2026 will usher in a new era for Iron Man fans as fan-favorite comic writer Joshua Williamson kicks off a new series for Tony Stark this January, and included in this exciting new chapter is the return of a classic Marvel villain. Fans can find previews of the cover art and additional details below.
Having previously released the solicitation for Joshua Williamson and Carmen Carnero’s upcoming January 28, 2026, launch of Iron Man #1, the publisher has now shared a teaser for issue #2 as well, with both previews confirming the return of the classic and criminally underrated Madame Masque, who will serve as the primary antagonist for this debut arc.
Whitney “Madame Masque” Frost is one of Iron Man’s earliest major villains and has a particularly complicated history with him, given their past romantic relationship, making her return all the more exciting.
Madame Masque, A Brief History
Iron Man #1 Will Be Available January 28, 2026
Madame Masque first appeared in Iron Man #17 (1969) under her masked identity, but the character’s debut as Whitney Frost dates back to Tales of Suspense #98 (1968). Her mafia crime boss persona, Big M, first appeared in Tales of Suspense #97 (1967),created by the legendary Stan Lee and Gene Colan.
Like Tony, Whitney has no superpowers and instead relies on high-tech armor and weaponry, along with training in hand-to-hand combat. Her now-iconic, character-defining gold mask is part of her villain persona and emerged after her face was severely scarred in a battle and explosion, leading her to adopt the Madame Masque moniker.
What Can Fans Expect From Madame Masque in 2026?
Iron Man #2 Will Be Available February 25, 2026
Williamson’s upcoming Iron Man series will follow Tony as he reflects on the creation of his original Iron Man suit, which ultimately saved his life by keeping his heart beating. This blast from the past gets him thinking about what might happen the next time he faces death, and how he would respond when mortality looms once again.
As the synopsis teases, Tony begins asking himself, “What happens the next time death comes calling? What weapon does he create then? What if… someone else creates it first?” The conflict arises because Tony isn’t the only one asking these questions. Madame Masque has as well, setting the stage for a dangerous race between the two.
With the power of Advanced Idea Mechanics behind her, Madame Masque and Tony will be racing to create the next great weapon of the generation. The synopsis for issue two hints at further escalation in their rivalry, promising a high-stakes narrative that pits Iron Man not only against a classic supervillain but also his former romantic partner.
IRON MAN is on the hunt for the missing captives as MADAME MASQUE continues to twist the knife in Tony’s back! Could Tony really be at fault for what’s happening? The past collides with the present as JOSHUA WILLIAMSON & CARMEN CARNERO continue to pave the future for IRON MAN! Plus: STEVE ROGERS, CAPTAIN AMERICA, throws his mighty shield! But is it WITH Iron Man or AGAINST?
Iron Man #2 is available February 25, 2026, from Marvel Comics!