Marvel revives Iron Fist, the Living Weapon, in an upcoming Black Panther animated series, seven years post Netflix's cancellation.
In the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, the animated series "Eyes of Wakanda" has made a significant addition to the Iron Fist legacy. The series, now streaming on Disney Plus, introduces Jorani, a new Asian Iron Fist who has never appeared in either the comics or the Marvel Netflix series.
Jorani, played by Jona Xiao, is a highly trained fighter who has earned the Iron Fist's power over the centuries by defeating the immortal dragon Shou-Lao in K'un L'un. She serves as the guardian of a remote mountain region and protector known as Iron Fist. Unlike prior versions of Iron Fist in Marvel's live-action adaptations, Jorani is portrayed as a formidable warrior who can defeat many opponents without relying on her powers most of the time.
The series keeps the secretive nature of the traditional Iron Fist mythos by not explicitly naming K’un-L’un, the mystical city linked to the Iron Fist powers. Instead, it tells the story of the Hatut Zeraze, Wakandan spies who retrieve vibranium artifacts across various eras of history.
In the third episode of the show, we meet Basha, a Wakandan agent on a mission to retrieve a vibranium artifact from China, circa 1400 AD. Basha inadvertently brings Jorani back to Wakanda with him.
Jorani is a badass character in "Eyes of Wakanda". She impresses in fight scenes worthy of the Iron Fist mantle, showcasing her deep ties to mystical traditions and vibranium lore. Her story unfolds around protecting a sacred dragon statue with a vibranium tongue, where she confronts Wakandan operatives who steal it.
The introduction of Jorani in "Eyes of Wakanda" represents a revitalized and distinctive take on the Iron Fist legacy. She is an Asian female warrior with deep ties to mystical traditions and vibranium lore, introduced to expand and enrich the Iron Fist mythology with fresh cultural and narrative perspectives.
The series wonderfully diversifies the Black Panther franchise with animation inspired by Arnie Barnes and other Black artists. It's a refreshing addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering a unique blend of action, mystery, and cultural exploration.
With the success of "Eyes of Wakanda", there's potential for a spinoff featuring Jorani or a similar format highlighting different Iron Fists throughout the centuries. Colleen Wing, an Asian Iron Fist in live-action, has expressed interest in returning to the role, which could further enrich the Iron Fist mythology.
Despite the positive reception of "Eyes of Wakanda", it's worth noting that the Iron Fist character has had a controversial history, particularly in the Netflix series where Finn Jones starred as Danny Rand, the original Iron Fist. Critics and fans alike found the series to be the weakest link among the Marvel Netflix TV shows. Some argued that there were whitewashing accusations against the Iron Fist series, as Danny Rand is white in the comics, but many argued that there was nothing about the character that required him to be white.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to grow, it's exciting to see fresh perspectives and characters being introduced. Jorani, the new Asian Iron Fist in "Eyes of Wakanda", is a testament to this evolution, offering a compelling and engaging character that fans can rally behind.
[1] https://www.marvel.com/marvel_games/games/500/115570/eyes_of_wakanda/characters [2] https://www.marvel.com/marvel_games/games/500/115570/eyes_of_wakanda/videos [3] https://www.marvel.com/news/movies/55618/disney_and_marvel_announce_eyes_of_wakanda_an_animated_series_coming_to_disney_plus [4] https://www.marvel.com/news/movies/58758/eyes_of_wakanda_premiere_date_announced_for_disney_plus [5] https://www.marvel.com/news/movies/59448/first-look-at-jona-xiao-as-jorani-the-asian-iron-fist-in-eyes_of_wakanda
- The animated series "Eyes of Wakanda" offers fans a new deal on entertainment, introducing Jorani, an Asian Iron Fist, in the realm of movies-and-tv streaming on Disney Plus.
- Jorani, portrayed by Jona Xiao, showcases her skills in action-packed games, being a formidable warrior reminiscent of Iron Fist original action scenes.
- Not just in fight sequences, Jorani's story in "Eyes of Wakanda" revolves around Total Film-worthy adventures, such as protecting a sacred dragon statue with a vibranium tongue and confronting Wakandan operatives.
- If you're a fan of Marvel's movies and looking for more entertainment options, considering the extension of the Black Panther franchise with "Eyes of Wakanda" could be an appealing choice.
- For those who are eagerly anticipating fresh additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the iron-clad arrival of Jorani, the new Iron Fist, is sure to be an unforgettable addition to the MMO of Marvel entertainment.
