The Masks and More Book Club discussion

Please share your thoughts and opinions about December's book pick here.

Yes! Excellent choice. :)

I thought you might like this pick, Alex. Any thoughts you want to share?

So many thoughts! None of them coherent.

I'll have a think and maybe post some up later in the week.

So, I did promise a write-up... But you pretty much covered everything in the hangout.

Obviously, I love the diversity of a Muslim girl being the main character. Especially in the context of the world atm, that kind of representation is really important. Also, the fact you get to see her every day, family life and dealing with her faith in that sort of setting, which I think a lot of non-muslims don't see a lot. We just see the extremists or have vague idea of what it's all about without any understanding of a normal home-life. (BTW, did you see someone using Kamala to counter racist bus ads in San Fran the other day? http://www.themarysue.com/san-francis... Proof that comics - and diverse comics at that - are important and can have real positive IRL effects)

In terms of her story, I also saw immediate parallels to Spider-man/Peter Parker; being a kid who suddenly wakes up with powers and has to learn to control and understand them. Also, learning how to make use of them and deciding to help others. The wrestling with doing what you know is right, but having to protect your family - creating an alter-ego to separate the 2 parts of your life. The costume bit was the clearest similarity between the 2.
Even Dan Slott (current writer of Amazing Spider-man) sees the comparison!

"[Ms. Marvel is] the closest thing to down-to-the-core Spider-Man. She's a teenage superhero, juggling her life, making mistakes, trying to do everything right."

(source via Wiki)

I really like hearing Kamala's inner monologue. It gives the reader a more immediate understanding of her thoughts and feelings. It allows us to experience the same emotions as she does and really helps us see her growing into her powers (no pun intended).
It also give the book a level beyond all the punching and kicking bad-guy butt; which (not to be condescending) gives a bit more appeal to readers outside the alpha-bro demographic. That's a good thing IMO, BTW. I love action and fighting as much as the next guy, but at some point you reach saturation of ripped, white dudes in lycra and capes and want a little bit more substance. Uhoh my SJW is showing...

Seriously, if you enjoyed Vol.1 keep reading. It gets even better. Guest appearance from Wolverine. Her powers do get explained - sort of. And she keeps trying to protect her neighbourhood and friends without getting killed... or grounded.

Also, look out for Kamala in other books. She's crossed/crossing into the Spider-verse (prompting Dan Slott's comment) and she recently helped Phil Coulson save her school in S.H.I.E.L.D. #2 and I think she's going to be involved in the Black Vortex event coming up in a month or so.

Next step - get her in a movie!

Thanks, Alex. I'm already 100% hooked on this title, but a note in case you want to get me interested in other titles - Don't mention Wolverine. I'm half joking, but like I said in the hang-out, Wolvie has gone from one of my all time favorites to a turn-off. Still love the character but it seems he's in everything now. I'd like to see other characters. Ms. Marvel is a great example why.

Haha fair enough! Well, as I mentioned on Twitter his appearance here tied in with (view spoiler)[his death arc, so he won't be appearing in much for a while! (hide spoiler)] Definitely agree it's time for some new blood.