Ironheart Review: Dominique Thorne Delivers, But This Ain’t the Scary Hood We Ordered
- Je-Ree
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
The moment we comic book fans have been waiting for since Riri Williams made her live-action debut in Wakanda Forever back in 2022 (which feels like decades ago, because let’s be real Marvel years are longer than dog years) is finally here. A lot has gone down in the MCU since we last saw Riri helping Wakanda throw hands (and tech) at Namor and the Talokanil.
Guided by Tony Stark (AI-version in the comics, real-life version being Robert Downey Jr. and his permanent mark on the franchise), Riri suits up literally to step out of Iron Man’s long shadow and into her own complicated, jet-powered spotlight.
I was lucky enough to screen the entire freshman season of Ironheart, thank you, Disney+ for the access but don’t worry, no spoilers ahead in this Ironheart review. At the time of this posting, only the first three episodes have dropped, so I’m keeping things cute and NDA-compliant. I don’t want or need Disney and Marvel legal departments knocking on my door like I’ve been caught with Vibranium.
So, where is Riri now? Back at MIT, of course, doing what she does best: building tech, making moves, and trying to keep her suit together with spit, gum, and genius. But can we pause for a second, Shuri didn’t set this girl up with anything? No Wakandan grant? No tech package? Not even a limited-edition Kimoyo bead? I’m sorry, but they gave Bucky a whole new arm and sent Riri back to Boston with a handshake and a souvenir? Tragic. Missed opportunity. Wakanda, we need to talk.
With MIT catching on to Riri’s "creative problem-solving" when it comes to funding her projects, she's swiftly booted from campus. This leads her into the orbit of Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, and his gang of discount Robin Hoods. Is it a good idea? Probably not. But when you're broke and brilliant, you take the gigs you can get. Of course, nothing is ever what it seems in the MCU. What would Tony Stark do in this situation? Actually… maybe let’s not ask that.
Let’s talk about what's working. Visually, Ironheart slaps. The cinematography, the production design, the textures, it all feels lived in and grounded while still being distinctly Marvel. Executive Producer Ryan Coogler doesn’t miss when it comes to cultural depth, and it shows. Ironheart carries the same spirit we got from Black Panther and Sinners: world-building that reflects real communities, real voices, and real style. The wardrobe is on point, the language feels authentic, and the soundtrack? Let’s just say it’s going straight to my playlist.
Now onto what didn’t quite land for me: Anthony Ramos as The Hood. Now look, I love Anthony Ramos. I’ve watched Hamilton more times than I’d care to admit and I know he has range. But scary villain? Not quite. Parker Robbins in the comics is supposed to be this intimidating, morally gray guy tapping into some dark, dangerous magic. But Ramos? He just doesn’t bring the menace. It’s giving "drama kid with a cursed cape" instead of "ruthless supernatural criminal." That said, his emotional delivery is solid but he’s just missing that underlying tension that makes a good Marvel villain great.
Dominique Thorne, though? She gets it. As Riri, she’s charming, sharp, and relatable. She has that "girl from around the way" energy that makes you root for her, even when she’s making questionable choices. There’s a humility to her performance that works, and I know a lot of young viewers, especially Black and brown kids are going to see themselves in her. Is she fully Ironheart yet? Not quite. But that’s the journey, and I’m here for it.
The show hits all the expected Marvel beats, yes, there are easter eggs, yes, there are cameos, yes, your nerdy brain will be satisfied. But Ironheart also takes time to build its own identity. It’s not trying to be Iron Man 4 or Black Panther 3.5. It’s carving its own lane, and even if it's not perfect, it’s full of potential.
So should you keep watching? Absolutely. If the first half grabbed you, the back half is going to hit even harder. Riri Williams is just getting started, and something tells me she’s going to be at the center of the MCU’s next generation. Young Avengers, anyone? You know it’s coming. Just remember who had her back from episode one.
What did you think?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So
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