Ms. Marvel: No Normal Comic Book Review

For this course, I read the Marvel graphic novel Ms. Marvel: No Normal, written by G. Willow Wilson and illustrated by Adrian Alphona. The book centers around Kamala Khan, a Muslim girl living in Jersey City whose parents are Pakistani immigrants. Kamala loves Marvel superheroes, so when Captain America, Iron Man, and Captain Marvel visit her, she is in awe. When Kamala herself acquires some superhero characteristics, she is excited, but also unsure of how to use her new powers. Kamala feels caught between her identity as a high school student with overprotective parents and her superhero alter-ego, Ms. Marvel. She eventually decides to help her best friend Bruno save his brother, Vick, from the evil Inventor. The book is the first in a series, so I'm excited to continue following Kamala and her adventures as Ms. Marvel.

I don't normally read graphic novels or comic books, but Kamala's story appealed to me because she doesn't fit into the stereotypical superhero mold. I think it's great that Marvel is trying to diversify its superheroes, and making Kamala a Muslim Pakistani-American high school student is a fascinating example of intersectionality. I love how the comic fearlessly explores topics like gender, race, and religion through Kamala's point of view. I even found myself laughing over some of the experiences she has as a high school student because I found that I could often connect with her experiences. To me, Kamala is also a very agreeable character, which made me excited to root for her and eager to read more!