Review by Ian Keogh

This is a young adult rebranding of the stories produced by Brian Michael Bendis and Stefano Caselli that introduced teenage genius Riri Williams to the Marvel universe, originally issued as Invincible Iron Man: Ironheart and Invincible Iron Man: Choices.

Time has diminished Riri’s similarity to also gifted African-American teenage genius Moon Girl, and she’s likeable from the start. Bendis defines her as confident in her own abilities, and never happier than when tinkering away in her family’s garage. Such is her level of technical ability that she’s managed to design her own armoured suit, and that’s taken a level further when she’s supplied with an AI version of Tony Stark’s personality. It’s all smart and engaging, and Bendis further steps away from the traditional Iron Man material by ensuring women supply the entire supporting cast.

However, at that point Bendis seems to have considered the job done, and what follows is a series of adventures initially recycling scenarios readers have seen too often in superhero series. When the premises become more original they’re drowned in extended bantering conversations more concerned with displaying writing skill than with perpetuating a story. It makes this edition aimed at younger readers even more of an anomaly. Are they going to know or care about the 1980s and 1990s popular culture references Bendis forces into the story?

Primary artist Stefano Caselli takes some time to work his way into the superhero action sequences, which are initially clunky and uninspired, which is a complete contrast to the life and personality he brings to Riri and the cast during quieter moments. However, after a few chapters the action scenes have added dynamism and the viewpoints Caselli uses become more original. The other credited artists all work on shorter outings at the end, detailing how individual cast members first met Tony Stark. They’re decently drawn, but plainly filler.

The concept and background is well considered, and you’d really wish for the introduction of a character who’s appeal continues to have been something special, but this really isn’t. A second Ironheart volume in this format follows, Meant to Fly collecting Eve L. Ewing’s more sympathetic treatment of Riri.