Howard Stark

Origin

The son of Howard Stark, Sr., Howard Stark was born in Richford, New York. An avid and brilliant inventor from a young age, he was heavily involved in Stark Industries. He married Maria Collins Carbonell, and the pair had one son, Tony Stark. An alcoholic, he and his son had a difficult relationship, and he rarely expressed much affection for the boy. He was killed alongside his wife in an apparent accident that may have been orchestrated by V-Battalion or Roxxon. Their deaths inspired their son to take control of the business and eventually become Iron Man.

Creation

Stark was created by Archie Goodwin and Don Heck.

Major Story Arcs

The Wars

Stark works with the government during both the First and Second World Wars, providing technical and scientific assistance in a variety of projects. This includes the Captain America project, the Arsenal robots, and the Manhattan Project. His involvement in the latter drew the attention of German agents. The Red Skull orchestrates the abductions of both Stark and his wife, and tortures the pair to gain information about the Project. The pair resist the torture, and are rescued by Captain America, Bucky Barnes, and the Howling Commandos.

Agent of SHIELD

Following the Second World War, Stark becomes involved in working with The Shield. The totality of his involvement with SHIELD remains shrouded in mystery; he is partnered with Nathaniel Richards, with whom he carries out numerous missions. Known missions include escorting new recruit Leonid to SHIELD's Rome base, and fighting the Night Machine.

Powers and Abilities

Stark has no known superhuman abilities. He possesses a genius level intellect and is particularly skilled in the areas of science and inventing.

Alternate Versions

House of M

Stark did not die, but instead passed control of the company to his son when he turns 16. He retires, but continues working on inventions with his son and others, working on the Sentinels with Forge and Hank McCoy, creating a powered suit capable of fighting Sentinels with Tony, and working on the Vision Project. He is involved in resistance to mutant rule, secretly programming the Sentinels and Visions to work for him. He is killed by Magneto.

Noir

Believed killed by Nazi agents, Stark is captured and chemically brainwashed by the Nazis. He takes the identity of Baron Zemo and works to create war machines for the Nazis. He is killed in the destruction of Baron von Strucker's airship, which is destroyed by Iron Man.

Ultimate Universe

When his second wife Maria dies giving birth to their son Antonio, Stark creates a bio-armour to save the boy's life. He does his best to protect his son, rescuing him when he is abducted by Zebediah Stane, and transferring him to a different school when school bullies are hired to kill him. He is later framed by Obadiah Stane for the murder of Stane's father, and is arrested. He is almost killed by a hypnotized guard, but manages to escape with his life. After recovering he is again attacked by guards, and escapes custody. He is aided by Tony, who reveals the Loni Stane, Howard's ex-wife, might be responsible for everything. They travel to Utah to find Loni. En route their helicopter is attacked and Howard is captured. Loni explains her machinations and shoots Howard in the chest in order to force Tony to take off his suit. He does and she shoots him but he survives and the pair fight, with Tony defeating her. Stark and his son are rescued by federal agents.

Other Media

Animation

Iron Man

Stark appears in two episodes of this animated series, "Origin of Iron Man: Part 1" and "Not Far From the Tree". He is voiced in the first episode by Neil Ross, and in the second by Pete Renaday.

Iron Man: Armored Adventures

Stark appears as a regular recurring character in this television series. Originally assumed dead by the other characters, it is discovered he is alive and being held captive by the Mandarin. He is voiced by Fred Henderson.

Film

The Invincible Iron Man

Stark appears as a minor character in this direct-to-video film, which addresses the difficult relationship between Stark and his son. He is voiced by John McCook

Iron Man 2

Stark appears as a posthumous character depicted in a film reel. He is played by John Slattery.

Captain America: The First Avenger

Stark appears as a minor character in this film who is involved in the Super Soldier Program that creates Captain America. He is responsible for creating Captain America's suit and shield. Following Cap's disappearance he throws himself into attempting to locate him, and later uncovers the Tesseract. He is portrayed by Dominic Cooper.

Video Games

Captain America: Super Soldier

Stark appears in this video game, based on the Captain America film. He is voiced by Liam O'Brien.