Graphic Novel Review - 'Marvel-Verse: Ms. Marvel' by Various

A fun and entertaining collection of comics about Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan, the freaking wonderful and inspiring Muslim Pakistani American superheroine, pre-2022.

'Marvel-Verse: Ms. Marvel' also features Loki, Carol Danvers as Ms. Marvel and a women's lib magazine editor in chief at the Daily Bugle (it's a time travel plot, because of course it is), the alien/Shi'ar villainess Nightscream, Kamala's close friends Bruno, Nakia and Zoe (they are so precious, and Kamala is lucky to have them), and Miles Morales as Spider-Man.

One special highlight is 'Generations: Ms. Marvel & Ms. Marvel'. It's about Carol Danvers as, again, a women's lib magazine editor in chief, and Kamala, having time travelled to that past (unheard of by me until now; has editor in chief ever been one of Carol's jobs?), gets roped in by J. Jonah Jameson as an intern under Carol. The two Ms. Marvels team up for supervillainess battles, and there are these amazing lines from Kamala:


'Some things never change--for Carol, it's protecting the innocent first and foremost.' [...] 'For her, that means peace and order.' [...] 'For me, that means asking who gets the peace and who takes the orders.' [...] 'I've managed okay without Carol for a while now. Done my own thing. In a lot of ways, I've stopped thinking of myself as her successor.' [...] 'But watching her be Ms. Marvel, I think...' [...] 'What if there were a way to fix it [their rift post-'Civil War II']?' [...] 'What if there's a way around the contradictions?' [...] 'A way to unify the mission?'

'People want equal rights, but they also want permission to have fun and be frivolous sometimes.' [...] 'Resisting the status quo 24/7 is exhausting. Sometimes you need to give yourself permission to watch smoky eye tutorials and make DIY face masks from cucumber slices and stuff.' [...] 'Let people have their smoothie recipes and their beauty advice.' [...] 'Make that part of the struggle for women's rights. 'Cause getting your rights isn't about becoming someone else. It's about not having to ask permission to be who you already are.'


Add this to the million other reasons why Kamala Khan is the greatest, and so beloved.

Other 'Ms. Marvel' reviews by me:


'Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal'

'Ms. Marvel, Vol. 5: Super Famous'

'Ms. Marvel Omnibus, Vol. 1'

'Ms. Marvel: Stretched Thin'

'Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant, Vol. 1'

''Marvel Rising''

'Kamala Khan: Ms. Marvel (Little Golden Book) (Marvel)'


Final Score (for 'Marvel-Verse: Ms. Marvel'): 4/5

Graphic Novel Review - 'Marvel-Verse: Captain Marvel' by Various

'Marvel-Verse: Captain Marvel' contains comics I had not read before, centering around Captain Marvel/

Carol Danvers, which is a big deal for a superfan like myself.

The stories are fun and entertaining, and also feature Spider-Man, Rocket Racoon, Chewie the Flerken cat, Tic the alien girl, lesbian alien freedom fighters, lady scientists, inventors, cyborgs and androids, and the original Captain Mar-Vell, in a time travel/alien planet story.

These all showcase what a badass, noble, diplomatic, introspective, earth-and-galaxy-wide hero (and pilot!) Carol is.

Thankfully, no comics post-'The Life of Captain Marvel' are included, though it contains another comic by Margaret Stohl, 'Generations: Captain Marvel and Captain Mar-Vell'.

Captain Marvel on the 'Marvel-Verse' cover looks breathtakingly gorgeous and badass, too, as she does in many of the cover art.

Other gushing (and relevant) 'Captain Marvel' reviews (hope you enjoy!):


'Captain Marvel, Vol. 1: In Pursuit of Flight'

'Captain Marvel, Vol. 1: Higher, Further, Faster, More'

'Captain Marvel: Earth's Mightiest Hero, Vol. 1'

'Captain Marvel, Vol. 1: Rise of Alpha Flight'

'Captain Marvel, Vol. 1: Re-Entry'

'Captain Marvel, Vol. 1: The Omen'

'Avengers: The Enemy Within'

'Marvel Action: Captain Marvel, Vol. 1: Cosmic Cat-Tastrophe'

'Captain Marvel (Little Golden Book) (Marvel)'


Final Score (for 'Marvel-Verse: Captain Marvel'): 3.5/5

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Coat of Many Colors' by Dolly Parton (Writer), Brooke Boynton-Hughes (Illustrator)

Such a lovely picture book, based on the Dolly Parton song, 'Coat of Many Colors', and her early childhood.

'Coat of Many Colors' contains important messages about imagination, stories, memories, poverty, bullying, self-confidence, and loving what you have, and who you have, who love you so much they will do anything for you, regardless of if they have money or not.

Something made with love for you can bring you so much happiness. Take no mind of what other, ignorant people might think of that something.

Take no one and nothing in your life for granted.

Appreciate what you have now.

Happiness and love do not come from a shop. Happiness and love are not measured by how expensive the gifts you give and receive are. Money, commerce and capital have nothing to do with any of it.

'Coat of Many Colors' - comfort, healing and love are real. The illustrations by Brooke Boynton-Hughes are soft, charming and darling, too, and are as colourful as little Dolly's rags-and-patch-made coat.

The book and the song inspire love, care, confidence, charity, creativity, imagination, enlightenment, courage, freedom, hope, and all things good and light in the world. In other words, like all of Dolly's songs, they are just like her.

Dolly Parton truly is one of the best people on earth.

And 'Coat of Many Colors' is part of her Imagination Library, and the United Way and their reading activities. It is the perfect book to read and discuss with children, of all backgrounds and differences and walks of life.



'[...] they didn't understand it,
and I tried to make them see

that one is only poor
only if they choose to be.'


'Now, I know we had no money,
but I was rich as I could be

in my coat of many colors
my mama made for me...

made just for me.'



'It warms my heart to know that for many people, these words have become a lesson to try to stop bullying in school. On that fateful day, I felt the terrible hurt when people made fun of me. It is a pain that takes a long, long time to go away. In fact, it never really went away until I sat down and wrote this song. Writing the song finally allowed my broken heart to heal.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being different. I think those who choose to bully just don't know how to handle somebody different from themselves. I hope this book can plant the seeds of tolerance, understanding, and acceptance in their hearts.
And for those of you who may already have been victims of bullying, please know the hurt can heal. If this book can help but one child find comfort, then I guess all my dreams for this book will have come true.'

- with love always, Dolly Parton.



Final Score: 4/5

Non-Fiction Review - 'Cozy Witch Tarot Deck' by Amanda Lovelace, Janaina Medeiros (Illustrator)

A cute little tarot card deck, and another by Amanda Lovelace (see here for my review of her 'Believe in Your Own Magic' card deck).

The cards in 'Cozy Witch Tarot Deck' contain lovely, soft, illustrious illustrations, and they don't sugarcoat anything when it comes to life lessons and areas of self-care and reflection. This deck gently holds your hand while giving you a good kick in the knickers - get on with it, Amanda Lovelace says. Many of her cards are shining beacons of wisdom, as well as comfort, with the occasional necessity for tough love.

Although I don't think this deck in particular is meant to be taken seriously, as it is small, comes from a cardboard packet, and my deck at least didn't come with an instruction manual or guidebook. Indeed, beginner tarot users might be lost with this one.

But I love the beautiful cards of 'Cozy Witch Tarot Deck' - they are just my cosy witchy, girly style, and they're so diverse and inclusive in their designs of women witches! - all the same.

And one of the cards - 'the empress' - features a woman breastfeeding and wearing a pandemic mask. Enough said.

Warmly, welcomingly, winsomely, charmingly, invitingly, vitally, gently, endearingly enchanting. And empowering.

Oh, how I cannot wait for Ms Lovelace's debut graphic novel, 'Books, Iced Coffee & a Side of Dragons'!

Final Score: 3.5/5

Scribble #156

A follow up to Scribble #155 (link here):

Governments and administrations are supposed to help people, not enrich themselves at the expense of others. That is far from civil, just, and humane.

Systems that are evil, fascistic, authoritative, corrupt, cruel, cutthroat, calculating, divisive, exclusionary, exploitative, abusive, violent and aggressive should not exist. Any system run on and by avarice, hubris, egotism, narcissism, obstinance, bullying, constant deceit and betrayal, pettiness, and bitterness should not exist. They are not normal. They are not natural, nor inevitable.

Violence, aggression, and ruthlessness - "masculinity" and "manliness" - are not strengths - they are, in fact, great signs of overcompensation, insecurity, cowardice, childishness, whininess, pigheadedness, laziness, an unwillingness to learn and accept responsibility and accountability, and an "easy way out". We are not animals, nor slaves to our "instincts" or "genes" or whatever excuses you can come up with - we humans are better than that.

Kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, feelings, altruism, truth, trust, charity, philanthropy, humility, open-mindedness, growth, and adaptability - "femininity" and "femaleness" and "wokeness" - are not weaknesses. It takes massive amounts of strength, perseverance, and courage to stick to your beliefs, your causes, your brain, your heart, and your humanity in the face of insurmountable adversity and hopelessness. Calmness, clearheadedness, love and hope in the face of all that is true strength.

Do not trust anyone who takes more than they give.

Treat the "other" and "minorities" with kindness and respect, as you would everyone else. "Tolerance" and "acceptance" are the bare minimum of how you treat other human beings. There is no "other", nor are there "minorities" - no one is minor or lesser. They are normal. They are just people, like you. Everyone is different, so difference is not bad. No one's existence is an inconvenience or a threat to you. Do not try to deny and erase someone's existence just because it makes you uncomfortable. Grow up, get over yourself, educate yourself, and get some empathy. And therapy.

Treat everyone as you would like to be treated.

I ask you to ask yourselves: What have you done today that is helpful, free, and empowering, to yourself and others? What of your actions and words are loving, caring, and kind?

Scribble #155

My 155th Scribble.

My thoughts.

Below are a collection of my past Scribbles, that, tragically, remain relevant today. More than ever. Even the posts from just a few weeks ago, that need to be adhered to.

Scribble #118

Scribble #120

Scribble #123

Scribble #126

Scribble #127

Scribble #128

Scribble #130

Scribble #135

Scribble #144

Scribble #145

Scribble #148

Public Service Announcement 2026

Remember: Billionaires and politicians should never, ever be immune to rules, laws, morality and human decency.

Once and for all: Say no to capitalism.

Say no to AI.

Say no to gambling.

Say yes to freedom

And hope

And love

And kindness

And compassion

And empathy

And peace

for everyone.

Say yes to education

And books

for everyone.

Say yes to truth

And ethics

And responsibility.

Say yes to humanity

for humanity.

Book Review - 'The English Roses' by Madonna (Writer), Jeffrey Fulvimari (Illustrator)

I, like many others, both then and now, wanted to check out 'The English Roses' because of Madonna. And the cute illustrations.

And yes, as far as children's books penned by celebrities go, there is a lot to criticise it for:

The English Roses themselves - Nicole, Amy, Charlotte and Grace, young girls of indeterminate age (though they are called 'little girls') - are interchangeable in personality, and they are pretty shallow and one-dimensional, the embodiment of stereotypically girly - they are fashionable, they like dancing and dolls, and they 'like the same boys' (page 8) (though at least they play games and read books, apparently). Very heteronormative, though that is to be expected for a children's book published in the early 2000s. Madonna might have partly based the Roses on the Spice Girls (Amy even looks like Geri Halliwell from that era, with her red hair and the Union Jack flags in her clothing).

The girl whom the Roses are jealous of, Binah, for being 'very, very beautiful' ('the most beautiful girl anyone had ever seen'! How old is she supposed to be? This is just creepy) and 'an excellent student and very good at sport' and 'was always kind to people' and 'was special', is clearly Madonna's self-insert (all the above quotes are from page 12, BTW).

The Rose friends' reaction to seeing Binah's oh-so poor and simple bedroom (with 'a single bed' and 'one doll' (page 36) FUCKING GASP!), during their fairy godmother trip into Binah's home, is an overexaggeration, to say the least. Damn early 2000s privileged London children.

Also, Madonna tried way too hard to make her book sound British, with the wording, spelling, slang, and character mannerisms. This was evidently made during her phase of wanting to be British, or at least act like it while living in England.

Lastly, this book is basically, blatantly the 'Hey Arnold!' episode, 'Ms. Perfect', meets 'A Christmas Carol' meets 'It's a Wonderful Life'. Any similarities may be coincidental, but I'm not ruling out any "inspiration".

'The English Roses' was obviously written by a world renowned celebrity.

Although, on the other hand, it is undeniably cute, with the cutest illustrations NOT credited to Jeffrey Fulvimari on the cover, nor on the back jacket of my copy of the book. The only place his name appears is in tiny letters on the title page, compared to Madonna's. It's all about Madonna with 'The English Roses'.

It contains a good message about making new friends, getting to know people, and not judging them, and how no one's life is as perfect as they may seem; we should be kind to everyone, and help them out, and be satisfied with who we are and what we have. The part where Nicole's mother tries to talk to the girls about this, before the fairy godmother shows up to set them right, is perhaps my favourite of the whole book - it's a humanising and cathartic moment.

Speaking of the fairy godmother (she isn't given any other name), she appears in the girls' synchronised dream during their sleepover, and takes them to Binah's home to show them how hard her life really is. The fairy godmother is mean, selfish, hypocritical, snooty and sassy, and I kind of love her for it. She's like the book version of Mary Poppins, a woman with magical powers who hates children and is not afraid to show it, and who acts like she has to teach them lessons out of contractual obligation.

The fairy godmother, as well as the book's narrator, have biting sass and attitude - even savagely breaking the fourth wall in some areas - for a 46-page children's book. Madonna didn't patronise or sugarcoat for her target audience there.

Though the line, 'If you say, "No" [in answering if the reader has ever been jealous], you are telling a big fat fib and I am going to tell your mother. Now, stop interrupting me.' (page 15), is especially jarring when we find out that one of the reasons why Binah's life is sad and hard is because her mother died (she lives with a single father who is mostly out at work). I mean, yikes! How did no one pick up on that?!

But through it all...

'The English Roses' - yes, it's crap, but you know what, it's my crap. My silly stuff. It's campy in a way that was probably unintentional, and that adds a charm to it.

And who can resist those cute illustrations? With little animals, dolls, knickknacks and other details added in here and there?

You deserve credit too, Jeffrey. This isn't just Madonna's creation, that also isn't simply a vanity project or "easy project", as its proceeds to go children's charities (at the time of its publication, and based on where it's purchased, anyway).

I have to praise any story that has female friendship as its major theme, too.

I own guilty pleasure novels and graphic novels - it's about time I had a guilty pleasure children's picture book, and that honour goes to 'The English Roses'.

Final Score: 3/5