores themes of legacy and the consequences of Tony's past actions.
- "Doomquest" (Iron Man #150-151, 1981 & Iron Man Annual #15, 1994): A fan-favorite that sees Iron Man and Doctor Doom transported to Camelot. This unlikely pairing forces them to work together (and against each other) in a unique and memorable adventure that highlights their contrasting personalities and intellects.
- "Iron Monger Saga" (Iron Man #200, #212-214, 1985-1986): This storyline culminates in the iconic battle between Iron Man and his business rival Obadiah Stane, who dons the massive Iron Monger armor. It's a personal and high-stakes conflict with significant consequences for Tony's life.
- "Enter the Mandarin" (Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin #1-6, 2007-2008): A modern retelling of Iron Man's first encounter with his arch-nemesis, the Mandarin. This story provides a more in-depth and nuanced origin for their rivalry, establishing the Mandarin as a credible and dangerous threat in the modern age. "World's Most Wanted" (Invincible Iron Man #8-19, 2008-2009): Following the "Secret Invasion" storyline, Tony Stark, as the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D., isPublic Enemy Number One. Stripped of his resources and hunted, he goes on the run, forcing him to rely on his intellect and ingenuity to survive.
- "Stark Disassembled" (Invincible Iron Man #20-28, 2009-2010): This arc sees Tony facing the consequences of his actions during "Civil War" and "Secret Invasion." His mental state deteriorates, leading to a devastating breakdown and the apparent loss of Tony Stark, paving the way for new directions for the character.
- "Superior Iron Man" (Superior Iron Man #1-9, 2014-2015): Following the "AXIS" event, Tony Stark's personality is inverted, turning him into a ruthless and narcissistic egomaniac. This storyline explores a darker side of the character as he unleashes a new, more aggressive version of his technology on an unsuspecting San Francisco.