Captain America's Best Insult Proved He Knows Iron Man Better Than Any Living Being
Two of Marvel Comics' most well-known heroes and venerable Avengers are Captain America and Iron Man. Among the most significant alliances of the House of Ideas is theirs. Steve Rogers and Tony Stark have gone through thick and thin, building a bond over years that makes them Marvel's mirror for Superman and Batman. And this past is the reason Cap understands Iron Man more than anybody else on the planet.
By halting and restarting his heart, the armored Avenger vanquishes his long-time adversary, the Crimson Dynamo, in Iron Man #7 in 2006. Iron Man contends that Tony's approach was only the most practical one when Captain America doubts it. Cap stumps Tony in answer by saying, "Expedient, Tony?" Or interesting? And Steve precisely points out Iron Man's worst flaw as he leaves without a satisfying answer.
Cap Acknowledges Tony's Errors Superior To Those Of Others
None, not even Captain America, can challenge the good Iron Man has done for the Marvel Universe. But Tony Stark's techniques and goals sometimes leave even his strongest allies wondering about their own. Iron Man's own Ego is, in many respects, his biggest challenge; this is seen in his own original crime-fighting and world-saving approach. Tony often puts his needs above those of others and far too often thinks that his approach is the only, if not the only, one for getting things done only because of his indisputable intelligence.
After years of fighting alongside one another, Captain America may identify this fact about Iron Man more than anyone else - after all, Steve was Stark's worst enemy when Tony's actions in Civil War put his values over the liberties of others. Cap even directly addresses this in Avengers Prime #1. Tony has been working on this quality, but it's still vibrant in more recent events like Iron Man's performance as the "Iron God" of New York.
Ego of Iron Man Gets in His Path
Although Captain America is aware that Iron Man's heart is finally in the right place, the Armor Avenger's actions are not always the most moral ones. Tony Stark has repeatedly put his personal beliefs above all else, and it has cost him and his fellow heroes more than even he would want to acknowledge. Unquestionably a real hero, Iron Man has shortcomings; his best friend, Captain America, is aware of this better than anybody.
Tony Stark's Ego often makes him a challenging ally and a continual barrier to his heroism. Captain America has always known this, and he frequently pushes Tony to think through the wider good. But Iron Man's ego is a strong force that causes continual conflict between the two heroes.
Captain America sees Iron Man's shortcomings.
Captain America knows Tony Stark better than anybody, and he has seen Iron Man both at his finest and at his worst. He has seen his struggle, his genius, and his conceit. Captain America is a man of principle, thus Iron Man doesn't hold back when his actions contradict his moral compass.
Captain America's great awareness of Iron Man's shortcomings enables him to gently remind Tony that although his acts are usually positive, occasionally they come at a cost, therefore calling out his Arrogance in the most effective manner conceivable. Tony is pushed to be a better person and a better hero by this continuous, yet sympathetic criticism. It is evidence of the strength of their Friendship and their capacity to challenge one another even toward a common objective.
