From Tony to Riri and Back Again: Considering Iron Man’s Return

This week’s New Comic Book Day brings two major Marvel milestones.  The first, Tony Stark returns to active duty as the Armored Avenger, shaking off the coma that’s sidelined him since the end of Civil War II.  The second, The Invincible Iron Man #600 marks Brian Michael Bendis’s final Marvel comic.  There’s lots to reflect on with Bendis’s move to DC, to be sure.  However, as someone who writes often of the vital importance of Legacy Characters on this site, I’d rather discuss something else.  What does it mean for Riri Williams – for Ironheart – to have Tony return?

…..really?? – Marvel Legacy Edition

I enjoy writing impassioned pieces here.  There is a special sort of joy that comes from something born of your heart and soul taking shape in your writing.  I also like to pride myself on writing informed and researched pieces.  I’m not one to rant emotionally with nothing to base it on.  However, one of the early posts on this blog was titled “…..really?” and it dealt with my shock and frustration over the (now infamous) Hydra Cap reveal.  I’ve come to deeply respect what’s come of the story and I’ll openly admit I was wrong.  Buuuut sometimes you just need to rant so I’m taking the title of that piece – “…..really??” – and turning it into an occasional series where I react to an idea before I really have any idea what’s up :).  Today’s focus is Marvel Legacy!

Marvel’s Diversity Is One Of It’s Greatest Strengths

I’ve started writing this post four or five times.  After I read Marvel’s Senior VP of Sales and Marketing David Gabriel’s comments about diversity hurting their sales last week, I wanted to say something.  I write about my love/the importance of Legacy Characters on this site a lot.  I also passionately defend their cultural, mythic, creative, and symbolic importance.  But my impassioned challenges to the system seemed contrived (as I wasn’t super angry since the internet rightly chastised Gabriel pretty quickly) and my outlines for what really hurt Marvel’s sales seemed irrelevant (as those points had already been well made).  So I finally decided to just simply speak about the personal importance of Marvel’s diversity to me, as a fan.