Elon Musk Might Actually Be Our Iron Man (According to Marvel Lore)

Warning! Spoilers for Devil’s Reign: Superior Four #1

In a new comic, it’s teased that Elon Musk could be a real world variant of Tony Stark AKAIron Man. As Doctor Octopus explains what it means to be a “fixed variant,” he lists Stark as an example of someone who exists in every world within the multiverse.

In recent years, the concept of “variants” within the multiverse has become widely understood. With shows like The Flash and Loki, fans are well-accustomed to alternate world versions of the same person. As both DC Comics and Marvel Comics draw interest to their distinct takes on the multiverse, the idea of variants has led to fun theories. One theory is loosely referenced in Devil’s Reign: Superior Four #1, written by Zac Thompson with art by Davide Tinto and colors by Matt Milla.

As Doctor Octopus talks about what a “fixed variant” is, he lists examples such as Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and Iron Man. A fixed variant is someone who exists across the multiverse in each universe, which he believes himself to be. In the past, the real world has appeared in comics as a part of the Marvel multiverse. This implies that there should be variants of the heroes Doc Oct mentions in their version of actual Earth. Considering the idea that Elon Musk could easily be the real world equivalent to Tony Stark, it would line up that he actually is a variant within Marvel’s multiverse.

According to the writers, a variant of Tony Stark would likely exist and be famous. Whether their answer is Robert Downey Jr. or Elon Musk, they’ve created a fun dialogue for fans to join in on. For years, Musk had been labeled as the real world version of Iron Man in headlines bringing focus to his surreal career. Now, Marvel Comics can make a nod at his accomplishments through SpaceX and Tesla by officially making him an alternate world Tony Stark. Previously, Musk even showed up in Iron Man 2 as a cameo, since writers assumed he would be someone associated with Stark.

With Doctor Octopus referencing the fixed variants, it would be fitting for the heroes’ real world iterations to appear later in Superior Four. Although Otto is convinced he is a fixed variant, it might be a matter of time until he is proven wrong. However, he seems certain that the Avengers he mentions have alternate versions of themselves on every world. Until Marvel Comics confirms that Elon Musk is the variant of Iron Man in the real world, fans continue to theorize.

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