In late October, Marvel Comics announced that it was no longer going to release a just-revealed retailer exclusive variant edition of "Invincible Iron Man" #1 featuring artwork by J. Scott Campbell. One day after the cover was revealed, Marvel and Midtown Comics announced their joint decision to shelf its release due to criticism from fans and comic book pros alike that the art depicted the 15-year-old hero, Riri Williams, in a sexualized manner.
A second cover by Campbell, with Riri in full Ironheart armor, is still slated to be released by Marvel and Midtown.
RELATED: Marvel Pulls J. Scott Campbell’s Riri Williams Iron Man Cover
Now, Campbell has released a new piece of artwork focusing on the young hero. Debuting it via his Facebook page, Campbell is quick to clarify that this is not a newly commissioned cover, for Midtown or otherwise. Titled "Riri Rethink," the piece was created solely for Campbell's own edification; as the artist says in the comments, "Nope, not an official cover. Just did it to do it."
The new art depicts Riri in a manner more in keeping with what readers have come to learn about the hero in the pages of Marvel's recently concluded "Invincible Iron Man" series. Rather than striking a pose wearing a belly-showing shirt, Riri is shown taking a break from working on her new Ironheart suit, a screwdriver in her dirt-covered hand while pieces of armor lay strewn about her.
That said, Campbell is well aware that the things can change. In a follow-up comment, the artist acknowledges the way in which the first cover was pulled following protests aimed towards Marvel on social media, and indicates that there's always a chance this piece could make its way to publication at some point should the demand be made.
"Well..." Campbell muses, "Anything is possible I suppose... If the people's demands made the other one go away, I suppose they could also demand this one into existence. ;)"
“Invincible Iron Man†#1, by Brian Michael Bendis and Stefano Caselli, hits stands in November.
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1
- BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (W) • STEFANO CASELLI (A/C)
- 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Variant Cover by JEFF DEKALVariant Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNGHip-Hop Variant Cover by TBASteam Variant Cover by TBAAction Figure Riri Variant Cover by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHERDivided We Stand Variant Cover by TBAFrom the violent streets of Chicago, a new armored hero rises! Clad in her very own Iron Man armor, Riri Williams is ready to show the Marvel Universe what she can do as the self-made hero of tomorrow. But is she ready for all the problems that come with stepping into Iron Man’s jet boots? Where’s a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist when you need one?