Quick View
The White Tiger is one of the lesser-known superheroes in the MCU. In Daredevil: Born Again, Hector Ayala, aka White Tiger, was introduced when he was arrested after getting into a fight with two cops and accidentally killing one of them.
We can also see Matt Murdock aka Daredevil advocating for White Tiger after knowing his side of the story. In the original Marvel lore, the power of White Tiger is passed down to generations. With Ayala’s introduction to the series, another White Tiger could be introduced in the show. Who do you think will don the magical amulet?
In the Marvel comics, three characters have carried the White Tiger mantle, Hector Aya, his sister Ava Ayala, and his niece Angela del Toro. Each character has unique traits and wields the Jade Amulet to gain superhuman abilities.
Since Daredevil: Born Again has the tendency to bring street-level superheroes into the show, there is a chance for another White Tiger joining the show. Let’s explore them one by one.
1. Hector Ayala – The Original White Tiger
Hector Ayala is the first White Tiger who was introduced in Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #19 (1975). He was introduced as a Puerto Rican immigrant living in New York and he is one of the first Hispanic superheroes of the Marvel Universe.
He found out the Jade Tiger amulets on the streets of New York as they were abandoned by their previous bearers. Once Ayala wore the amulet, it transformed him into White Tiger by granting him strength, speed, agility, and reflexes.
As a street-level hero, Ayala often fought alongside Spider-Man and Daredevil. In the series Daredevil: Born Again, his life took a tragic turn when he was accused of killing a cop. Though Murdock defended him in the court, he got killed while attempting to escape police custody. Hector Ayala’s journey was far from easy as he had to suffer racism and social prejudices despite his heroism and willingness to protect the city from evil forces.
2. Ava Ayala – Younger sister of Hector Ayala
Ava Ayala is the youngest in her family, as her siblings are significantly older than her. In a severe circumstance in her family, she had to take on the responsibility of becoming a White Tiger. She is one of the first White Tigers to be introduced in Avengers Academy (2011). She took a more prominent role in superhero teams, joining the Avengers Academy, Mighty Avengers, and later the Champions.
Ava Ayala’s White Tiger persona is defined by her sense of justice, and the overwhelming desire to uphold the family legacy. Since childhood, she has idolized her brother, Hector Ayala.
Her Jade Tiger Amulets grant her enhanced abilities, deepening her connection to their mystical powers. Her presence has made her a strong candidate for collaborating with younger heroes like Ms. Marvel and Miles Morales, which makes her chances of being in Daredevil: Born Again more prominent.
3. Angela del Toro – Niece of Hector Ayala
Angela del Toro, Hector Ayala’s niece, was first introduced in Daredevil (1999). She was an FBI agent before she got her powers following the death of Hector Ayala. Because of her FBI training, she is more skillful and tactical than her predecessor.
Angela del Toro’s journey crossed paths with Daredevil, The Hand, and other players in the MCU. However, her story took a dark turn when she became corrupted by the influence of The Hand and turned into an assassin.
After breaking free from their control, Angela del Toro reclaimed her position as a White Tiger. As Daredevil: Born Again is exploring more street-level fighters, Angela del Toro can be a strong contender in the storyline.
Who will be the next White Tiger in the MCU?
With Daredevil: Born Again expanding its roster of MCU superheroes, the introduction of another White Tiger seems inevitable. But the big question is, who will hold the mantle? While Angela del Toro fits the darker persona, having a direct link to The Hand, Ava Ayala brings a youthful energy, being more attuned with her sense of justice.
In Daredevil Born Again, it is mentioned that Hector Ayala lives with his sister and her daughter
Both become White Tiger in the comics, hinting that one of them will be the next White Tiger in the MCU… Ava Ayala 👀
Via: @DanielRPK pic.twitter.com/J6Ndhs19Be
— Austin Medeiros (@Austin_Medzz) January 29, 2025
If the show follows a traditional approach, Angela del Toro may be introduced first, with Ava appearing later in the project, since she fits better with the younger heroes of Marvel. Regardless of who takes up the mantle, White Tiger’s legacy is rich with history, and Daredevil: Born Again could finally give this underrated hero the spotlight they deserve.
Daredevil: Born Again is streaming on Disney+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
