Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Ms. Marvel #1-5
Marvel Comics
Wilson, Alphona & Herring
At Marvel Comics, the introduction of new characters is generally reserved for the Ultimate Universe. However, the re-launch of Ms Marvel is also the introduction of a brand new character, Kamala Khan. This isn't Bucky or Falcon becoming Captain America , this is a totally new character taking the role of a long established one. The gimmick to get some mainstream news is that she is a Muslim. While that might draw some extra attention to the book and gain some new readers it won't help unless the contents of the book are good. Thankfully, the contents stand on their own merits and make this comic book a genuine success solely based on the creator's work. Whether you are a fan or not of the character, the gimmick or anything in between this is a comic book to pick up.
Upon reading the first issue the parallels between Kamala and Peter Parker are too obvious. She's a teenager, a bit awkward, slightly nerdy, has some family issues but is generally stable at home and has a strong nucleus of close friends. Desperate to fit in with the more popular kids, Kamala is willing to break some rules and try to gain some entry with the "in" crowd. After getting to know Kamala for the first half of the first issue, the second half is her transformation to the title character. By the book's end we have ourselves the familiar, filled out, blonde bombshell, Ms. Marvel.
The second issue deals with the fallout. Kamala tries to get a handle on her powers. She is also faced with that one moment where all heroes must decide to step into the world of helping people. After Kamala rises to the occasion she is then forced to deal with her parents and the consequences of her actions. She does this while trying to hide her evolving powers. This issue has a lot of tension and a couple of moments where you aren't sure if the person walking through the door is going to see the decked out Ms Marvel or little Kamala.
The third issue is a character building issue. Not just Kamala is explored but so are some of her friends and the larger world she inhabits. Among them are her religion and her place within. The comic book ends with Kamala faced with another situation that makes her put up or shut up in terms of using her powers. This comic has a lot of character defining moments and I think this is the issue that really establishes Kamala as something new and not just a Peter Parker for the new century. Any parallels between her and some other character's origins are gone.
The fourth issue is the coming of age comic. Kamala reveals her alter ego to her close friend. They stumble onto to a potential situation that requires some super powers. Kamala figures out how to become Ms Marvel without becoming the familiar blond bombshell. She works on her costume and formulates a plan. The plan doesn't quite work out the way she hoped. This comic book is fantastic as it brings the character through the trials of a new hero while really endearing her to the reader. If you aren't hooked on this title by this issue then you might not like super hero books.
The fifth issue marks the end of the first arc, though the title page incorrectly marks it as "Part Four of Five." This issue brings us full circle. Kamala figures out her powers and puts down her first threat. The victory might seem like a small one but it definitely feels inline with the general success a teenager that is new to the world super-powers might actually achieve. The comic book breaths a bit of a sigh of relief for Kamala but leaves off with the brewing next threat for her to deal with.
The comic is charming, engaging and feels different. This isn't a "big" comic book with huge explosions and massive fight scenes. The comic is as real life as it gets. Kamala's interactions with her friends, her parents, her teenage rivals all feel genuine. The first arc is definitely about building character and it works perfectly. The origin of the super-hero and the power discovery are secondary but Kamala's reactions to the strange powers and abilities help to build her character all the more.
The artwork is wonderful. There is a light feel to the artwork but when it comes to illustrating the expressions the artwork sparkles. This style of art captures Kamala and her little quirky, but intelligent personality perfectly. The coloring also takes a lighter approach to the book as well. It seems like the book would be better served as bright and vibrant but when you take into consideration that many of the characters have darker toned skin it seems like the entire palette is better off with the style chosen here. Either way, the comic looks beautiful and then when you read it and get to know the characters you realize its perfect match of story and artwork.
Ms Marvel still has a bit of hype surrounding it. Having read a lot about the comic book I can't tell if people are more interested in the fact that either it's a brand new character, a female, a teenager or that she's Muslim. However, I am here to say that the comic book is excellent and stands on its storytelling without any of the other stuff. Give this comic a try and see how it fits. I am willing to bet if you like character driven stories then you will probably love this book.
4.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
