The Wellspring In Wakanda: Ironheart #9 Reviewed
by Josh Davison
Ironheart discovered the location of the Wellspring of Power in Wakanda, and Iron Man set up a meeting for Riri in Birnin Zana, capital city of Wakanda. Ironheart goes to Wakanda and meets up with Shuri, former Black Panther and sister to T’Challa. The two young women do not get off to a good start, and Shuri largely dismisses Riri’s concerns. However, when a freak earthquake strikes Birnin Zana and shadow creatures begin escaping from the fissures, Shuri must consider that Ironheart was right. The two women must put aside their differences if they’re going to defend the city.
Ironheart #9 finds Riri Williams teaming up with Shuri for the fate of Wakanda’s capital.
Both Riri and Shuri are tech experts with a passion for science and reason, so one would expect them to get along swimmingly. However, their backgrounds and upbringings set them at odds, with Shuri being Wakandan royalty and Riri being raised at the brink of poverty in Chicago. It isn’t the first time characters have been “too much alike” in terms of interests, but it makes for a fun dynamic in this comic.
What’s more predictable is what brings them together. Obviously, we know that Ironheart answering a real threat in the Wellspring of Power, and it’s going to cause some disturbance in Wakanda. This would naturally bring Shuri and Riri together. However, predictability isn’t a death knell, and it still makes for a fairly heartwarming moment when Shuri and Riri grow to respect one another.
Also, a character makes a return at the end whom I was quite pleased to see.
Luciano Vecchio’s artwork continues to be lively and appealing. Shuri and Riri are made to be very expressive, and their suits and powers look great. Geoffo’s layouts are excellent, and Matt Milla’s color art is explosive and energetic.
Ironheart #9 is another entertaining and engaging issue for Riri Williams’ solo series. We get to see her team up with another Mighty Marvel figure and see how she gets along with someone whose shared interest in science and technology should make her a fast friend. It’s a solid read and one worthy of a recommendation. Pick it up.
Ironheart #9 comes to us from writer Eve L. Ewing, artist Luciano Vecchio with layouts from Geoffo, color artist Matt Milla, letterer VC’s Clayton Cowles, and cover artist Stefano Caselli with Matt Milla.
Final Score: 7/10