Maybe I should read more of 'Ms. Marvel'. Read more about Kamala Khan, as she is written almost beautifully and perfectly by G. Willow Wilson. I said I've boycotted Marvel for their terrible decisions and statements recently, showing no signs of self-awareness in the slightest, but this series may turn out to be one of, if not the best they have released in years. Besides, this was a library copy.
Kamala Khan's 'Ms. Marvel', specifically 'Super Famous,' set after the Marvel obligated tie-in event, 'Secret Wars', has just about everything: It's fun, it's sweet, it's hugely, culturally relevant, it's feminist, it knows what it's talking about in terms of racism and the many horrible ways it works in society, and it makes it all flow together joyfully with the superhero story. You can digest it as smoothly as a classic Saturday morning cartoon.
I love all the characters - Kamala is so adorable, I want to hug her. Anyone can relate to her instantly, no matter your background and heritage. Bruno is her super-tech guy and is hilarious in his own way - how convenient that every superhero happens to have a mad scientist friend! His new girlfriend, after moving on from his feelings for Kamala, unrequited, is Mike, and she is as lovable as everyone else. She's not skinny, is a science wiz like Bruno and a nerd and fangirl like Kamala, and she has two mums! Kamala is reluctant to get to know Mike at first, but they end up becoming friends. While the two teenage girls work together to save their town, they bond, and it is so natural! There is no girl-on-girl hate (heck, no girl-hate in sight) or other jealousy, catfight BS here. Kamala has more in common with other girls than she thought. She can like people and want to hang out with them once she gets to know them - what a great lesson! Oh, Mike - what a great addition to the cast!
Then there is Kamala's family, which will now include her brother Aamir's fiancee, Tyesha, an African-American Muslim who is also a pop culture geek. Did I mention how wonderfully diverse and likable this comic is? Tyesha is shy and sweet, yet smart, modest and mature; as three-dimensional as Mike and the rest of the cast.
Iron Man, Captain America, and Captain Marvel make cameo appearances - duh, Ms. Marvel is an Avenger now! - and they support her as well as guidance counsellors. They are willing to help whenever she gets into trouble in her home turf, Jersey City (which happens a lot!) Why aren't more heroes allowed to be friendly while remaining in character anymore? Loki cameos too, because why the heck not?
'Super Famous' collects two 'Ms. Marvel' stories post-'Secret Wars' - the first is a fairly typical H.Y.D.R.A. mind control plot that's still a lot of fun with superb character moments, and the second is a cloning episode, funny yet deep without going overboard (Ms. Marvel fights a giant version of herself - why aren't you reading this already!?). Spider-Man really could take pointers from a successor of his!
Connecting these is the theme of Kamala finding herself. It is about where her priorities lie as she juggles several separate identities, and the responsibilities that come with them: An Avenger; her town's superhero with a public image to protect (it's surprising how people in Jersey City, or anywhere really, have short memories and are ungrateful to a hero who saved their lives hundreds of times in the past, just because of one billboard); a civilian; a friend; a high school girl; and a daughter in a Muslim family, keeping up with tradition.
It is so much for a teenager to handle. But Kamala, throughout her struggles, no matter how huge (literally and figuratively), never gives up, and never loses her high spirit. She knows when to receive help when needed. She realizes what she misses from home and her civilian friends while she is out beating bad guys as Ms. Marvel.
In essence, this comic is about growing up; a youthful coming-of-age event. It is poignant and touching for something otherwise so endearingly playful and cute.
Even though I've lost hope for Marvel itself, I have hope for Kamala Khan in the future. Hope that she doesn't lose her way and the reasons for why she is beloved today (I can't imagine Marvel doing anything worse than turning Captain America into a Nazi and Captain Marvel into a narrow-minded, angry dictator (to be undone in 'The Mighty Captain Marvel', I pray)). Don't intentionally destroy the best character you've introduced for diversity in forever, Marvel! It's the one thing you seem to be doing right lately.
Just... have fun. Let your fans have fun. KNOW who your fans are, and listen to them. Be subtly educational, ethical, and human. Don't be afraid to make a likable product. 'Ms. Marvel, Vol. 5: Super Famous' is proof you know how to do this.
Final Score: 4/5
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