Ironheart is coming to Disney+ in 2025 with Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, six episodes set to close out MCU Phase 5 before the Phase 6 transition. The six priority comics to track down before the release are Invincible Iron Man #7 (October 2016) for Riri's cameo, Invincible Iron Man #9 (December 2016) for her first full appearance, Champions #9 (2017) for the team-up, Invincible Iron Man #1 (2017 legacy) for her first title role, Ironheart #1 (2018) for the Eve Ewing solo run, and Ironheart #1 (2023) by Justina Ireland for the pre-series relaunch.
The announcement of the Ironheart series on Disney+ in 2025 closes a loop opened three years earlier in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in November 2022, where Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, makes her MCU debut as an MIT student who allies with Shuri against Namor and Talocan. Seven months after the theatrical release, Marvel Studios confirmed a six-episode limited series with Chinaka Hodge as showrunner, and Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole writing the pilot. Principal photography stretched from May through November 2022 in Atlanta and Chicago, followed by nearly three years of post-production and schedule adjustments — keeping the window of opportunity open for collectors who hadn't yet made their move on Riri Williams books.
For a collector approaching Ironheart in 2026, the challenge lies in the character's hybrid profile: Riri isn't a direct heir to Tony Stark in the comics (unlike what many observers expected back in 2016), but rather an independent young Black genius created by Brian Michael Bendis and Stefano Caselli at the time of Tony Stark's death in Civil War II. Her first cameo appearance in Invincible Iron Man #7 (cover-dated October 2016), her first full appearance in Invincible Iron Man #9 (December 2016), and her integration into Champions #9 in 2017 form a foundational triptych whose values started ticking up at the series announcement but haven't yet hit the speculative peak typical of a Disney+ debut. This guide walks through the six priority issues, the ratio variants to watch, and the analysis framework to apply before each purchase to avoid the emotional-buyer trap.
Financial disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Comic book prices can fluctuate significantly, both up and down. Any purchase of comics for speculative purposes carries substantial risk of loss. Always buy what you're passionate about as a collector first.
Ironheart on Disney+: 2025 Schedule, Confirmed Cast, and Series Structure
The Ironheart series was officially announced by Marvel Studios at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2022, a few months before Wakanda Forever hit theaters. Chinaka Hodge — an award-winning writer and poet who worked on Snowpiercer and Amazing Stories — serves as head writer and showrunner. Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes share directing duties across the six episodes, in a setup reminiscent of Moon Knight, where a directing duo maintains the visual consistency of a closed limited-series format. Principal photography took place in Atlanta and Chicago between May and November 2022, with sporadic reshoots in 2023 and 2024 to fine-tune certain story arcs following Phase 5–6 slate changes made internally by Kevin Feige.
The cast confirmed by Marvel Studios puts Dominique Thorne front and center in the title role of Riri Williams, with Anthony Ramos as the main antagonist playing Parker Robbins, a.k.a. The Hood — a character from the Marvel Knights era of the early 2000s who had never before been adapted for live-action. Lyric Ross, Manny Montana, Alden Ehrenreich, and Regan Aliyah round out the main cast, while Sacha Baron Cohen appears in a supporting role surrounded by Mephisto speculation. The weekly six-episode format mirrors Hawkeye and She-Hulk, with a mid-2025 release date according to Marvel Studios communications that have been updated multiple times since 2023.
From a collector's perspective, this 2025 timeline demands strict temporal discipline. Speculative peaks for Disney+ series typically cluster around three windows: at the official air-date announcement (D-90 to D-60), at the first teaser drop (D-45 to D-30), and right after the pilot premieres (D+7 to D+30). Buying too early risks overpaying for a book whose value will pull back after the media hype fades. Buying too late means facing the acute demand premium in the weeks following release. The optimal window is generally 90 to 60 days before the first official teaser, when eBay comps and GoCollect 90-day averages are still within reasonable ranges. To dig into this speculative mechanic as documented across previous adaptations, read our analysis of the spec effect on MCU/DCU values.
Invincible Iron Man #7 and #9 (2016): Riri Williams' Double First Appearance
The first issue to understand in any Ironheart collection is Invincible Iron Man #7, cover-dated October 2016, written by Brian Michael Bendis and penciled by Mike Deodato Jr. at that point in the run. This issue marks Riri Williams' official cameo on the page — a brief appearance in a panel where Tony Stark discovers that an MIT student has rebuilt an Iron Man armor in her dorm room using parts she pilfered from campus. Short but clearly identifiable, this cameo constitutes Riri Williams' first legal occurrence in a Marvel comic, giving Invincible Iron Man #7 authentic key-issue status recognized by GoCollect, Overstreet, and the CGC Census as far back as 2017.
The technical distinction between Invincible Iron Man #7 and Invincible Iron Man #9 (cover-dated December 2016) deserves close attention, since it directly determines the applicable value premium. Invincible Iron Man #9 contains Riri Williams' first full appearance — substantial dialogue, confirmed identity, and a developed personal arc. Stefano Caselli takes over on pencils for this issue and delivers the definitive visual design of the character that would carry forward. The collector market generally treats the full appearance as more valuable than the cameo when the gap between the two is short (here, two months) — though the consensus shifts depending on the source. In CGC 9.8, IIM #7 has been trading between $80 and $180 in 2026 on Heritage and eBay sold listings, while IIM #9 runs between $120 and $280 in the same window. The Mike Deodato and Stefano Caselli 1:25 ratio variants on the #7 can exceed $600 in CGC 9.8.
For a collector starting an Ironheart collection in 2026, the choice between the two books comes down to budget and strategy. Picking up the #7 in raw VF/NM (CGC 8.0–9.0 equivalent) for $25 to $60 gets you the official cameo without the CGC slab premium. Picking up the #9 in CGC 9.6 or 9.8 locks in a graded slab widely considered the centerpiece of any Riri Williams collection. Collectors with tighter budgets can prioritize the #9 in raw VF/NM for $35 to $75 and keep funds available for the ratio variants worth watching. To check the current value of either issue before a specific purchase, use our free eBay estimator, which cross-references recent comps over a 90-day window.
Champions #9 (2017): Riri Williams Joins Mark Waid's Champions
Champions #9, published in 2017, marks Riri Williams' official entry into the Champions team assembled by Mark Waid and Humberto Ramos a year earlier. That roster originally included Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan), Nova (Sam Alexander), Spider-Man (Miles Morales), Hulk (Amadeus Cho), and the younger Cyclops, built on a generational-legacy premise set against jaded post–Civil War II Avengers. Riri's arrival deepens the team's diversity and plants the character squarely in a modern ensemble dynamic that maps directly onto what Marvel Studios seems to be building toward with a future MCU Young Avengers lineup.
The collector interest in Champions #9 comes from its place in the Ironheart chronology: it's the first issue where Riri Williams appears as a peer alongside other young Marvel heroes — a direct precursor to the Young Avengers ensemble the MCU has been assembling since Hawkeye (Kate Bishop), Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (Cassie Lang), and The Marvels. If Marvel Studios delivers a Young Avengers formation in Phase 6, Champions #9 will mechanically become a secondary key whose value could follow the trajectory seen on comparable team-up keys (Young Avengers Presents #6 for America Chavez, for instance).
The value of Champions #9 remains structurally low in 2026, with raw NM copies selling in the $8 to $18 range depending on condition, and CGC 9.8 slabs between $45 and $90. That accessibility makes it a recommended pick for budget-conscious collectors who want to document the full Ironheart history without committing the sums the IIM #7 and #9 pairing demands. The John Tyler Christopher and Adam Hughes variants can reach $150 to $250 in CGC 9.8 on certain Heritage sales — worth weighing against print-run rarity. To position this book within a broader modern comics investment strategy, check out our 2020–2026 modern comics guide, which breaks down favorable timing windows.
Invincible Iron Man #1 (2017 Legacy) and Ironheart #1 (2018): Riri Takes the Mantle
Invincible Iron Man #1, published in January 2017 as part of the Marvel Now! relaunch, is the issue where Riri Williams officially becomes the lead of the Iron Man series — operating under the Ironheart codename suggested by an A.I. recreation of Tony Stark. Bendis and Caselli continue on script and art, within a passing-of-the-torch dynamic tied directly to Stark's apparent death in Civil War II. This legacy first issue matters for two reasons: it establishes Riri as the main protagonist of an ongoing Marvel series, and it introduces the narrative concept of the Stark A.I. advisor — which will very likely be adapted in the Disney+ series based on production leaks.
The initial print run of Invincible Iron Man #1 (2017) was massive — estimated between 130,000 and 150,000 copies according to Diamond Comics — which mechanically caps the scarcity and therefore the value of the regular cover. A raw NM copy typically lands between $6 and $14 in 2026, and a CGC 9.8 between $35 and $75 excluding variants. The collector interest therefore shifts to the variant covers: the J. Scott Campbell connecting variant, the Mike Deodato Jr. 1:50 sketch variant, and the Sanford Greene hip-hop variant all command significantly higher prices, with some breaking $250 in CGC 9.8 on recent Heritage sales.
Ironheart #1, published in November 2018 by Eve Ewing on script and Kevin Libranda on pencils, launches the first series officially titled Ironheart — after two years of carrying the Iron Man banner. Eve Ewing, a sociologist and writer at the University of Chicago, brings a distinctly activist, academic voice to the character, with a focus on the Chicago South Side where Riri originates in the comics. The issue has become a secondary Ironheart key by virtue of its status as the first official solo and the significance of Eve Ewing as the first Black woman to write a regular Iron Man/Ironheart series. Its CGC 9.8 value oscillates between $30 and $65 in 2026, with occasional spikes on the Stefano Caselli and Amy Reeder variants. To understand the mechanics of first-solo issues as value drivers, read our buying Iron Man on a budget guide, which also covers the character's spin-off series.
Mark 1–50 Armor Legacy: Stark's Heritage in an Ironheart Collection
A dimension often overlooked in Ironheart collections is the technological legacy of the Mark 1 through Mark 50 armors developed by Tony Stark beginning with Tales of Suspense #39, published in March 1963. In the comics timeline, Riri Williams rebuilds her prototype armor using salvaged Stark Industries components, and her final design is explicitly inspired by the Mark 41 (Bones) and Mark 42 (Iron Man 3) armors in the Bendis-Caselli iterations. For a collector wanting to document the full Ironheart–Iron Man arc, certain issues from the Stark catalog take on indirect interest as narrative context.
The key anchor of this technological legacy is Iron Man #144, published in March 1981 — the first issue to formally introduce the concept of numbered Mark armors into Marvel continuity. David Michelinie and John Romita Jr.'s Iron Man run from 1981 to 1983 (Iron Man #143–180) systematizes the armor evolutions and establishes the Mark mythology later adopted across all derivative media. These issues remain accessible in raw VF/NM between $8 and $25 each depending on condition, and make for strong cultural context pieces in a cohesive Ironheart collection.
More contemporary, Iron Man #1 (2012) by Kieron Gillen and Greg Land launches the Marvel Now! Iron Man run and draws the connection between Tony Stark, Riri Williams (to come), and the new generation of Marvel heroes. The series covers the creation of the Endo-Sym Mark 50 armor directly inspired by the Venom symbiote, which will be referenced in the final Ironheart design. The 2026 value of this Iron Man (2012) run remains very approachable at $4 to $12 per raw NM copy — making it an excellent cultural investment for understanding Riri Williams' technological genealogy. To calibrate a full Iron Man armor collection by budget, our Iron Man comics database indexes the major runs and their values by condition.
Riri Williams Ratio Variants: Watching the 1:25 and 1:50 Limited Prints
The Marvel ratio variant market for Riri Williams concentrates a disproportionate share of collector value on the character's key issues. For Invincible Iron Man #7 (2016), the main variants to watch are the Mike Deodato Jr. 1:25 ratio variant — estimated at $600 to $1,100 in CGC 9.8 based on 2024–2025 Heritage sales — the Caselli sketch 1:100 variant estimated at $1,500 to $2,500 in CGC 9.8, and the J. Scott Campbell 1:50 ratio variant, available but less sought-after at $300 to $500 in CGC 9.8. These variants represent the rarest pieces in any Ironheart collection, and their availability on the secondary market is limited to a few dozen copies per year.
For Invincible Iron Man #9 (2016) — the first full appearance — ratio variants are fewer in number, since Marvel typically concentrates premium variants on #1 issues and relaunch books. The Mike Deodato Jr. 1:25 variant is nonetheless highly sought after at $400 to $800 in CGC 9.8, and certain retailer-exclusive incentives tied to U.S. comic shops (Forbidden Planet, Hastings, Bedrock City Comics) can reach similar price points on confidential print runs that are difficult to authenticate without explicit documentation. Vigilance is warranted when it comes to claimed exclusive variants not listed on the official CGC Census.
The analysis framework to apply before buying any Riri Williams ratio variant includes three checks: estimated print run via Diamond Comics or specialty sites such as Comic Book Resources; the ratio noted on the cover in the indicia (1:25, 1:50, 1:100); and consistency with the CGC Census count of graded slabs in existence. A variant advertised as 1:50 but represented by only 12 graded copies on the CGC Census either indicates authentic scarcity — or signals low collector demand, which should temper any expected value premium. To distinguish genuine premium variants from routine marketing incentives, also read our 2026 sleeper issues analysis, which details the evaluation methods used by the community.
Ironheart Collector Strategy for 2026: Prioritize, Budget, Hold
Building a cohesive Ironheart collection in 2026 calls for a plan broken into three distinct time phases. Phase 1 (priority acquisitions before D-90 from the teaser) covers the foundational triptych: Invincible Iron Man #7, Invincible Iron Man #9, and Champions #9. These three books should be locked down in raw VF/NM or CGC 9.4–9.8 depending on budget — ideally before the media peak that accompanies the official Disney+ communication. Total budget for this triptych runs from $80 to $180 in raw VF/NM, or $400 to $800 in CGC 9.6–9.8 slabs excluding variants.
Phase 2 (consolidation between D-90 and D-30) covers the secondary triptych: Invincible Iron Man #1 (2017 legacy), Ironheart #1 (2018) by Eve Ewing, and Ironheart #1 (2023) by Justina Ireland. These books document the character's evolution as a series lead, her transition to an official solo title, and her recent repositioning ahead of the Disney+ series. Total budget for this Phase 2 runs from $35 to $80 in raw NM, or $150 to $320 in CGC 9.8 slabs excluding premium variants. The Sanford Greene hip-hop, J. Scott Campbell, and Stefano Caselli variants are worth pursuing depending on availability and remaining budget.
Phase 3 (post-premiere, D+30 to D+180) is about the hold-versus-sell decision. A long-term collector holds the entire foundational triptych and waits for a potential Riri Williams appearance in a future MCU project (Young Avengers, a Marvel Studios Champions, Ironheart Season 2). A short-term collector can consider partial sells on ratio variants at the demand peak between D+30 and D+60 — the window when eBay and Heritage prices tend to peak for recently adapted characters. To anticipate optimal sell windows and their associated tax implications, read our strategic comics investment guide, which details hold-versus-flip logic by market context.
Important reminder: Prices mentioned in this article are estimates based on market data available as of June 2026 (eBay sold listings, Heritage Auctions, GoCollect 90-day average, CGC Census). The comics market is volatile and values can shift significantly up or down depending on how the Ironheart series is received critically and by audiences on Disney+. This article does not constitute investment advice, and every buyer should conduct their own due diligence before any significant financial commitment.
Track Your Ironheart Collection's Value in Real Time
My Comics Collection lets you catalog your Ironheart key issues (IIM #7, #9, Champions #9, Ironheart #1), track their value over time, and organize your watchlist ahead of the Disney+ release.
Create My Free Ironheart WatchlistFrequently Asked Questions
What is Riri Williams' first official appearance in the comics?
Riri Williams makes her first appearance as a cameo in Invincible Iron Man #7, cover-dated October 2016, written by Brian Michael Bendis and penciled by Mike Deodato Jr. Her first full appearance — with substantial dialogue and a developed personal arc — comes two months later in Invincible Iron Man #9, cover-dated December 2016, with Stefano Caselli on art. The collector market recognizes both as distinct key issues, with the full appearance in the #9 typically commanding a higher premium. In CGC 9.8, the #7 trades between $80 and $180 in 2026, the #9 between $120 and $280.
When does Ironheart premiere on Disney+ and who plays Riri Williams?
The Ironheart series is scheduled for a 2025 release on Disney+ in a weekly six-episode format modeled after Moon Knight and Hawkeye. Dominique Thorne reprises the role of Riri Williams she first played in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in November 2022. Chinaka Hodge serves as showrunner and head writer, with Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes directing the six episodes. The cast includes Anthony Ramos as antagonist Parker Robbins a.k.a. The Hood, Lyric Ross, Manny Montana, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, and Sacha Baron Cohen in a supporting role surrounded by Mephisto speculation.
Should I prioritize the Invincible Iron Man #7 cameo or the full appearance in #9?
The answer depends on your budget and collecting strategy. On recent Marvel first appearances, the market tends to favor the full appearance (#9) since it contains the character's complete introduction and serves as the most identifiable centerpiece in a display collection. The cameo (#7) still holds its own as the first legal occurrence logged in the CGC Census and Overstreet. For a budget-constrained collector, the #9 in raw VF/NM for $35 to $75 offers the best value-for-money. For collectors with more room to spend, picking up both in CGC 9.6 or 9.8 locks in the complete foundational pair.
Are the Riri Williams ratio variants worth the extra investment?
The 1:25, 1:50, and 1:100 ratio variants on Invincible Iron Man #7 and Invincible Iron Man #9 are the rarest pieces in any Ironheart collection, with 2026 values ranging from $300 (J. Scott Campbell 1:50 in CGC 9.8) to $2,500 (Caselli sketch 1:100 in CGC 9.8). These variants justify the extra investment only if the collector has a comfortable financial base, accepts the high volatility of the segment, and confirms the authenticity of each variant through the official CGC Census before buying. For the majority of collectors, securing the foundational duo in regular cover form should come before any ratio variant exposure.
What total budget should I plan for a complete Ironheart collection in 2026?
A complete Ironheart collection in raw VF/NM (excluding premium ratio variants) costs between $115 and $260 for the six key issues: Invincible Iron Man #7, #9, Champions #9, Invincible Iron Man #1 (2017 legacy), Ironheart #1 (2018), and Ironheart #1 (2023). In CGC 9.6–9.8 excluding variants, the total budget rises to $550–$1,120. Add a premium ratio variant (e.g., Mike Deodato 1:25 on IIM #7) and the budget can exceed $1,800. The sensible strategy for a beginning collector is to target the six-issue raw VF/NM set for around $200 all-in including import and customs, then upgrade progressively to CGC on the most iconic pieces.