Young Muslim's Book Club discussion

Have you read the Ms. Marvel comics? Did you enjoy then? And are you excited for the upcoming Disney+ show?

I haven't actually read the comics, but I'm excited for the show
I hope the representation is good though

I've read the comics and I loved them, even though there were some imperfections in the representation (view spoiler)[(For example Kamala kissing boys; it's been a while since I read the series though so I can't remember if she acknowledged the Islamic view on that or not) (hide spoiler)] I did think that most of the representation was better than a lot of the other stuff we get this day.

So far the trailers for the show seem fine in terms of representation. They show prayers (which they probably shouldn't have put music over, but I still do like that they're showing aspects of Islamic living in a normalized light.) Nakia does wear her hijab as a turban at one point, which isn't necessarily bad but it is less proper than how she wears it in the comics. I know they cast a non-hijabi so that she could take it off on the show (which is fine, bc in the comics she takes it off around Kamala and only with girls around) so as long as they stick to those mahram rules hopefully this won't be a disaster.


TLDR I do have some minor nitpicks, but at the same time I still have a little hope that the show's representation will be at least tolerable, especially since there are actual Muslims like Riz Ahmed and Bisha K. Ali working on it.

So far I've only read volumes 1 and 2.

I liked Vol. 1 a lot, despite a few shortcomings in terms of Muslim representation. The comic starts with Kamala savouring the smell of bacon... yeah.
Still, the characters were likeable and interesting, the story was heart-warming as we got to watch Kamala learning to embrace her heritage, and the humour was on point.

I really enjoyed the first half of Vol. 2 despite the decrease in art quality. Kamala teaming up with a well-known Marvel superhero was entertaining to see and I loved their dynamic.

The second half had better art but the story, in my opinion, went downhill. Kamala's preaching was eyeroll-inducing and the geeky humour went full-blown MCU - and that's not a compliment, it didn't work at all. Also Kamala and Bruno behaved like they were twelve rather than sixteen, and at times sounded like adults trying to sound like teenagers.

Insha'Allah will try and get Vol. 3 when I can.

As for the series? Ehh I'm keeping low expectations since it's Disney, ya know, the company that filmed Live-Action Mulan next to a concentration camp?

Still, it has potential. The trailer scene where the people were praying in the mosque really made me feel something even though it was probably a ham-fisted diversity check ("LOOK! Muslims! Can you see them praying?").

I'm hoping more for good Desi rep than Muslim rep because these days Disney have been taking cultural aspects more seriously in their films so they're more likely to get it right.

I have mixed feelings about the casting but I'm sure the lead actress will do well.
Unfortunately she's got quite a weight on her shoulders - we all know how fandoms react when a woman - especially a POC woman - gets mishandled by the writers.

I totally agree with what you said about Disney putting a focus on the cultural aspects rather than religious aspects! As long as they don't blend them and treat them as if they're one and the same, as so many people tend to do.

As for the Mulan incident, I totally agree that was terrible of Disney, but I still think that because the directors and producers for this show are different, we can still give those specific people the benefit of the doubt. I'm still hesitant, obviously, but by putting my expectations on the specific people involved in this project, instead of the company as a whole, it gives me a little more hope.

two episodes are out, and i'm really loving it
i've never felt this represented before - honestly, i see myself in kamala in so many ways
of course, there are a few things that aren't as great, like the whole kamala and kamran stuff, but in this case i'm willing to let it slide
tbh it's giving me bollywood vibes, which makes sense since they both bonded over it
they've showed islam as it is, naturally integrated into kamala's life, and they haven't disrespected it
it's so weird yet amazing to see pakistani culture depicted in the show, but i LOVE it, it's even convinced my mum to watch it

i haven't read the comics yet, though i really want to, so i can't wait for that

I haven't watched the first episodes yet (I'm waiting until I finish my final exams) but it's great to hear that it's going good so far! I'll probably start watching after episode 3 comes out, looking forward to it :)