Black Panther Wakanda Forever: Riri in Ironheart Mk1 Concepts with Shuri

Some early concepts for the Ironheart Mk1 suit for Black Panther Wakanda Forever. It was initially described as Riri's equivalent to Tony Stark's Mk II suit. I initially imagined that her first pass would become the understructure for the final suit she constructs in Wakanda, so I designed something that represented the mechanicals without the "skin" of armor.

This image was started before the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, when Shuri was still a supporting character. With the story still in flux, I referenced the somewhat contentious relationship with Riri from Ta-Nehisi Coates' run of Black Panther for this shot, imagining an overly exuberant Riri trying to catch a selfie with the reluctant Shuri. As Dominique Thorne was still months away from being considered for the role, my first passes had my fantasy casting of Storm Reid, and Dominique's likeness was painted in later, extrapolated from the limited reference available of her at the time.

An early pass at the understructure inspired by pictures of jet fighters under construction, with the protective film still covering the aluminum panels and hand-written markings in grease pencil.

An early pass at the understructure inspired by pictures of jet fighters under construction, with the protective film still covering the aluminum panels and hand-written markings in grease pencil.

An alternative with more of a finished skin.

An alternative with more of a finished skin.

A much later revision featuring much cruder manufacture but still sophisticated design. I did many variations for how much of her clothing would be exposed under the layering of tech.

A much later revision featuring much cruder manufacture but still sophisticated design. I did many variations for how much of her clothing would be exposed under the layering of tech.

One of eight different Riri hairstyles I did at the director's request.

One of eight different Riri hairstyles I did at the director's request.