Marvel is entering new territory by introducing 'Iron Woman' to the Marvel Universe. Here's the catch, she is completely replacing 'Iron Man,' also known as Tony Stark. There's another groundbreaking aspect to this new character -- Iron Woman is not only a female, she's also black and goes by the name Riri Williams.
According to Rolling Stone, Riri Williams is a part of Marvel's goal to diversify the ethnicity and genders of their mainstay superheroes. The company has already introduced a Hispanic Spiderman and created a Muslim superheroine Ms. Marvel.
Of course, the diversification of Marvel's characters have come under fire. Brian Michael Bendis, the creator of Iron Woman has spoken up about the controversy, stating: "some of the comments online, I don’t think people even realize how racist they sound." It seems change is never easy but the company is still moving forward. You can expect to see Riri Williams transform into Iron Woman in 'Civil War II.'
Gender-Reversed Superheroes
Marvel's 'Iron Man' Tony Stark is Set to Be Replaced by 'Iron Woman'
Trend Themes
1. Diverse Superheroes - Creating superheroes with different ethnicities and genders opens opportunities for the company to cater to a wider audience and potentially increase profits.
2. Gender Reversal - Switching the gender of popular superheroes can create new storylines, appeal to different audiences, and help to break down gender stereotypes.
3. Controversial Characters - Controversial characters, such as Riri Williams, can spark important conversations and debates that can lead to greater cultural understanding and empathy.
Industry Implications
1. Entertainment - The entertainment industry can pave the way for diversity and inclusivity in popular culture, challenging existing norms and creating new ones.
2. Publishing - Publishing companies can capitalize on the trend toward diverse superheroes by creating new comic book series, graphic novels, and other related materials.
3. Consumer Products - Manufacturers of consumer products, such as toys, clothing, and accessories, can tap into the diversity trend by creating merchandise featuring new and diverse superheroes.