Wouldn’t we all have been friends with the weird girl in school that wrote Captain America saving unicorns from space aliens fanfic? (Or you were the weird girl yourself.) My point is (and I think the point of the recasting of Ms./Captain Marvel as an immigrant who is Muslim) that what is normally presented as “that one weird kid” in high school is really not that uncommon. “That one weird kid” is legion. Everyone’s teen years were awkward as hell, whether you were the popular girl, the girl that wore cat ears outside of Halloween (which totally was NOT my fashion statement and I don’t believe you if you say you have photographic evidence), or the girl that got super powers from a gas cloud.
My only issue with Volume 1 of Ms. Marvel is that they lay the “everyman”-ness on a bit thick and Kamala’s story feels like it’s built out of cliches and stereotypes. Her personality is enough to carry the story out of it’s origins slump, though, so it’s well worth the read. I just wanted more development from the other characters, especially her family. It felt like a lot of the plot relied too heavily on “she’s Muslim, see? So things are different for her!” Which, all the points to Marvel for diversity, but overprotective parents are the bane of teenagers everywhere, regardless of religion. I know origin stories are something every hero has to suffer through, but they used a broad brush when they should’ve went in for more detail. I am hopeful with G. Willow Wilson at the wheel that future volumes will see more nuance with Kamala’s family and religion.
Also, this has been stuck in my craw for a few hours, so just let me rant: how is telling someone they smell like curry insulting, Zoe? How? Curry is amazing and awesome and smells divine and your popular girl “insult” left me craving vegetable korma. So, in my opinion, Kamala should’ve just let her drown. If the girl can’t appreciate curry, what type of life does she have? It’s just sad; she should’ve been put out of her misery.
I gave a somewhat unfavorable review to this book a few weeks ago and, like you, really like the Kamala character. I am looking forward to picking up the first Avengers trade that features her as a member.
Just reviewed this tonight, and I agree with a lot of what you’re saying, even if I think Kamala herself was stronger than the stereotypes she was placed in. Plus, one or two panels were just perfection, and they made it easier to overlook the flaws, in my opinion. Great review, though! I love seeing what other people are saying about what I’m reading (and am also glad that I’m not the LAST one to this particular party.)