Ms. Marvel 2 review

The first issue of Ms. Marvel was fantastic. It really delved into Kamala Khan as a character. She’s a teenager who’s conflicted between her teenaged desires and her family, and is also a huge superhero fan. She was likeable and somehow relatable to a man in his mid-20’s, despite being a teenaged female Muslim. She and her family are realistically written. And as of this issue, she now has superpowers.

Ms. Marvel 1 and 2 act as Kamala’s origin story as a superhero. Tying into Inhumanity, the last issue ended with her being cocooned by the terrigen mists and emerging with polymorphing abilities. That’s where this issue picks up, with Kamala trying to figure out what’s going on. G. Willow Wilson does a great job at writing Kamala’s reactions through stages of panic, excitement and curiosity.

As with the previous issue, Kamala’s family feels like a real family. They don’t take her sneaking out to a party too well, yet they show genuine concern for her. Kamala’s Muslim faith remains an important part of her character, yet the book is never preachy or obnoxious about it. So much character exploration is accomplished in what only takes place in a single evening.

The art by Adrian Alphona is also great. Because it takes place in a night full of terrigen mists, it’s not as colourful as the last issue. The misty backgrounds give this comic a sense of mystery and wonder, matching Kamala’s own mood. The panels where she transforms are brilliant as her body switches from a brown skinned brunette to a white skinned blonde from right to left, and how her clothes slowly morph as well. Her body stretches out like Mr. Fantastic, but with crazy twists and curves as she transforms. Her expressions perfectly match her narration, and there’s a huge variety of them.

This comic is just as delightful as the first. While the character and powers are very different, it carries a similar feel to the original Spider-Man comics. It’s about a teenager who acquires superpowers and has to keep them secret from his or her parents. It’s about someone who must find a way to balance their school life and that of being a superhero. There are so many reasons to recommend this comic and I can’t think of one single complaint. Just do yourself a favour and pick it up.