Ms. Marvel

Title: Ms. Marvel. Vol. 1, No normal (Oct 2014)

Author: Wilson, G. Willow, 1982-

Illustrator: Alphona, Adrian

Published: New York: Marvel 2014

An ordinary Pakistani girl, Kamala Khan from a orthodox Muslim family in New Jersey, is tired of following her parent’s restrictions regarding her diet and no night outs. While sneaking out one evening to go to a party, she comes across the Avengers, who speaks to her in Urdu and grants her wish to be like Ms. Marvel, her super hero idol! She gets power to evolve with her new shape-shifting powers. She has initial conflicts regarding her appearance, whether to abandon her brown skin and features to be more acceptable as Ms. Marvel. Or just be herself? She opts for the later and creates her own identity. The protagonist is a very likable and relatable character. The author here touches upon issues such as religion, culture, gender and diversity.

Booklist: “She opts to look like herself, and after updating her burkini for a super flexible costume, she embraces the mantle of protector of Jersey City. 

Wilson’s story touches on many issues bubbling up around comics today—diversity, gender, culture, sexuality—though never with a heavy hand.”

Image source: http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/novp/detail?vid=3&sid=b5ccbee3-2c49-4faf-a465-e92ad06663f0%40sessionmgr4006&bdata=JnNpdGU9bm92cC1saXZl#UI=10388130&db=neh