Every once in a while a comic book comes along where everything
clicks. Ms. Marvel #1 from Marvel Comics
is one such book. The script by G.
Willow Wilson with art by Adrian Alphona with colors provided by Ian Herring
mesh perfectly to make one of the most enjoyable comic books I’ve read in years.
The story centers on a young Arab American, Kamala. Stuck between Middle East Tradition and
modern suburban America she is constantly at odds with her family, friends and
fellow classmates.
A dreamer by nature, Kamala fantasizes about being someone
special. The old saying goes, “Be
careful what you wish for.”
She is fascinated by the Avengers and spends hours creating her
own World’s Mightiest Heroes adventures on her computer and posting them on the
internet. She would give anything to be
a superhero.
When she sneaks out one night to attend a high school ‘party’
she is struck by the shallowness and mean spirits of fellow classmates against
her Arabic background.
As the party progresses and just as she is leaving, a
mysterious mist begins to permeate the surroundings. The mist causes everyone to pass out,
including Kamala.
When she awakes she assumes she passed out from a spiked
drink she was given earlier. If only
that were the case.
When she opens her eyes, lo and behold, Captain Marvel,
Captain America and Iron Man are standing before her. Or least something that looks like them.
It turns out her prayers and wishes were heard by the Faith
and they grant her wish. She falls back
asleep only to find herself in some sort of a cocoon once she awakes. She smashes though and she is shocked to
discover herself transformed into the new Ms. Marvel-blond hair, blue eyes and
all!
This is a book that is sure to become a big hit. Everything works, Kamala is a terrific new
character and her supporting cast is well fleshed out and unique-each of
them. Better pick up a copy soon-I guarantee
the first print will sell out fast!