John Jennings (Parable of the Talents, Ghostlight) and artist Jethro Morales deliver a refreshing and focused Riri Williams story in the Marvel one-shot, Ironheart: Bad Chemistry. Notably, the narrative stands strong without relying on distracting A-list hero cameos, effectively showcasing Ironheart’s formidable capabilities.

Building upon the groundwork laid in the 2023 Marvel Voices #1 (Free Comic Book Day) short story, Bad Chemistry delves deeper into the history of Ironheart’s nemesis, Khem, revealing her intricate connection to the villain Chemistro (First appearance Hero for Hire, 1974). Jennings’ signature approach of revitalizing classic, lesser-known Bronze Age characters, as seen in Ghostlight, is once again on display.

Jennings’ meticulous research, a hallmark of his work, shines through in the story’s depth. Morales complements this with deft handling of both flashback sequences and dynamic action scenes.

While some readers may raise concerns about Riri’s use of urban slang, it aligns convincingly with her established personality and Dominique Thorne’s portrayal in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Personally, I found it authentic rather than contrived, a crucial distinction when dealing with AAVE (African-American Vernacular English).

Ultimately, Ironheart: Bad Chemistry offers an enjoyable and accessible read, a departure from the more avant-garde style anticipated in Jennings’ upcoming Parable of the Talents series. This one-shot feels like a promising prelude to richer, more expansive storytelling in the future.

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