Publisher DC Comics | ||
First appearance Steel #1 (February 1994) Type of business Military industrial firm | ||
AmerTek Industries is a fictional corporation in the DC Comics Universe. They first appeared in Steel #1 (February 1994).
Contents
Fictional history
AmerTek Industries is a military industrial firm that employed engineer Dr. John Henry Irons. Irons is the engineer that developed the BG-60, a powerful man-portable energy cannon, which is sold to urban arms dealers by AmerTek. When Irons learns that his invention has been used for evil purposes, he destroys the blueprints, quits AmerTek, and starts his own business, Iron Works. At Iron Works, Irons designs and builds a prototype of the armor that will eventually become the "Steel" armor. AmerTek spies steal the blueprints and use them to create their own knockoffs. In their actions, they purposefully target civilians, namely John's family.
After adopting the persona of "Steel", Irons discovers upgraded versions of the BG-60, now called "Toastmasters", are being sold to the gangs of Metropolis. Steel personally witnesses their destructive power: one solid hit reduces the victim to a burnt corpse. Steel discovers part of the distribution chain is his old partner, now known as the White Rabbit.
Amertek's influence had further results, such as when Toastmasters were used to attack innocent law enforcement personnel.
Steel eventually relocates with his family to Washington, D.C., AmerTek does not let up, sending men to attack him, while Toastmasters begin appearing on the streets of his new home. Steel reforges his armor and begins the battle anew.
Steel eventually takes down the gangs and AmerTek. He then focuses on the company's old partners, a group called "Black Ops". They are led by the villain Hazard. In the same issue, it is revealed AmerTek is headed by Colonel Thomas Weston. Weston and his soldiers would plague Steel for a while longer.