The choice of music was what made me fall in love with the Spider-Verse franchise. Ironheart did exactly that too. When the needle dropped for Chaka Khan’s “Aint Nobody,” I knew this was going to be a fun show. The same feeling hit with Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know.” Music is not the only thing that carries the first three episodes of Ironheart. It plays an important part in a very impressive installment to the Marvel Universe.

As fun as the music is in this, there are elements that I really enjoyed in Ironheart. Its too early to say this show reminds me of Ms. Marvel with perfect music, casting and setting. Yet, I believe Dominique Thorne can replicate the feeling of perfect casting. Iman Vellani showed this with the character of Kamala Khan. Dominique has made the character of Riri Williams her own and this helps the show soar. We spent time with Riri in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The first three episodes do a great job at reestablishing the character.

Episode 1 “Take Me Home” shows us the struggle of Riri since she has left Wakanda. The struggle of being a superhero when you have no funds and being faced with unreal expectations. Very much like the last Marvel film Thunderbolts*, the story focuses on mental health. Riri has suffered a lot. She is a genius but realizes that to make money, a few shortcuts have to be made. Once she is home, we meet the AI she created, N.A.T.A.L.I.E. We also encounter the sinister Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, who is played by Anthony Ramos.

Each episode gets better, Episode 2, “Will the Real Natalie Please Stand Up?” is a character development episode. The episode focuses on the relationship between Riri and her AI N.A.T.A.L.I.E. The AI is created in the likeness of her deceased best friend. Also, the introduction of the comedic relief in Joe McGillicuddy played by Alden Ehrenreich. And in Episode 3, “We In Danger Girl” is when the story starts taking shape into something exciting. This episode presents great character moments with the supporting cast of criminals that Riri teams up with. Also features some impressive special effects for a Disney+ show.

Episode 3 ends on a suspenseful note that makes you want to continue to binge watch the whole series. Luckily, we do not have to wait long. The final 3 episodes will be released on Tuesday, July 1st. Honestly, it is discouraging seeing the review bombing for this show. It deserves to be recognized as an incredible use of an interesting character. This show has so much going for it. The leads deliver character-defying performances. The action is impressive. The setting feels alive. There is a great combination of fun music with an impressive score.

For those that want to review bomb this, remember not everything is made for you. The beautiful thing about comic books and Marvel in general is that it symbolizes everyone. Shows like Daredevil and Punisher may be for you. It’s okay for a show like Ironheart to be meant for others. Just remember that does not mean it is bad.

Riri Williams is introduced in Invincible Iron Man #7 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato. Additionally, I recommend checking out the 2019 12 issue run Ironheat by Eve Ewing and Kevin Libranda. Also recommend the miniseries The Hood by Brian K. Vaughan and Kyle Hotz from 2007. Read theses before the next three episodes for more understanding and appreciation of the characters.