If you tuned into Disney+ today, you likely tuned in to the first three episodes of the new Ironheart series... at least if you are a Marvel fan. However, those expecting a spiritual successor to Tony Stark might be a little disappointed.
Not even one day on streaming, Ironheart has already faced critical backlash. From accusations of virtue signalling, woke agendas, etcetera and etcetera, it feels like Riri Williams can't flex a gauntlet without getting in trouble. However, is any of the hate legit?
Ironheart, not Iron Man
She might be using similar blueprints, but make no mistake, Riri Williams (Dominique Thorn) is no Tony Stark -- and she's not supposed to be. Riri's superhero arc has more in common with characters like Peter Parker or Miles Morales than our favorite genius billionaire playboy philanthropist.
After the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, genius inventor and former MIT maverick Riri Williams returns to Chicago, where she gets entangled with the mysterious Hood and his entourage. However, things take a turn when magic and technology engage in a street-level battle worthy of the MCU.
In this writer's opinion, Ironheart, like Daredevil: Born Again and the upcoming Fantastic 4 film, are taking a more city-level approach to the newer threats in the MCU. However, that might be part of the main reason for the backlash.
People see the Iron-Man-esque suit and think they're getting a successor to the original with all the bells, whistles, and snarky quips worthy of an RDJ performance. So when something more contained and (for lack of a better word) urban hits the screen, many Marvel fans find themselves increasingly disappointed.
Here's the thing, the MCU is much bigger than just Avengers-level threats, and just because there's a different take on a familiar formula, it doesn't mean it's necessarily a bad thing. Ironheart might be a little predictable in its delivery, but is it worth the hate? In my opinion, absolutely not.
Ironheart is no Iron Man, but it was never meant to be. It's a new hero taking on a familiar form of tech. Nobody bats an eye at the various Superman clones in both the comic and cinematic worlds, so why should Iron Man be any different? In short, Ironheart needs time and a chance, but is definitely worth at least one viewing.
Ironheart is now available on Disney+