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Matt vs. Ms. Marvel




Besides Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel's other great success in 2014 was the launch of  the new Ms. Marvel comic series. Ms. Marvel, the newest incarnation of the titular hero stars Pakistani-American Kamala Khan. Kamala Khan is a Muslim high-schooler from Jersey City who gains superpowers upon encountering a mysterious gas. While I am weary of Marvel's other attempts at 'diversity', Ms. Marvel is an interesting series in both tone and art style. In a medium often accused of one-dimensional characterization, and gender objectification, Ms. Marvel oozes personality, and creates a world which feels far more real than the rather cardboard Gotham City. The comic art is drawn in a way that gives the comic a somewhat grungy feel that one can reach out and touch it. The cartoonish style matches a hero who's primary power is shape shifting.   The series has also been a critical and financial success for Marvel and Kamala Khan proves to be a worthy entry into Marvel's pantheon.

The first few issues set up the world well, introducing of to Kamala's family, friends, and culture. The issues touch on race, religion, and culture but includes them in both a tasteful manner and in a way that reinforces the overall narrative. Kamala has to balance school, family, and her late-night extracurriculars all while learning to control her new powers. So far the comic series has been allowed to exist in its own bubble, Marvel's other heroes exist but are generally off-screen. However given the company's love of crossovers, I feel that this is short lived. The most recent stories featuring Wolverine is a clear example of this I am often torn when entertainment media adds new characters to increase diversity because often it is done in a way to fill some non-existent quota or as a gimmick.How ever the writers of Ms. Marvel actually creates decent characters who are defined by the personalities and actions rather than their minority status. I fully recommend this comic series to anyone looking for a break from the grim-dark that Marvel and DC publish on a near constant basis.
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