Inspired by the original Man of Steel, John Henry Irons forged his formidable armor and adopted the identity of Steel following Superman's death. Having proved himself by aiding Earth's metahumans in the "Genesis" crisis, Steel joined the JLA following a battle with the Injustice Gang. His first JLA adventure almost proved disastrous when Steel's computerized armor was sabotaged by the hero-killer, Prometheus. But the JLA's new techno-whiz soon turned the tables, seizing Prometheus's own systems and forcing his retreat. With the advanced technology of the JLA's Watchtower at his disposal, Steel has set up his own workshop on the Moon, becoming the JLA's resident scientist and artisan.