Tony Stark must reclaim his identity as Iron Man after a period of absence, but his return is complicated by physical deterioration and strained relationships. His body's decline forces extreme measures, creating conflict with James Rhodes, who feels betrayed by Stark's deception. Stark must simultaneously confront multiple threats, including the Controller's conspiracy, the Technovore, MODAM, Omega Red, and a dangerous deal with AIM, all while investigating the mystery of the Face Thief.

This collection gathers key Iron Man stories from the early 1990s, focusing on Tony Stark's return and his subsequent struggles. The narrative explores the physical toll of his prolonged absence and the emotional fallout with his ally, James Rhodes. The inclusion of anniversary material and the debut of Squirrel Girl suggests a mix of classic action and character-focused storytelling. The collection aims to provide a comprehensive look at a significant period in Iron Man's publication history.