via Marvel.com

Ms. Marvel #1, written by G. Willow Wilson and illustrated by Adrian Alphona, is an outstanding debut issue. Featuring Marvel’s first Muslim lead character in an ongoing series, we are introduced to 16 year old super heroine in the making Kamala Khan. A clever and spirited young woman, it’s evident from the first panel that Kamala is simply trying to figure out her place in the 616 world. And in that sense, her story is a universal one. In fact, Kamala’s longing for a more adventurous life reminds me of a boy from a galaxy far far away.

However, as common as the desire to party with the popular kids and eat pork products is to most American youth, the fact that Kamala isn’t allowed to consume on said pork products is what makes the 4th iteration of Ms. Marvel unique. Still, while her heritage does play a significant role, it’s never a hindrance to the overall plot. Kamala’s dilemmas with her culture and her desire to not be restricted by its rules are extremely relatable. Personally speaking, as the son of immigrants from the Philippines and who at the age of 5 would cry to his mommy wishing he were blue-eyed and blonde, the opportunity to read and identify with a minority female character is refreshing. My hope is that kids and young adults, of all genders and ethnicities, read this series finding comfort in the diversity presented them.

In conclusion this was a very entertaining read. The supporting characters all have personalities and aren’t mere filler background players. The plot moves briskly, the dialogue is snappy, and the art is lovely. Sure there aren’t any action sequences to fawn over but not every issue needs to include a kick or punch. Nearly everything one could want from a modern day first issue is in this comic.

4/5 – Marvelous