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ericbuscemi's review
4.0
This incredibly controversial decision by Marvel was enough to make me go and buy a single issue comic for the first time in over a decade -- I mean, come on, a superhero from New Jersey? I had to see how this was possible, and if the climactic battle would be against a cannibalistic, behemoth Jabba-the-Hut-inspired Chris Christie on a bridge his evil minions had closed.
But seriously -- or as seriously as you can consider comics about superheroes that wear spandex tights -- I bought this because I want to own diverse and empowering comics to share with my daughter and son, to show them that while being a straight white male may be the lowest difficulty setting in this world, it is not the only setting that matters, despite pop culture perceptions, and it is good to see that this is something the comic book universe, and to some extent, mainstream media, are starting to understand.
That Marvel now has a Pakastani-American Muslim teenage girl as the new Miss Marvel is an awesome thing, but it would matter a whole lot less if the comic sucked. Fortunately, by hiring G. Willow Wilson, a Muslim American woman that also happens to have written [b:Alif the Unseen|13239822|Alif the Unseen|G. Willow Wilson|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1325543155s/13239822.jpg|18330291], the 2013 World Fantasy Award for best novel, they have averted any such catastrophe. While there is not too much I want to say about the story -- it is only a single issue, after all -- it is gorgeously illustrated and smartly written, and I am honestly more curious to explore Kamala's familial relationships than her burgeoning superpowers.
However, one issue I did have is with the single issue format. As I mentioned earlier, it has been a good long while since I have read a single issue, and I was so distracted by the number of ads in the comic that I will definitely be waiting for the trade paperback of this series, as I do with all the other graphic novels I read.
But seriously -- or as seriously as you can consider comics about superheroes that wear spandex tights -- I bought this because I want to own diverse and empowering comics to share with my daughter and son, to show them that while being a straight white male may be the lowest difficulty setting in this world, it is not the only setting that matters, despite pop culture perceptions, and it is good to see that this is something the comic book universe, and to some extent, mainstream media, are starting to understand.
That Marvel now has a Pakastani-American Muslim teenage girl as the new Miss Marvel is an awesome thing, but it would matter a whole lot less if the comic sucked. Fortunately, by hiring G. Willow Wilson, a Muslim American woman that also happens to have written [b:Alif the Unseen|13239822|Alif the Unseen|G. Willow Wilson|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1325543155s/13239822.jpg|18330291], the 2013 World Fantasy Award for best novel, they have averted any such catastrophe. While there is not too much I want to say about the story -- it is only a single issue, after all -- it is gorgeously illustrated and smartly written, and I am honestly more curious to explore Kamala's familial relationships than her burgeoning superpowers.
However, one issue I did have is with the single issue format. As I mentioned earlier, it has been a good long while since I have read a single issue, and I was so distracted by the number of ads in the comic that I will definitely be waiting for the trade paperback of this series, as I do with all the other graphic novels I read.
galacticrana's review
3.0
The thing is that they don't make it totally clear and believable with transformation stories. But this is nicely written. Funny and sheds light at so many topics at once. This is how Marvel gonna win the whole globe. I will keep on reading.
nssutton's review
5.0
I spent the better first of my life as a Hudson County resident, seven of them in Jersey City, so when it was announced that the new Ms. Marvel would take place in my former hood I was beside myself with glee. The wait for the graphic novel publication felt interminable and my South Jersey library showed no signs of purchasing it. I was so grateful for the small snafu at my family grab bag as it gave me the perfect opportunity to pick it up.
It was absolutely wonderful, clever and fresh. I came for all of the nods to Jersey City, but I'll stay for Kamala. She's the teen superhero I've been waiting to read since I was a teenager myself.
2022 reread: finished watching the series on Disney+ and realized I’d retained nothing of the comics. Or so far at least they seem different in plot, similar in spirit?
It was absolutely wonderful, clever and fresh. I came for all of the nods to Jersey City, but I'll stay for Kamala. She's the teen superhero I've been waiting to read since I was a teenager myself.
2022 reread: finished watching the series on Disney+ and realized I’d retained nothing of the comics. Or so far at least they seem different in plot, similar in spirit?
theteatimelibrarian's review
5.0
An inspiring series that highlights what greatness diversity can bring to our communities and how it is possible to come together and succeed during difficult times.
ssung's review
3.0
ooh, another stab at the marvel franchise for me (my last attempt was runaways for a little while) and this was much fun and has so much promise. looking forward to seeing how this plays out
deservingporcupine's review
3.0
I was going to post that I was bothered by Kamala turning blonde at the end, but was informed that it was actually a vision of the other Ms. Marvel. Clearly I don't understand comic books, but did enjoy this and will keep reading the series. I need more story to give more stars.