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Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson #1-4
Ms. Marvel Omnibus, Vol. 1
The complete first season of Marvel's international sensation between two covers! Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City - until she suddenly gains extraordinary gifts. But who is she now? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? As Kamala explores her newfound powers in the guise of the new Ms. Marvel, she takes on the maniacal Inventor, teams up with Wolverine and Spider-Man, meets the Inhuman royal family, adopts their teleporting dog Lockjaw, faces the mischief of Loki, and fi nally hangs out with her idol Captain Marvel! All while facing the regular girl problems of family, first love and...the end of the world? If Kamala Khan isn't your favorite hero yet, read this and she will be!
COLLECTING: MS. MARVEL 1-19, ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW! POINT ONE 1 (MS. MARVEL STORY), S.H.I.E.L.D. 2, MATERIAL FROM AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 7-8
COLLECTING: MS. MARVEL 1-19, ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW! POINT ONE 1 (MS. MARVEL STORY), S.H.I.E.L.D. 2, MATERIAL FROM AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 7-8
488 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2016
16 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
G. Willow Wilson
472 books3,316 followersHugo, World Fantasy and American Book Award-winning author of novels and comics, including THE BIRD KING, INVISIBLE KINGDOM, and ALIF THE UNSEEN. Co-creator of Ms Marvel. Honorary doctor of letters, Rutgers University. I accidentally started a dutch baby baking cult during quarantine. Not very active on here right now, but often found on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 3, 2023
This character is one I came across first in the Disney+ series and it showed a different kind of superhero I was used to. A young girl and Muslim as well and both play a huge role in the series. Which reminds me a lot of the initial Peter Parker who had to find his place in the world.
Kamala Khan is a young woman who is a great fan of the Superheroes especially Captain Marvel who does star in this omnibus collection and is impressed by the responsibility that this young woman has taken upon herself.
Of course her Muslim background does play a big part in the stories, her devout parents raising a family in de US, her very devout brother who makes impressive choices when they want to give him superpowers as well.
Kamala Khan is a worthy addition to the Marvel Superheroes and she should continue her run not unlike Peter Parker who has influenced a whole generation of young people I am sure Kamala will do as well.
The stories with Kamala show the subtle racism that exists everywhere where people presume to know based upon presumptions how other cultures should think and react. Which is still most men's and women's sin when it comes expectations of the other person's.
Kamala is not yet faced with the pure evil of racism, even if she is Muslim, woman and super powered and it will only be a question of time.
A well written and drawn collection of comics that is worthy of being read. And please do so.
Kamala Khan is a young woman who is a great fan of the Superheroes especially Captain Marvel who does star in this omnibus collection and is impressed by the responsibility that this young woman has taken upon herself.
Of course her Muslim background does play a big part in the stories, her devout parents raising a family in de US, her very devout brother who makes impressive choices when they want to give him superpowers as well.
Kamala Khan is a worthy addition to the Marvel Superheroes and she should continue her run not unlike Peter Parker who has influenced a whole generation of young people I am sure Kamala will do as well.
The stories with Kamala show the subtle racism that exists everywhere where people presume to know based upon presumptions how other cultures should think and react. Which is still most men's and women's sin when it comes expectations of the other person's.
Kamala is not yet faced with the pure evil of racism, even if she is Muslim, woman and super powered and it will only be a question of time.
A well written and drawn collection of comics that is worthy of being read. And please do so.
August 30, 2017
This series is great. And not just because it's important, which it is. But a series with the level of Importance and Meaning this one has had leveled at it both in the media and by fans usually has an extremely high bar to clear, since so much is expected of it. Well, Ms. Marvel clears it by about 1000 feet. G. Willow Wilson writes this character with an effortlessness that reminds me of some of the greatest runs on Spider-Man. There's pathos and plot and humor and snappy dialogue. It's just so much fun to read!
The importance I'm referring to is obviously the fact that Kamala Khan is the first female Muslim superhero in mainstream comics. There's been a ton of yammering online about this, mostly from idiots who shun anything that isn't white and male, and with all of that going on it would've been easy for Wilson to lean too heavily on this uniqueness and make Kamala's whole character reliant on her cultural identity. But she doesn't. Kamala is a great, hopeful, enthusiastic, nervous, doofy HUMAN BEING, and Wilson nails her on every level.
That's not to say that Kamala's cultural identity ISN'T important to who she is. Of course it is. It affects her life and stories in a myriad of ways, all of which really add to her narrative and make it stand out as something different in superhero comics. But it's never hamfisted or on-the-nose, it's just who she is, and it's a joy to read.
I think one thing that really grabbed me about this comic is how close it stayed to Kamala and her Jersey City world. There's only one instance of a crossover affecting this book (the final Secret Wars story), and Wilson used it as an opportunity to further flesh out Kamala and her relationships, rather than going wild with crossover nonsense. It's a small cast of characters so far, and thus really feels like you're reading a tightly-scripted TV show or something. It never goes off the rails, never sacrifices character moments for punching. In fact, they're often intertwined, and it works on both adventurous and emotional levels.
Adrian Alphona's art, which is the best in this book, is also perfect for Wilson's writing style, and his Kamala is my favorite of them all. He makes her so expressive, adding layers to the dialogue and adding a sense of grandness to the relatively small-scale action scenes (by Marvel standards). I'm actually a little worried about what will happen once he moves on, because his contribution seems so important. The other artists in the book do great work, but his is a cut above.
I also feel this way about Wilson's attachment as writer. In this omnibus, there are 3 other stories featuring Ms. Marvel that weren't written by her, and their approach to the character is noticeably lamer. This includes Dan Slott and Mark Waid, who are great comics writers in their own rights, and yet didn't quite nail what makes Kamala so interesting. I'm not even sure what it is. I guess it's just Wilson's dialogue and ability to inject heart into everything, but if she leaves the character, I hope Marvel doesn't screw it all up.
In any case, this is a really great, fun, classic superhero read with a lot of added flavor and modernity thrown in. You really can't go wrong here.
The importance I'm referring to is obviously the fact that Kamala Khan is the first female Muslim superhero in mainstream comics. There's been a ton of yammering online about this, mostly from idiots who shun anything that isn't white and male, and with all of that going on it would've been easy for Wilson to lean too heavily on this uniqueness and make Kamala's whole character reliant on her cultural identity. But she doesn't. Kamala is a great, hopeful, enthusiastic, nervous, doofy HUMAN BEING, and Wilson nails her on every level.
That's not to say that Kamala's cultural identity ISN'T important to who she is. Of course it is. It affects her life and stories in a myriad of ways, all of which really add to her narrative and make it stand out as something different in superhero comics. But it's never hamfisted or on-the-nose, it's just who she is, and it's a joy to read.
I think one thing that really grabbed me about this comic is how close it stayed to Kamala and her Jersey City world. There's only one instance of a crossover affecting this book (the final Secret Wars story), and Wilson used it as an opportunity to further flesh out Kamala and her relationships, rather than going wild with crossover nonsense. It's a small cast of characters so far, and thus really feels like you're reading a tightly-scripted TV show or something. It never goes off the rails, never sacrifices character moments for punching. In fact, they're often intertwined, and it works on both adventurous and emotional levels.
Adrian Alphona's art, which is the best in this book, is also perfect for Wilson's writing style, and his Kamala is my favorite of them all. He makes her so expressive, adding layers to the dialogue and adding a sense of grandness to the relatively small-scale action scenes (by Marvel standards). I'm actually a little worried about what will happen once he moves on, because his contribution seems so important. The other artists in the book do great work, but his is a cut above.
I also feel this way about Wilson's attachment as writer. In this omnibus, there are 3 other stories featuring Ms. Marvel that weren't written by her, and their approach to the character is noticeably lamer. This includes Dan Slott and Mark Waid, who are great comics writers in their own rights, and yet didn't quite nail what makes Kamala so interesting. I'm not even sure what it is. I guess it's just Wilson's dialogue and ability to inject heart into everything, but if she leaves the character, I hope Marvel doesn't screw it all up.
In any case, this is a really great, fun, classic superhero read with a lot of added flavor and modernity thrown in. You really can't go wrong here.
August 5, 2017
Conceived by the steadfast hands of G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona, the newest heir to the Ms. Marvel moniker has made an indelible impact on the Marvel Universe—and that's an understatement at best. Collecting the groundbreaking first season of Ms. Marvel (Issues #1-19), “Garden State of Mind” from All-New Marvel NOW! Point One #1, S.H.I.E.L.D. #2, and Issues #7-8 of The Amazing Spider-Man (3rd Series)—Ms. Marvel Omnibus, Vol. 1 follows a teenage Muslim-American girl who clobbers evil with wrecking-ball-sized fists and wages war against the pressures felt by young people fighting for legitimacy in a world that dismisses them as over-privileged parasites.
The daughter of Pakistani immigrants, 16-year-old Kamala Khan identifies more with Jersey City than Karachi. She feels out of place in her own skin and wishes she could be as beautiful as her idol, Captain Marvel. But as the old saw goes, be careful what you wish for. As one would expect, fate answers her call. After being exposed to a strange, superpower-imbuing mist, Kamala’s dreams of being someone else are suddenly quite real. During a trippy hallucination that’s clearly a syncretization of Islamic and other religious iconography, Kamala is visited by Carol Danvers (formerly Ms. Marvel), Iron Man, and Captain America who question Kamala about the kind of person she desires to be. Captain Marvel braces Kamala for the difficult journey ahead and how it will further affect her identity. Kamala awakens to find she’s a polymorph, meaning she can contort and reshape her body much in the same vein as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic).
In the ensuing issues, Kamala copes with her newfound abilities and gets her first tastes of the superhero lifestyle. But even for a girl who writes Avengers fanfiction in her spare time, it’s nothing like she expected. What’s especially endearing about Ms. Marvel aside from its loveable protagonist is how the stories dial back the superhero violence that’s so pervasive in contemporary media. Kamala is faced with teenage dilemmas that are not only beautiful but feel like a callback to gentler superhero comics. Family dynamics and culture lie at the heart of these collected stories. The presence of Kamala's kin—her overbearing mother and rigid father who refuses to let her attend parties, while her haughty and devout older brother spends his days praying instead of looking for a job, much to their father's chagrin—provides not only comedic irony but illustrates Kamala’s cultural restrictions and her frustration in trying to balance family rules against saving mankind. Growing pains aside, whenever our petite polymorph isn’t breaking curfew or school property, she’s bringing the smack-down on the feather-brained Inventor and his giant homicidal automatons—with the help of such familiar faces as Wolverine, Medusa, and even a colossal super-powered bulldog named Lockjaw. Kamala is the quintessential fangirl and it shows in charmingly funny ways, like when she’s taking selfies with a brooding Logan or squealing with delight as she snakes her ribbony arms around Carol Danvers.
With Kamala’s first lines in the series—“I just want to smell it” and “Delicious, delicious infidel meat” as she salivates over the greasy BLT display at the local Circle Q—Wilson reveals Kamala’s alluring personality and makes readers fall in love with her in the space of two panels. Kamala is a normal teenage girl, though her Muslim identity is quite relevant to her portrayal, and Wilson succeeds in making the life of a Pakistani-American Muslim teenager perfectly ordinary, superpowers notwithstanding. By far, the book’s greatest achievement is ingeniously corrugating Kamala's adolescent angst and heritage into her nascent superhero identity. Kamala is as awkward as she is adorable; her struggles to abide by her parents and her faith make her universally appealing as does her tolerance in the face of classmates who don’t quite get her. These stories are uniquely fascinating in the way they weave Kamala’s diasporic life and culture with that of a planetary defender, mixing in wide-ranging social issues like bigotry, gentrification, and identity crisis.
Ms. Marvel is especially powerful because the title shapes readers’ understanding of an unfamiliar culture and reveals a basic humanity that anyone can connect with. Ms. Marvel offers a positive, realistic, sympathetic portrayal of Pakistani-American Muslims. This kind of progressive storytelling is especially vital to today's intemperate climate wherein the simple act of wearing a burkini at an American (or European) beach can inspire xenophobic oppression. In a scene where Kamala cites the Qur’an about the value of helping people, it demonstrates to audiences the moral aspects of Islam and presents its words as heroic inspiration and ethical wisdom—for both Kamala and for readers. There's an affecting scene in which a troubled Kamala’s seeks guidance from Sheikh Abdullah and, to her own surprise, he offers advice that empowers her, thus illustrating the positive and unoppressive influence that religion plays in her life.
Although Adrian Alphona’s quirky, fluid style differs from what you’d expect of a superhero comic, it perfectly suits Ms. Marvel’s over-the-top tone and whimsical action sequences. Alphona illustrates Kamala’s powers with incredible affectation and an almost overwhelming level of kinetic energy that teeters on the edge of cartoonish. His character designs are impeccable and Kamala’s expressive, energetic face gives life to the series. Alphona likes to pack tongue-in-cheek gags into every finely detailed panel, particularly in the form of silly signage and droll product labels. Ian Herring’s soft color palette wonderfully complements Kamala’s humorous travails and flights of fancy. The warm, muted coloring shines throughout this tome, drawing attention to Alphona’s line-work while simultaneously bringing vibrancy to the characters and stories.
Nowadays, teenage superheroes are a dime-a-dozen. But there’s something genuinely endearing about Kamala; her story is funny, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. The pages of this book will not only influence the existing landscape of superhero comics for years to come, but will resonate with any readers struggling to find a sense of belonging.
The daughter of Pakistani immigrants, 16-year-old Kamala Khan identifies more with Jersey City than Karachi. She feels out of place in her own skin and wishes she could be as beautiful as her idol, Captain Marvel. But as the old saw goes, be careful what you wish for. As one would expect, fate answers her call. After being exposed to a strange, superpower-imbuing mist, Kamala’s dreams of being someone else are suddenly quite real. During a trippy hallucination that’s clearly a syncretization of Islamic and other religious iconography, Kamala is visited by Carol Danvers (formerly Ms. Marvel), Iron Man, and Captain America who question Kamala about the kind of person she desires to be. Captain Marvel braces Kamala for the difficult journey ahead and how it will further affect her identity. Kamala awakens to find she’s a polymorph, meaning she can contort and reshape her body much in the same vein as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic).
In the ensuing issues, Kamala copes with her newfound abilities and gets her first tastes of the superhero lifestyle. But even for a girl who writes Avengers fanfiction in her spare time, it’s nothing like she expected. What’s especially endearing about Ms. Marvel aside from its loveable protagonist is how the stories dial back the superhero violence that’s so pervasive in contemporary media. Kamala is faced with teenage dilemmas that are not only beautiful but feel like a callback to gentler superhero comics. Family dynamics and culture lie at the heart of these collected stories. The presence of Kamala's kin—her overbearing mother and rigid father who refuses to let her attend parties, while her haughty and devout older brother spends his days praying instead of looking for a job, much to their father's chagrin—provides not only comedic irony but illustrates Kamala’s cultural restrictions and her frustration in trying to balance family rules against saving mankind. Growing pains aside, whenever our petite polymorph isn’t breaking curfew or school property, she’s bringing the smack-down on the feather-brained Inventor and his giant homicidal automatons—with the help of such familiar faces as Wolverine, Medusa, and even a colossal super-powered bulldog named Lockjaw. Kamala is the quintessential fangirl and it shows in charmingly funny ways, like when she’s taking selfies with a brooding Logan or squealing with delight as she snakes her ribbony arms around Carol Danvers.
With Kamala’s first lines in the series—“I just want to smell it” and “Delicious, delicious infidel meat” as she salivates over the greasy BLT display at the local Circle Q—Wilson reveals Kamala’s alluring personality and makes readers fall in love with her in the space of two panels. Kamala is a normal teenage girl, though her Muslim identity is quite relevant to her portrayal, and Wilson succeeds in making the life of a Pakistani-American Muslim teenager perfectly ordinary, superpowers notwithstanding. By far, the book’s greatest achievement is ingeniously corrugating Kamala's adolescent angst and heritage into her nascent superhero identity. Kamala is as awkward as she is adorable; her struggles to abide by her parents and her faith make her universally appealing as does her tolerance in the face of classmates who don’t quite get her. These stories are uniquely fascinating in the way they weave Kamala’s diasporic life and culture with that of a planetary defender, mixing in wide-ranging social issues like bigotry, gentrification, and identity crisis.
Ms. Marvel is especially powerful because the title shapes readers’ understanding of an unfamiliar culture and reveals a basic humanity that anyone can connect with. Ms. Marvel offers a positive, realistic, sympathetic portrayal of Pakistani-American Muslims. This kind of progressive storytelling is especially vital to today's intemperate climate wherein the simple act of wearing a burkini at an American (or European) beach can inspire xenophobic oppression. In a scene where Kamala cites the Qur’an about the value of helping people, it demonstrates to audiences the moral aspects of Islam and presents its words as heroic inspiration and ethical wisdom—for both Kamala and for readers. There's an affecting scene in which a troubled Kamala’s seeks guidance from Sheikh Abdullah and, to her own surprise, he offers advice that empowers her, thus illustrating the positive and unoppressive influence that religion plays in her life.
Although Adrian Alphona’s quirky, fluid style differs from what you’d expect of a superhero comic, it perfectly suits Ms. Marvel’s over-the-top tone and whimsical action sequences. Alphona illustrates Kamala’s powers with incredible affectation and an almost overwhelming level of kinetic energy that teeters on the edge of cartoonish. His character designs are impeccable and Kamala’s expressive, energetic face gives life to the series. Alphona likes to pack tongue-in-cheek gags into every finely detailed panel, particularly in the form of silly signage and droll product labels. Ian Herring’s soft color palette wonderfully complements Kamala’s humorous travails and flights of fancy. The warm, muted coloring shines throughout this tome, drawing attention to Alphona’s line-work while simultaneously bringing vibrancy to the characters and stories.
Nowadays, teenage superheroes are a dime-a-dozen. But there’s something genuinely endearing about Kamala; her story is funny, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. The pages of this book will not only influence the existing landscape of superhero comics for years to come, but will resonate with any readers struggling to find a sense of belonging.
December 31, 2016
Loved this! It's a lot like a classic marvel origin story but it's very modern in its telling. Like the hero is young and still at school, and trying to deal with her normal life as well as being a superhero. The easiest thing to compare it to is what Bendis is doing with Miles Morales in Ultimate Spider-man. It also reminded me a lot of Stan Lee/Ditko/Romita Amazing Spider-man stories from the 60s (when I make comparisons to spider-man I mean them in a good way because Spidey is my favourite hero and does have one of the better origins/early years in comics).
But Kamela Khan is very much her own hero in her own right and is awesome. This book also has the benefit of not tying into too many events. There is the final arc that doesn't tie into secret wars, but it's not too hard of a tie in and gives Ms Marvel a chance to team up with her idol Captan Marvel!
But Kamela Khan is very much her own hero in her own right and is awesome. This book also has the benefit of not tying into too many events. There is the final arc that doesn't tie into secret wars, but it's not too hard of a tie in and gives Ms Marvel a chance to team up with her idol Captan Marvel!
June 14, 2018
Well, I've finally read a chunk of Kamala Khan's adventures: her first four volumes in one big glorious omnibus that reads super fast, and is super emotional and packed with super, stupendous heart. It was about time that I consumed more stuff about the superheroine who first got me to read superhero comics, all those years ago.
The superpowered teenage Muslim and Pakistani-American Ms. Marvel, is one of Marvel's best superheroes fighting crime and beating sales records today. All in all, she is a normal, insecure, frustrated, confused teenage girl with relatable real world problems. Her caring and altruistic nature - influenced by Islamic teachings - is inspirational; a reminder to do the right thing by people. Even when absolutely helpless at the end of the world. She is an absolute badass who shows that young people are not useless or a cumbersome burden; she's not a credit to her millennial generation, just a wake-up call to the old generation to give the new one a chance to build a better future for humans.
Kamala Khan is really funny as well. An endearing, growing, developing, awkward but competent, and hardworking superhero/fangirl with a heart of gold - whether she is working solo on her home turf of Jersey City, or teaming up with the likes of Wolverine, the Inhumans (including her adorable pet giant dog Lockjaw), Spider-Man (sadly she doesn't meet Silk here, even though they are featured in the same issue), S.H.I.E.L.D., and Carol Danvers in rescuing her kidnapped big brother while the world around them is ending due to the Marvel Secret Wars event.
Ms. Marvel ends up proving to everyone in the Marvel Universe that she is capable. An important hero for a new generation.
Not every issue ends satisfactorily, neither do a few plot threads and rather-underdeveloped character arcs - especially concerning the last issues and the pile-on of Marvel characters there; ranging from famous to "who're they?". But they are lovely stories in this collection; stories that do need to be told today. The pacing and tone are very breeze-through and exciting, without being too light, and they give back to the reader such a refreshing, wondrous experience.
Love Kamala, love Carol Danvers. If there is any reason to believe in the power of progress, in diversity selling and going mainstream, in superhero comics containing vital messages for our current times, effortlessly mixed in with some good ole' action-packed storytelling, then the new 'Ms. Marvel' is it; a fantastic answer.
Please read about this girl, no matter who you are. She is a hero in a myriad of ways, multilayered and perfectly imperfect. And heartily, tragically (In)human.
Final Score: 4/5
The superpowered teenage Muslim and Pakistani-American Ms. Marvel, is one of Marvel's best superheroes fighting crime and beating sales records today. All in all, she is a normal, insecure, frustrated, confused teenage girl with relatable real world problems. Her caring and altruistic nature - influenced by Islamic teachings - is inspirational; a reminder to do the right thing by people. Even when absolutely helpless at the end of the world. She is an absolute badass who shows that young people are not useless or a cumbersome burden; she's not a credit to her millennial generation, just a wake-up call to the old generation to give the new one a chance to build a better future for humans.
Kamala Khan is really funny as well. An endearing, growing, developing, awkward but competent, and hardworking superhero/fangirl with a heart of gold - whether she is working solo on her home turf of Jersey City, or teaming up with the likes of Wolverine, the Inhumans (including her adorable pet giant dog Lockjaw), Spider-Man (sadly she doesn't meet Silk here, even though they are featured in the same issue), S.H.I.E.L.D., and Carol Danvers in rescuing her kidnapped big brother while the world around them is ending due to the Marvel Secret Wars event.
Ms. Marvel ends up proving to everyone in the Marvel Universe that she is capable. An important hero for a new generation.
Not every issue ends satisfactorily, neither do a few plot threads and rather-underdeveloped character arcs - especially concerning the last issues and the pile-on of Marvel characters there; ranging from famous to "who're they?". But they are lovely stories in this collection; stories that do need to be told today. The pacing and tone are very breeze-through and exciting, without being too light, and they give back to the reader such a refreshing, wondrous experience.
Love Kamala, love Carol Danvers. If there is any reason to believe in the power of progress, in diversity selling and going mainstream, in superhero comics containing vital messages for our current times, effortlessly mixed in with some good ole' action-packed storytelling, then the new 'Ms. Marvel' is it; a fantastic answer.
Please read about this girl, no matter who you are. She is a hero in a myriad of ways, multilayered and perfectly imperfect. And heartily, tragically (In)human.
Final Score: 4/5
August 19, 2017
'MM' neatly combines superhero origin, teenage drama, family issues, and religion / culture. Ms. Khan is a great 21st-century addition to the storied line-up of Marvel characters. At times I was reminded of the early years of Spider-Man and that is intended as the highest form of compliment.
October 17, 2022
In the mid 2010's Marvel decided to shake up its world by adding a number of new DIVERSE characters. While on some level the Marvel NOW! initiative can come off as cynical, it's also more than true that the representation these new characters brought about can bring in interested readers who want to se how it gets handled. The results were varied, as initiatives of this size so often are, but it does have its successes. One of my personal faves of the bunch is Robbie Reyes as the new Ghost Rider, but it's hard to deny the most successful character debuted was anyone other than Kamala Khan!
So how is it? In short, it's pretty fantastic! Kamala's a huge fan of superheroes who, by sheer hapenstance, stumbles her way into superpowers. Over the course of these 19 issues (Plus a handful more collected in the Omnibus, but they're simply filler bonus material) you follow Kamala Khan as she takes on the recently-abandoned mantle of Ms. Marvel to become a crime fighter. It's a pretty standard young hero origin, but the devil's in the details and that's really where Kamala shines.
What sets Kamala apart from other young hero tales though is, well, who she is as a person. Like I said in the opening paragraph, introducing a bevy of more diverse characters all at once certainly had its detractors, but they also open up plenty of new avenues to explore that simply hadn't been done before. Or at least, not really given the spotlight and time to shine. Kamala's not particularly religious herself, but the rest of her family are very devout Muslims. Especially her older brother, Aamir. Her parents are strict about unsupervised interactions with boys, and it's an act of rebellion from Kamala after she's forbidden from attending a party that sets off the entire series.
Kamala's unique perspective is front and center all over her this book. Both as a young girl, but also as someone of Middle-Eastern descent. There's casual racism aimed at Kamala early on. She has to deal with people making assumptions about her and her family life. She visits a mosque more than once as an obligation to her family. Advice given to her comes from the Quran. It's all over her identity, and plays a big part in who she is. There is no argument to be had here. Kamala Khan's story simply doesn't work if she's not Middle-Eastern, and not a girl.
That's not to say it's impenetrable or strange to anyone reading from the outside in. It's certainly an entertaining ride. Kamala serves as the reader's surrogate given her own history of fandom with comics, and you get to see her geek out when she discovers her powers, learns to control them, and even meets with a few other heroes along the way.
But the heart and soul of the run comes from Kamala's issues with identity. All Kamala wanted was to be "normal." The color of her skin prevented that, as well as the appearance of the rest of her family. She doesn't resent them for that, but she wishes she could just be treated like everyone else. Which is why it's so unbelievably fitting when she gains her superpowers... and they're goofy.
Like, unbelievably so.
It's fitting. Kamala doesn't get fabulous superpowers. She can't fly, she doesn't get an ultra muscular physique, she can't fire fantastical beams of energy from her body. She can stretch, turning the awkward, gawky girl into an awkward, gawky superhero. Using her powers makes her look silly, so even when a literal dream comes true for her she has to contend with the fact that it's not in the way she'd like. She still stands out, and not necessarily in a way that she would want. And it's a long journey of acceptance to get used to her lot in life, accept it, and even embrace what makes her unique.
It's sweet. And it's made me ramble on for far too long about meta stuff because I'm still mad about the Disney+ show changing her powers. As for plots of the actual issues? They're fine. Nothing overly special as the ongoing story of Kamala's maturation as well as a will-they won't-they relationship with a boy takes unfolds throughout the entire run. The actual Captain Marvel shows up near the end for a story that is unrelentingly bleak as it sets up Secret Wars which yes, means that this series is cut short by the literal end of the world. It seems as if the story ongoing before this was a victim of that editorial mandate as it wraps up remarkably quickly to focus on Kamala's final moments before the universe explodes. The art is great, though a bit inconsistent as it shifts between multiple artists across the 19 issues. But the main artist, Adrian Alphona, does a great job densely filling out panels with jokes and random background gags.
This is a bit of a long one, but this really is a special run in my heart. One of my favs that actually got me to want to read comic books on the regular. It may have taken a few years after reading this to kick in, but it's right up there with Gwenpool in terms of stuff I can't recommend enough. Kamala's a great character, her outlook and family life separate her from the rest, and she's got a lot of heart. A great run well worth reading for anyone interested in the starting point of one of the best new characters Marvel's introduced in the last decade.
So how is it? In short, it's pretty fantastic! Kamala's a huge fan of superheroes who, by sheer hapenstance, stumbles her way into superpowers. Over the course of these 19 issues (Plus a handful more collected in the Omnibus, but they're simply filler bonus material) you follow Kamala Khan as she takes on the recently-abandoned mantle of Ms. Marvel to become a crime fighter. It's a pretty standard young hero origin, but the devil's in the details and that's really where Kamala shines.
What sets Kamala apart from other young hero tales though is, well, who she is as a person. Like I said in the opening paragraph, introducing a bevy of more diverse characters all at once certainly had its detractors, but they also open up plenty of new avenues to explore that simply hadn't been done before. Or at least, not really given the spotlight and time to shine. Kamala's not particularly religious herself, but the rest of her family are very devout Muslims. Especially her older brother, Aamir. Her parents are strict about unsupervised interactions with boys, and it's an act of rebellion from Kamala after she's forbidden from attending a party that sets off the entire series.
Kamala's unique perspective is front and center all over her this book. Both as a young girl, but also as someone of Middle-Eastern descent. There's casual racism aimed at Kamala early on. She has to deal with people making assumptions about her and her family life. She visits a mosque more than once as an obligation to her family. Advice given to her comes from the Quran. It's all over her identity, and plays a big part in who she is. There is no argument to be had here. Kamala Khan's story simply doesn't work if she's not Middle-Eastern, and not a girl.
That's not to say it's impenetrable or strange to anyone reading from the outside in. It's certainly an entertaining ride. Kamala serves as the reader's surrogate given her own history of fandom with comics, and you get to see her geek out when she discovers her powers, learns to control them, and even meets with a few other heroes along the way.
But the heart and soul of the run comes from Kamala's issues with identity. All Kamala wanted was to be "normal." The color of her skin prevented that, as well as the appearance of the rest of her family. She doesn't resent them for that, but she wishes she could just be treated like everyone else. Which is why it's so unbelievably fitting when she gains her superpowers... and they're goofy.
Like, unbelievably so.
It's fitting. Kamala doesn't get fabulous superpowers. She can't fly, she doesn't get an ultra muscular physique, she can't fire fantastical beams of energy from her body. She can stretch, turning the awkward, gawky girl into an awkward, gawky superhero. Using her powers makes her look silly, so even when a literal dream comes true for her she has to contend with the fact that it's not in the way she'd like. She still stands out, and not necessarily in a way that she would want. And it's a long journey of acceptance to get used to her lot in life, accept it, and even embrace what makes her unique.
It's sweet. And it's made me ramble on for far too long about meta stuff because I'm still mad about the Disney+ show changing her powers. As for plots of the actual issues? They're fine. Nothing overly special as the ongoing story of Kamala's maturation as well as a will-they won't-they relationship with a boy takes unfolds throughout the entire run. The actual Captain Marvel shows up near the end for a story that is unrelentingly bleak as it sets up Secret Wars which yes, means that this series is cut short by the literal end of the world. It seems as if the story ongoing before this was a victim of that editorial mandate as it wraps up remarkably quickly to focus on Kamala's final moments before the universe explodes. The art is great, though a bit inconsistent as it shifts between multiple artists across the 19 issues. But the main artist, Adrian Alphona, does a great job densely filling out panels with jokes and random background gags.
This is a bit of a long one, but this really is a special run in my heart. One of my favs that actually got me to want to read comic books on the regular. It may have taken a few years after reading this to kick in, but it's right up there with Gwenpool in terms of stuff I can't recommend enough. Kamala's a great character, her outlook and family life separate her from the rest, and she's got a lot of heart. A great run well worth reading for anyone interested in the starting point of one of the best new characters Marvel's introduced in the last decade.
June 14, 2025
Qué maja la Kamala <3
Está ben e alégrome de teren escollido ben a historia de superheroes que ler, pero aparte da propia Ms Marvel non teño demasiado interese no resto de personaxes (o cal é criminal, cando un deles é un tipo con cabeza de periquito).
Está ben e alégrome de teren escollido ben a historia de superheroes que ler, pero aparte da propia Ms Marvel non teño demasiado interese no resto de personaxes (o cal é criminal, cando un deles é un tipo con cabeza de periquito).
March 21, 2017
It was refreshing to read a graphic novel where the women look like actual humans - very fit humans, sure, but the panels exist to give more information on their reactions, their emotions, and their fighting skills. Compare this to most DC/Marvel fare, where women are alien contortionists with bubble butts and balloon boobs. Where the only point of looking at the panels of a female protagonist is to get a sense of what teenage boys think about when they lock the bathroom door. It's what prevents me most from picking up the occasional comic title - it's like buying Playboy for the articles.
The other thing that keeps me away from comics, though, is the general lack of depth and character development. It's rare that I read a comic and don't think, "this would be better as a book." A book affords more time for character development, more time for internal conflict, more time for world-building, more time for everything. Sometimes the "omnibus" graphic novels counteract this, if the creators of a title are committed to arc-based stories and consistent character development. But that didn't feel like the case here. This feels like an "also ran" title. Stories are started and then dropped, presumably to be concluded in bigger titles. Kamala Khan has the same issues from beginning to end. She's a superhero fangirl. Her parents don't let her do anything. You can pick up any issue and get these same character highlights.
It's a fun time, and the humor is great throughout. I'm glad it exists in the world, for younger female readers to have a female protagonist that feels like a human being. And for younger male readers to learn that women have an interior life and are more than a collection of body parts. I just feel like this title could be more than it is. It's not the best of the best. But at least it's a comic that I'm not completely excluded from.
The other thing that keeps me away from comics, though, is the general lack of depth and character development. It's rare that I read a comic and don't think, "this would be better as a book." A book affords more time for character development, more time for internal conflict, more time for world-building, more time for everything. Sometimes the "omnibus" graphic novels counteract this, if the creators of a title are committed to arc-based stories and consistent character development. But that didn't feel like the case here. This feels like an "also ran" title. Stories are started and then dropped, presumably to be concluded in bigger titles. Kamala Khan has the same issues from beginning to end. She's a superhero fangirl. Her parents don't let her do anything. You can pick up any issue and get these same character highlights.
It's a fun time, and the humor is great throughout. I'm glad it exists in the world, for younger female readers to have a female protagonist that feels like a human being. And for younger male readers to learn that women have an interior life and are more than a collection of body parts. I just feel like this title could be more than it is. It's not the best of the best. But at least it's a comic that I'm not completely excluded from.
August 10, 2019
This book is huge and fun! In back there are comics in which other superheroes are the main characters; I much prefer the comics centered around Ms. Marvel (and without a straight cis male gaze).
February 7, 2025
I now completely understand how groundbreaking this was in 2014 (and also it’s really good)
April 30, 2016
While most of the stuff from the Marvel Now! Universe is nothing more than the same old reconstituted crap, this all-new Ms. Marvel shines a light into the stinking miasma that has filled many comic books these days. The supporting characters actually feel like you could bump into them on the street and our hero has to figure stuff out in order to become the hero she is deep inside. Sounds like old-school Marvel? It is. All the stuff that made Marvel great is back, but updated for the post 9/11 21st century. As the series progresses the story remains not only completely readable but also engagingly relevant (I often found myself thinking that it's too bad that Marvel can't produce more titles at this caliber).
I read these stories issue-by-issue and as the months progressed each issue continued to just knock my socks off. I can't gush enough at how wonderful it is to see Marvel finally doing something that really gets back to the roots of the company's core concept, while making it fun to read and being innovative, well written, progressively drawn and culturally relevant. Most of Marvel's current product line makes me want to drop it as soon as I pick it up, but Ms. Marvel delights me with every new crazy twist and turn. I haven't had this much fun reading about a teen-age superhero since the Young Avengers, Vol. 1: Sidekicks come out, and before that ... Well, Dtiko and Lee's Amazing Spider-Man, most recently published in Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection: Great Power. This is comics bliss.
Sadly there are a couple of fumbles in this collection. One: the Spider-Man team up is ... Well, just silly. And not exactly in a good way. Part of this is just the issues that I have with Marvel from the last couple decades, and in how the company completely derailed itself with the whole let's make a deal with Mephisto thing because a bunch of whiny writers couldn't be creative, work together and deal with Peter being married to Mary Jane - the whole downward slide started in the 90s when everyone became obsessed with speed lines, terrible art and decided that the very thing that created Marvel (and is the reason the Marvel movies are doing so well) was the one thing to be avoided at all cost: continuity. Now bare with me, this is going to come back around to Ms. Marvel I promise. See, continuity is not just having all the characters in the same universe. It is not just that something that happen to Captain Marvel in her own book will have ramifications in her appearance in the Avengers. It does not mean that there has to be an endless run of huge company wide crossovers that force meaningless conflict to erupt from pointless trivialities. What continuity means is that change will occur and it will force more change. But what's happened now is that Marvel uses "change" as a marketing tool. Not as a storytelling tool. Instead of watching Peter Parker grow from a teenage nerd into the champion hero he became from the 1960s through 1970s, he is now kept at a regressed stagnant unchanging status with only superficialities changing around him. The last actual change in the Spider-Man character was when he married Mary Jane. Everything else since has been changing the veneer without changing the interior. Well, I take that back: the let's make a deal with Mephisto thing was change as well, but it was regressive change not progressive and it institutionalized stagnation as continuity. This new direction with Parker as the head of an industrial empire has potential. If it sticks. Not holding my breath. So what does all this BS have to with Ms. Marvel? Glad you asked.
Two: This volume includes material tied into the company crossover mega-event Marvel Secret Wars. This particular story arc deals with the incursion event from Ms. Marvel's point of view. Thankfully Wilson rises to the challenge and actually gives us some really heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments. The ending of issue #18 was a particular bombshell. Now, in the current state of affairs at Marvel change is only as lasting as the next writer or maybe just the next issue, we can't count on anything being real change anymore. After all this is the editorial era that decided death only lasts as long as it's interesting. But Wilson has been crafting a wonderful story about Kamala Kahn becoming a woman, and a superhero. The ending to this volume, because of it's forced connectivity with the larger crossover, could have derailed or postponed that story but instead Wilson figured out how to embrace it and in fact used it to great advantage. There are some wonderful character moments and genuine change (that bombshell in issue #18 for instance). Unless the whole universe wide reboot in the wake of Marvel Secret Wars resets Kahn's life to negate these events, but I really don't think Wilson would go that route. So even though Wilson rose to the challenge and delivered the goods, the completely arbitrary nature of this story and how the overall end-of-days-but-not-really story is more distracting than organically interwoven. Still Wilson does a remarkable job and I did really enjoy this.
Taken as a whole, this omnibus edition is a great way to get Kamala Kahn's Season One story arc all in one volume. The SHIELD crossover and the Spider-Man team-up are nice includions, but really not much more than distractions.
I read these stories issue-by-issue and as the months progressed each issue continued to just knock my socks off. I can't gush enough at how wonderful it is to see Marvel finally doing something that really gets back to the roots of the company's core concept, while making it fun to read and being innovative, well written, progressively drawn and culturally relevant. Most of Marvel's current product line makes me want to drop it as soon as I pick it up, but Ms. Marvel delights me with every new crazy twist and turn. I haven't had this much fun reading about a teen-age superhero since the Young Avengers, Vol. 1: Sidekicks come out, and before that ... Well, Dtiko and Lee's Amazing Spider-Man, most recently published in Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection: Great Power. This is comics bliss.
Sadly there are a couple of fumbles in this collection. One: the Spider-Man team up is ... Well, just silly. And not exactly in a good way. Part of this is just the issues that I have with Marvel from the last couple decades, and in how the company completely derailed itself with the whole let's make a deal with Mephisto thing because a bunch of whiny writers couldn't be creative, work together and deal with Peter being married to Mary Jane - the whole downward slide started in the 90s when everyone became obsessed with speed lines, terrible art and decided that the very thing that created Marvel (and is the reason the Marvel movies are doing so well) was the one thing to be avoided at all cost: continuity. Now bare with me, this is going to come back around to Ms. Marvel I promise. See, continuity is not just having all the characters in the same universe. It is not just that something that happen to Captain Marvel in her own book will have ramifications in her appearance in the Avengers. It does not mean that there has to be an endless run of huge company wide crossovers that force meaningless conflict to erupt from pointless trivialities. What continuity means is that change will occur and it will force more change. But what's happened now is that Marvel uses "change" as a marketing tool. Not as a storytelling tool. Instead of watching Peter Parker grow from a teenage nerd into the champion hero he became from the 1960s through 1970s, he is now kept at a regressed stagnant unchanging status with only superficialities changing around him. The last actual change in the Spider-Man character was when he married Mary Jane. Everything else since has been changing the veneer without changing the interior. Well, I take that back: the let's make a deal with Mephisto thing was change as well, but it was regressive change not progressive and it institutionalized stagnation as continuity. This new direction with Parker as the head of an industrial empire has potential. If it sticks. Not holding my breath. So what does all this BS have to with Ms. Marvel? Glad you asked.
Two: This volume includes material tied into the company crossover mega-event Marvel Secret Wars. This particular story arc deals with the incursion event from Ms. Marvel's point of view. Thankfully Wilson rises to the challenge and actually gives us some really heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments. The ending of issue #18 was a particular bombshell. Now, in the current state of affairs at Marvel change is only as lasting as the next writer or maybe just the next issue, we can't count on anything being real change anymore. After all this is the editorial era that decided death only lasts as long as it's interesting. But Wilson has been crafting a wonderful story about Kamala Kahn becoming a woman, and a superhero. The ending to this volume, because of it's forced connectivity with the larger crossover, could have derailed or postponed that story but instead Wilson figured out how to embrace it and in fact used it to great advantage. There are some wonderful character moments and genuine change (that bombshell in issue #18 for instance). Unless the whole universe wide reboot in the wake of Marvel Secret Wars resets Kahn's life to negate these events, but I really don't think Wilson would go that route. So even though Wilson rose to the challenge and delivered the goods, the completely arbitrary nature of this story and how the overall end-of-days-but-not-really story is more distracting than organically interwoven. Still Wilson does a remarkable job and I did really enjoy this.
Taken as a whole, this omnibus edition is a great way to get Kamala Kahn's Season One story arc all in one volume. The SHIELD crossover and the Spider-Man team-up are nice includions, but really not much more than distractions.
December 20, 2019
I really liked this take on Ms. Marvel, she felt like a real girl who goes to school in your high school and has all the real problems of a teenage super hero. Her balance of school and crime fighting felt believable and the incorporation of her culture felt genuine, not forced. Read this comic, it’s great!!
April 10, 2024
It’s a classic origin story that adds in such much needed diversity to Marvel comics. Same as the show, this was really educational in terms of learning more about Muslim religion and the Pakistani culture that comes with it. The art is spectacular and Kamala feels like a real person throughout it. The kidnapping plot was a bit out of left field for a story like this, and I don’t necessarily care about the villain either. I wish Nakia had a bit more development and time on the pages. Outside of those small gripes, this is a fantastic read.
August 24, 2020
4.5 🌟🌟🌟
July 7, 2017
I loved it so much that I'm sad I have to wait to enjoy more adventures of Ms Marvel!!!
I really liked how realistic the character is: the relationship of Kamala with her friends, her family and the other heroes is so deeply explored. In addition, I found that it is so easy for teenagers/young adults to identify themselves with Ms Marvel since she had to face the insecurities of a regular person. She is like any other teenager of her age and had to deal with a lot of stuffs to become a superhero while trying to keep his life together (problems with her strict and overprotective parents because she sneaks out from home at nights to do her superhero things, having to skip classes at school for the greater good, etc).
The character development is compelling and inspiring and the story is culturally representative, one that I will never regret reading and a MUST for comic readers. Ms Marvel is the hero of nowadays!!!
I really liked how realistic the character is: the relationship of Kamala with her friends, her family and the other heroes is so deeply explored. In addition, I found that it is so easy for teenagers/young adults to identify themselves with Ms Marvel since she had to face the insecurities of a regular person. She is like any other teenager of her age and had to deal with a lot of stuffs to become a superhero while trying to keep his life together (problems with her strict and overprotective parents because she sneaks out from home at nights to do her superhero things, having to skip classes at school for the greater good, etc).
The character development is compelling and inspiring and the story is culturally representative, one that I will never regret reading and a MUST for comic readers. Ms Marvel is the hero of nowadays!!!
August 21, 2017
This was my first experience with Ms. Marvel, but if you're looking for a solid starting place with the series, this is it. The artwork is gorgeous throughout, and G. Willow, the writer, obviously concurs with Shakespeare that brevity is the soul of wit. I've read my fair share of loquacious comic characters, but Kamala Khan and her companions are funny without making you feel like you're reading a comedian's TV stand-up special transcript. The story opens with a familiar coming-of-age tale to which everyone can relate, but it quickly grows into something much more.
September 25, 2018
I loved this omnibus of Ms Marvel!
Every issue of Ms Marvel from #1 to #19, plus crossover issues S.H.I.E.L.D
#2 and Amazing Spider-Man #7-8.
Plus variant covers, character sketches, and art process pages. So much goodness!
I love Kamala Khan, 16 y.o. high school student, Captain Marvel fangirl (she meets Carol Danvers for real!), good daughter, and loyal Jersey City citizen.
The writing by G. Willow Wilson is great, and I particularly like the art in the issues by Adrian Alphona and Elmo Bondoc.
Every issue of Ms Marvel from #1 to #19, plus crossover issues S.H.I.E.L.D
#2 and Amazing Spider-Man #7-8.
Plus variant covers, character sketches, and art process pages. So much goodness!
I love Kamala Khan, 16 y.o. high school student, Captain Marvel fangirl (she meets Carol Danvers for real!), good daughter, and loyal Jersey City citizen.
The writing by G. Willow Wilson is great, and I particularly like the art in the issues by Adrian Alphona and Elmo Bondoc.
May 22, 2022
A really well written, funny, and meaningful story about the first female Muslim mainstream superhero. The art is really fun and reflects the flexibility of Kamala and her powers. The Muslim aspect isn't overdone or heavy-handed but it is present in the entire story. This also should be relatable to anyone who feels like they don't belong and really is nice to see her friends support her throughout the book. Hooray to this!
April 19, 2019
amazing in every sense. The insecurities of a teenage Muslim girl grappling with super powers and everyday life are a delight. The artwork really brings out the chaos and beauty of each personality and situation. Loved it
May 3, 2020
Bought at Midtown Comics. Read nearly cover to cover in a day. Ms. Marvel is a whole lot of fun! A solid coming-of-age story (I mean, this *is* Marvel) with great, frequently hilarious writing and quite good art. We all need fun things to read during the quarantine!
February 8, 2021
When I read Ms. Marvel it makes me want to read Ms. Marvel to children I don’t have.
Among a myriad other accolades, a great story for those who have yet to internalize the fact that old people have complained about young people on the record since there have been old people and young people.
Among a myriad other accolades, a great story for those who have yet to internalize the fact that old people have complained about young people on the record since there have been old people and young people.
Read
September 20, 2022Nearly 60 issues of Ms. Marvel later...
Almost teared up a few times throughout this wholesome, lovely collection. G. Willow Wilson did a great job creating this character and guiding her through the first several years of her run.
Excited to read Saladin Ahmed's run next.
Almost teared up a few times throughout this wholesome, lovely collection. G. Willow Wilson did a great job creating this character and guiding her through the first several years of her run.
Excited to read Saladin Ahmed's run next.
March 6, 2023
I bought this book because I liked the tv show. It surprised me how different this was, but then again most of the collected materials was released like 7 years ago. I liked the inclusion of a POC superhero with a non-western religion and the story was also put together well.
August 26, 2023
Tohle je jedna z těch knížek u kterých si říkám: “ wow. Jestli někdy budu vychovávat človíčka, potřebuju ho donutit sledovat Buffy a číst tohle. Pak bude připravenej čelit světu.”
Je to vtipný, empowering, sebereflektivní i plný strachu a nejistoty. Kamala je úžasná. A ten art je… ach.
Je to vtipný, empowering, sebereflektivní i plný strachu a nejistoty. Kamala je úžasná. A ten art je… ach.
May 21, 2017
I had a lot of fun reading this, Nice artwork as well!
November 11, 2017
Lots of fun. Kamala Khan is a great character, I look forward to continuing with more.
January 7, 2018
Se volete leggere la mia recensione, cliccate qui! http://ascwblog.blogspot.it/2018/01/m...
February 4, 2019
A fun rabbit hole. I just ordered the rest of what’s been collected in this series.
May 11, 2020
Really fun. I’m liking the new generation of Marvel characters. Kamala Khan is Marvel’s first Muslim superhero, and Wilson incorporates her culture genuinely, never once feeling forced. All the contributing artists do beautiful work. Excited to see where this series goes!
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