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Unmasking Ironheart: Ranking Her MCU Suits by Comic Book Accuracy!

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Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Marvel’s Ironheart

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Riri Williams has constructed several distinctive Ironheart suits. On both screen and page, Riri’s assortment of armors show more uniqueness than being exact replicas. However, almost every suit retains some entertaining features that are reminiscent of versions seen in the original comics.

Initially appearing in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, the character Riri Williams donned two different armors during the 2022 film. Three years later, when the “Ironheart” series unfolded, Riri constructed three additional suits across its six episodes. Here is a ranking of all Ironheart’s MCU suits based on their comic book resemblance.

6. Honorable Mention: What If…?’s Ironheart

A Human/Synthezoid Hybrid

In a different scenario depicted in Marvel’s What If…? season 3, Riri Williams survived alongside only a few other heroes after the Emergence shattered the world. With the chaos that followed, Mysterio seized control over what remained, employing White Vision as his ruthless enforcer. Once Riri and her Resistance managed to subdue White Vision, she utilized his remains to create an extraordinary hybrid form, blending human and synthetic characteristics.

In the third season of Ironheart’s “What If…?”, we witness an extraordinary technological transformation that outshines any previous advancements in the primary Marvel Cinematic Universe storyline. Similarly, the original comics have yet to depict Riri Williams undergoing such a significant metamorphosis. Although this innovative path and “suit” for MCU’s Ironheart are incredibly exciting, there isn’t much adherence to the comic book version of her development.

5. Mark I

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Immediately following her introduction in the MCU, Riri Williams is depicted wearing her Mark 1 suit after interacting with Shuri and Okoye. In a hurry to evade the FBI, Riri’s initial armor was more of a makeshift contraption than a full-fledged suit. In its incomplete form, it offered primarily flight abilities and minimal defenses, equipped with a single large repulsor weapon for protection.

In her initial creation process spanning numerous years, Riri’s Mark 1 suit shares a striking similarity to the Model 1 from the original comics, as Riri had adapted Tony Stark’s technology to craft an armor uniquely hers. However, unlike the comic’s Model 1 which was a full-fledged armor including a helmet reminiscent of Iron Man’s and entirely gray/steel in color, the MCU’s Mark 1 incorporated red accents.

It’s worth noting that neither suit was equipped with advanced AI and they were quite basic compared to future designs, as Riri was still a student at MIT when they were built. Furthermore, it could be argued that the upcoming armors of Ironheart in the MCU are truer to her comic book counterpart.

4. Mark II

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

It’s true that some viewers might feel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever didn’t showcase top-notch visual effects for Riri’s Mark II in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, it’s important to note that Riri’s second armor remains quite impressive, having been crafted from vibranium and advanced Wakandan technology in Shuri’s lab. Towards the end of the 2022 film, Riri employed her updated suit to aid the Wakandans in their battle against Namor and the forces of Talokan.

Strikingly modern and advanced, there’s no denying the likeness between this version and Ironheart’s Model III from the comics, even though they sport different color schemes. Instead of pink and black, the MCU’s Riri seems to prefer red and black. It’s fascinating that both Ironheart armors share a similar chest plate design, featuring a heart-shaped reactor on the right side. However, it’s worth noting that the comics’ Riri hasn’t constructed a vibranium suit yet.

3. Mark III

Ironheart (2025)

The creation process behind the MCU’s Mark III Ironheart suit is reminiscent of Riri’s Model I from the comics, as both were built during Riri’s time at MIT and had challenges early on. Unfortunately, Riri’s Mark III was destroyed in its initial flight test due to financial issues related to her side job of helping fellow students with their homework and projects. Subsequently, she lost access to MIT’s AI assistant, leading to a loss of control over her armor upon returning home to Chicago.

It’s evident that the creation and destruction of the Mark III was significantly influenced by the comics. Just like Riri in the story, she donned the Model I, a suit she had covertly constructed at MIT after choosing to leave following the discovery of her tech theft. Unfortunately, during her inaugural superhero adventure, she suffered a crash and caused damage to the suit.

Certainly an improvement over its predecessor, the Mark III sports a complete set of armor plating and helmet. Yet, it remains a work in progress, particularly with its simpler two-tone color scheme of white and black, reminiscent of the monochrome gray of the Model 1 as depicted in the comics.

2. Mark V

Ironheart (2025)

The latest and up-to-date armor of Ironheart, the Mark V, is the most streamlined and tailored suit worn by Riri Williams in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far. This new red-and-black attire incorporates parts from her stepfather’s 1972 Plymouth Barracuda, boasting a heart-shaped reactor as its distinctive feature. Additionally, there’s a radiant emblem on the forehead that bears a striking resemblance to Models II and III from the comic books.

Nevertheless, the Mark V model exhibits some remarkable magical abilities, a feature that aligns with more contemporary Ironheart comic books. In these newer comics, Ironheart briefly tapped into the power of the Ten Rings, enhancing Riri’s capabilities significantly. However, this power proved corrupting to her, causing Williams to relinquish the artifacts.

It’s yet to be determined if her Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) suit will still wield magic in future appearances. However, the Mark V armor we’ve seen in the MCU is undoubtedly the most definitive Ironheart suit so far, combining elements from the comics with a distinctive, original design that offers a refreshing yet familiar aesthetic.

1. Mark IV

Ironheart (2025)

After Riri Williams was kicked out of MIT, she found herself in a tight spot when it came to constructing a new suit. With the Mark III having been damaged, she was both low on finances and working alongside The Hood’s crew. Thus, the Mark IV suit is less polished but includes components from various comic iterations of her armor.

With components sourced from a scrapyard and illicit technology supplied by Joe McGillicuddy alias Ezekiel Stane, the Mark IV stands out remarkably. In essence, it shares a strong resemblance with the Model 1 from the comics. Compared to its predecessors, it is more robust and less refined, serving as a transitional suit. However, it was the most frequently seen in the 2025’s movie Ironheart.

It can be noted that the Mark IV shares a striking resemblance with Riri Williams’ Model II from the comics, as both designs are reminiscent of Iron Man, particularly the Model 51 in appearance.

The Mark IV is the first Ironheart suit to include a sophisticated personal AI called NATALIE, modeled after Riri’s brainwaves and appearing as her deceased friend, reflecting the comics. Previously, Riri’s Model II armor had an AI, but the first AI for Ironheart was actually a replica of Tony Stark. NATALIE made her debut with the Model III in the comics.

All episodes of Marvel’s Ironheart are now streaming on Disney+.

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2025-07-07 01:29

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