Passing The Torch: Good For Minority Representation or not?

Credit: Marvel Comics

 Since his introduction into the Marvel Universe in March of 1963, Tony Stark has remained a centerpiece at many comic book fan's growing and ever-changing table. Through comics, television, and now a very lucrative and critically-acclaimed move franchise, it looks like Mr. Stark won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Or at least that was assumed by a number of fans surprised by the news of a new character taking on the mantel of Iron Man - or should I say woman? Earlier this summer, fans were treated to the news that 15- year-old, Riri Williams, an African American girl would take on the role under the name Ironheart.

So lets break this down, a young, charismatic woman of color with a genius level intellect who wants to save the world. Nothing wrong with that, right? Well, my answer is yes and no because yes, it is amazing that we are becoming more inclusive in our media and representing people of color in mainstream comics however; this positive transition is being clouded by what I like to call Torch Syndrome (sorry, I love naming things). This is when a character of a different gender, racial background, or sexual preference assumes the role (passing the torch) of a well-established, typically white superhero or heroine (typically in the main continuity) and will remain in that role until the original character's eventual return (when you give the torch back).

Throughout the history of comics, minority characters were subjected to crude depictions or none at all but with the inclusion of characters such as Marvel's Storm and Black Panther (two of the first major non-white superheroes), writers and artists began to write more introspective, detailed pieces such as the works of Spawn (Todd McFarlane), Blade (Marv Wolfman, Gene Colan), and Saga (Brian K. Vaughan). The landscape of comics has become broader and more accepting of non-traditional lead characters, so I ask, why can't minority characters be wonderful and iconic in their own right?

Now, I don't hate every new or recent character to take up the mantle of another hero. I love Kamala Khan (Miss Marvel), Miles Morales (Spider-Man), and the Jessica Cruz/Simon Baz Green Lanterns (Justice League) and believe them to be solid characters with great stories. The problem is that in an effort to be be more diverse and create characters of all different backgrounds, where comics have been falling short is thinking of how it looks when they won't let their characters stand on their own two feet. This is almost as if to say (and pardon me if this is too inflammatory) that a minority character can never be as legendary as their white contemporaries.That the legacy they create will never be as influential or inspiring as their predecessor.

In her defense, Riri seems like an amazing character and I am very certain that with Brian Michael-Bendis at the helm of the project that she will become a character with depth and wide-spread appeal. What I'd love more than anything though is for writers to be confident in their characters and want to give them their own compelling stories rather than have them serve as stand ins for the originals. Oh, and use the wonderful characters they already have but that is an argument for another day.

Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments section what your thoughts on this topic are. I'd love yo hear them and thank you for your support!


If you are interested, take a look at this video on diversity in comics as seen through the eyes of everyday fans. Also, play the game at 4:25 and see how well you do.

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