Ms. Marvel Comic Volume 1 Review: Kamala Khan, Identity, and Superhero Fandom
If I’m going to call myself a geek, I had to eventually give Western comics a try. So, at 29, I picked up my first comic that wasn’t a manga or tied to another form of media. Naturally, my choice was the 2014 Ms. Marvel, starring the irresistibly relatable Kamala Khan. As a fellow brown girl from Jersey, a first-generation American (well, Puerto Rican), and a proud nerd, Kamala felt like a kindred spirit. Spoiler: I absolutely love her.
Adorkable x Infinity
Marvel received well-deserved praise for introducing Ms. Marvel with Kamala Khan, a spunky, progressive protagonist. Kamala is a Pakistani Muslim-American teenager, and to top it off, she’s a massive Avengers fangirl. She idolizes Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) and has full-blown fan freakouts whenever she meets any superhero she’s written fanfic about.
What stands out in Volume 1, which collects chapters 1-5, is how her identity is central to her story and powers. As the youngest in a traditional Muslim family (though not overly conservative), Kamala often feels torn between inherited values and the pressures of American culture. Sometimes she rebels against the strictness of her upbringing. At other times, she feels out of place when facing situations that other American teens wouldn’t think twice about.
Her struggle is one many first-generation Americans can relate to, navigating between their family’s culture and the world they’re growing up in. Kamala’s story is a gift for those young people who face similar challenges, giving them a hero who understands their experiences.
One of the most fun aspects of Kamala’s character is her meta-awareness. As a fan of the Avengers, she mirrors us, the readers, who have spent years following these heroes on page and screen. In her world, Carol Danvers is as much a household name as any celebrity, and Kamala is that die-hard fan writing fanfics and loving every minute of it.
The Cultural Lens
The comic also provides a look at what it’s like to be a young Muslim in America. While Volume 1 doesn’t dive too deeply into these issues, it touches on stereotypes through casual comments from other characters. Zoe, a background character, makes insensitive and racist remarks about Kamala and her Muslim friend Nakia, who chooses to wear a scarf. Kamala’s perspective helps us understand how even “small” comments can hurt, adding depth to her everyday struggles.
A Teen Hero’s Journey
At its core, the comic centers on Kamala’s daily life as she grapples with her identity and new powers. Writer Willow Wilson strikes a great balance—Kamala’s Muslim identity is an essential part of who she is, but it never feels forced or overplayed. It’s refreshing to see a character whose faith is central but not the only defining aspect of her.
The pacing sometimes felt a bit rushed. I’d find myself re-reading pages to catch details, and the tone occasionally felt juvenile. However, Kamala is a teenager, so it makes sense that there’s some teen angst and corny moments. Overall, the volume’s quick pace improves as you read on.
Kamala in the MCU
For fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Ms. Marvel made her debut in The Marvels movie, portrayed by Iman Vellani. Seeing her come to life on the big screen brings Kamala’s story full circle, blending her comic origins with the live-action world.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely enjoyed the first five chapters of Ms. Marvel. Kamala Khan is beyond precious, and I’m excited to see her grow as a character. I think she’s poised to become a fantastic role model for young readers. I’m eager to watch her evolve and explore her interactions with other established superheroes!
Purchase Ms Marvel Volume 1 From Amazon Here
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