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jamestomasino's review against another edition
3.0
The best plot line in this series was the town turning against super-powered people, wanting to drive them out completely and take back control of Jersey City. Unfortunately it wasn't given enough time to fully explore the non-evil dimensions of that. The yellow ballcaps and ties to Hydra made it clear that despite having civilians in the movement that was going to be washed over in favor of a quick solve. Interestingly the judicial review and overturning of the problem could have happened without Ms. Marvel's involvement at all. Her presence escallated the issues and forced her to solve them.
I would have loved a deeper look at how a literal power inequality (super heroes) creates untold problems for ordinary citizens. The distribution of powers, who gets to use them in a region, how they are put into practice, and what sort of review they have... this is Watchmen level discussion and it was nearly addressed here, but not quite. Even giving a single voice to a moderate civilian instead of the power-hungry mob would have given that more depth.
Regardless of my criticism, I like the social stigma angle, the coming together of various communities, and the deep involvement of the imam. Ms. Marvel stories are a cut above the rest of this generation of Marvel heroes.
I would have loved a deeper look at how a literal power inequality (super heroes) creates untold problems for ordinary citizens. The distribution of powers, who gets to use them in a region, how they are put into practice, and what sort of review they have... this is Watchmen level discussion and it was nearly addressed here, but not quite. Even giving a single voice to a moderate civilian instead of the power-hungry mob would have given that more depth.
Regardless of my criticism, I like the social stigma angle, the coming together of various communities, and the deep involvement of the imam. Ms. Marvel stories are a cut above the rest of this generation of Marvel heroes.
bookgazing's review against another edition
5.0
Ms. Marvel has always been a politically minded comic. However, since the last American election, this comic has paid special attention to the ways science fiction can educate and inform readers about key, current political issues. Mecca continues that trend as Kamala fights against the illegal persecution of real and suspected Inhumans by Becky, the organisation K.I.N.D, and a mysterious super-suited villain named Discord. This decision to focus on a strong teenage heroine, and an activist community, taking a stand against fascists feels especially appropriate right now.
G. Willow Wilson always brings complexity and realism to her treatment of Ms. Marvel, and this extends to the political side of her story. In Vol.8, Wilson shows that divisions can exist within a community even while it marches for a cause. She acknowledges that the bigoted section of Kamala's beloved Jersey City is a growing force which can't be ignored, and manages to explain this without implying that their growing numbers indicate they are being victimised themselves. Wilson also deftly explains Discord's history without ever pushing the reader to sympathise with the character.
Tied in with the political story line is an emotional tale centred on Kamala's growing sense of isolation. As the Ms Marvel comics have progressed, Kamala has been plagued by a series of conflicts which stem from her split identity. In this volume, Kamala begins to realise that a large force, partly drawn from within her own neighbourhood, has mobilised against the Inhumans. While Kamala's neighbourhood is often welcoming there is also a lot of tension between Inhumans and humans. Confronting the hostility that exists so close to home leaves Kamala feeling more alone than ever before.
In the final comic where, in a classic and endearing story, Kamala has to stop a speeding train, she is left feeling down and underappreciated. The journalists swarm around her new, mysterious male partner, The Red Dagger, leaving her on the outs. As she walks off into the sunset the reader is left hoping she can find a way to take care of herself for a while. Diego Olortegui's lovely, fluid art style really enhances the poignancy of this final panel, and it's great to see him and Marco Failla return to Ms. Marvel as artists in this volume. Mecca is a strong volume, although it may leave fans hungry for a little happiness when they next meet Jersey City's favourite superhero.
G. Willow Wilson always brings complexity and realism to her treatment of Ms. Marvel, and this extends to the political side of her story. In Vol.8, Wilson shows that divisions can exist within a community even while it marches for a cause. She acknowledges that the bigoted section of Kamala's beloved Jersey City is a growing force which can't be ignored, and manages to explain this without implying that their growing numbers indicate they are being victimised themselves. Wilson also deftly explains Discord's history without ever pushing the reader to sympathise with the character.
Tied in with the political story line is an emotional tale centred on Kamala's growing sense of isolation. As the Ms Marvel comics have progressed, Kamala has been plagued by a series of conflicts which stem from her split identity. In this volume, Kamala begins to realise that a large force, partly drawn from within her own neighbourhood, has mobilised against the Inhumans. While Kamala's neighbourhood is often welcoming there is also a lot of tension between Inhumans and humans. Confronting the hostility that exists so close to home leaves Kamala feeling more alone than ever before.
In the final comic where, in a classic and endearing story, Kamala has to stop a speeding train, she is left feeling down and underappreciated. The journalists swarm around her new, mysterious male partner, The Red Dagger, leaving her on the outs. As she walks off into the sunset the reader is left hoping she can find a way to take care of herself for a while. Diego Olortegui's lovely, fluid art style really enhances the poignancy of this final panel, and it's great to see him and Marco Failla return to Ms. Marvel as artists in this volume. Mecca is a strong volume, although it may leave fans hungry for a little happiness when they next meet Jersey City's favourite superhero.
mxmaggie__'s review against another edition
5.0
This book felt like a reaction to Trump, and all the shitty white men who feel empowered to attack marginalized groups of people because they (white men) feel so oppressed.
There has been a coup in Jersey City, the newly elected mayor was replaced in a closed door city council meeting with the hipster Hydra candidate she beat fair and square in the election. Now with Hydra running the show a new city agency K.I.N.D. is rounding up all Jersey City residents with super powers. But not all Jersey City residents are sad about the new government, many resent Ms. Marvel and are happy to be part of a backlash against her. Can Ms. Marvel save Jersey City, and does it want to be saved from Hydra?
There has been a coup in Jersey City, the newly elected mayor was replaced in a closed door city council meeting with the hipster Hydra candidate she beat fair and square in the election. Now with Hydra running the show a new city agency K.I.N.D. is rounding up all Jersey City residents with super powers. But not all Jersey City residents are sad about the new government, many resent Ms. Marvel and are happy to be part of a backlash against her. Can Ms. Marvel save Jersey City, and does it want to be saved from Hydra?
katgriff's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the three issue Mecca arc! I felt more like the Civil War II aftermath that I expected to see in Volume 7: some of those themes (and characters) carry over, and Kamala is still dealing with & recovering from some choices she made.
The two issue train arc was fun. I'm glad to see Red Dagger making his return. I also loooved the Hulk is "a friend from work" reference.
The two issue train arc was fun. I'm glad to see Red Dagger making his return. I also loooved the Hulk is "a friend from work" reference.
tbr_trepidation's review against another edition
3.0
Can Kamala catch a break for like two seconds? It took me a while to get through this one not because I disliked the story. I actually found some of the plot developments in this one to be interesting. The theme over the last few volumes, though, of pure exhaustion and self-doubt for Kamala are hard to read. I hope they can get her out of this rut soon because I don't know that I can keep reading so much sadness dragging on forever.
joanna77_'s review against another edition
2.0
The storylines in this one felt just a bit off and a little slow..
saphiraas's review against another edition
5.0
I really love how the writers incorporated Ms. Marvel's family, religion, and Pakistani roots into this volume. The story felt very timely (considering the current political climate in the U.S. / world) and the writers weren't afraid to address difficult topics about to immigration and xenophobia. Kamala Khan is very vulnerable in this volume and it reminds the reader yet again that she is just a teenager trying play the part of a hero in a messed up world. It was interesting, informative, and I felt the writers hard work and attention to detail really paid off in this volume. And of course the illustrations are amazing as usual. Can't wait to read the next installment in July!
neswina's review against another edition
5.0
Y se me ha acabado Kamala. ¿Y qué hago yo ahora de mi vida? Vamos a ver. Espero que se tome unas vacaciones, que las necesita. Y vosotros leerla. Es maravillosa, y todo lo que le rodea: sus amigos, su familia y New Jersey.