Born and raised in Washington D.C., John Henry Irons grew up in a rough neighborhood plagued by violence and crime. This environment instilled in him a strong sense of justice and a desire to protect the innocent, motivating his future actions. He witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of unchecked power, shaping his commitment to responsible heroism.

Irons displayed remarkable aptitude in engineering from a young age. He attended college and excelled in his studies, specializing in structural engineering and advanced weaponry design. His intellectual prowess quickly made him a standout student, foreshadowing his future ability to construct and master the Steel armor.

After graduation, John Henry worked for AmerTek Industries, a company involved in weapons manufacturing. His conscience was deeply troubled by the destructive potential of the weapons he was designing, leading him to sabotage the project and resign from his position. He saw the devastating consequences of his work on display and decided to leave the industry to pursue a path aligned with helping people not harming them.

The 'death' of Superman at the hands of Doomsday profoundly affected John Henry Irons. Witnessing the city's despair and the absence of its protector, he was inspired to step up and fill the void. He felt an obligation to use his skills to protect the innocent in Superman's absence, leading him to begin designing and building his iconic Steel armor.

Using his engineering expertise and scraps from his previous workplace, John Henry Irons constructed his first suit of Steel armor. Armed with a sledgehammer and a heart full of determination, he emerged as a symbol of hope in Superman's absence, battling criminals and protecting the citizens of Metropolis. It was during this period that he decided that violence should be a tool used for protection rather than destruction.

When Superman returned, alive and well, John Henry was initially hesitant, unsure of his place in the hero landscape. However, Superman quickly recognized John Henry's integrity and heroism, welcoming him as an ally and friend. He recognized John's strength of character and value to the people and assured him that he had earned his place as a hero in Metropolis.

Steel's reputation and abilities led to him being invited to join the Justice League on several occasions, further cementing his role as a major hero in the DC Universe. During this time he also expanded his family, adopting children and creating a support system for his heroic work and adding to his already large number of nieces and nephews.

Throughout his career, Steel constantly refined and upgraded his armor, incorporating advanced technology and enhancing its capabilities. He remains a vital protector of Metropolis and a symbol of hope for those in need, often intervening in global crises and utilizing his intellect and technology to solve complex problems.