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A review by bookgazing
Ms. Marvel, Vol. 8: Mecca by G. Willow Wilson
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.