For What It's Worth


Thursday, October 19, 2017

review: ms. marvel, vol 1: no normal


23433847Collects Ms. Marvel (2014) #1-5, All-New Marvel Now! Point One (Ms. Marvel story).

Marvel Comics presents the all-new Ms. Marvel, the groundbreaking heroine that has become an international sensation! Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City - until she is suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the all-new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! As Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to handle? Kamala has no idea either. But she's comin' for you, New York! ~
Goodreads

Source: Amazon Kindle Unlimited




Review: 

A few things to keep in mind before you read this review…I’m not a comic book/graphic novel/manga reader (this is only my 3rd one), and I’m not a huge super hero movie fan so my knowledge of the Marvel universe and such is limited. As a fan of those things – you could have a very different opinion.

While there's nothing groundbreaking with Ms. Marvel as far as super hero origin stories – a strange event (in this case an ominous fog) leads to new powers, a sidekick/potential love interest who knows her secret/helps with costume, how to balance family and being a secret super hero - the writing is wonderful, warm and funny. I was giggling so often and that was so unexpected.

I could totally relate to young Kamala and her wanting to break free of parental constraints and desire to be someone different in order to be popular. She initially desires to be the stereotypical female superhero - white, long blond hair, revealing costume - what she considers the standard for beauty - but then settles into the best version of Kamala as Ms. Marvel instead of a mini Captain Marvel clone.

A+ for diversity - Kamala is a Muslim American, gender swapping the roles where she saves the boy and I adore Kamala's family including her smothering mother, dad who struggles to see her side of things and slacker brother.

It was super easy for this novice comic book reader to follow the story and I loved the art work – although whenever a panel shows a faraway view the characters look more cartoonish and less defined and while it's an artistic choice - it was unnecessary and odd. A few times I didn't even recognize the characters.

I was a little lost as to references to the Marvel universe (I had never even heard of Captain Marvel lol) but it wasn't too big of a deal. Ms. Marvel can stand alone and was a great entry point for me.

Ms. Marvel really took me by surprise with how relatable and heartfelt the story and characters were. Volume 1 ends with the introduction to the Big Bad and I quickly downloaded volume 2.

If you have Kindle Prime or Unlimited Volume’s 1&2 are both available with your subscription.

26 comments:

  1. See, you're branching out. As a matter of fact, you're doing it much more than me...but hey, I can't download books, and paper costs LOL.

    This sounds like great reading material for teens who haven't gotten the chance to see themselves represented in comic books so far. Glad to see things are changing in this department too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This was kind of the perfect thing to branch out with. I tend to get bored when I go outside my reading comfort zone but Ms. Marvel was a quick and surprisingly funny read.

      I also loved how she originally wanted to be the stereotype - blond, revealing costume etc but then got comfortable being herself.

      Delete
    2. In fact, I just added that to my review lol

      Delete
  2. I used to be a huge fan of manga/graphic books for years before I was introduced to mystery and romance books. They remind me of my childhood home. I collected lots of graphic books back then. Glad that you enjoyed this book, Karen. Awesome review. Thanks for sharing. 😁❤️👍🏻

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, that's great. My husband used to collect them as well but hasn't read any as long as I've known him as an adult. It's weird that I'm now stumbling into them at 52 years old lol

      Delete
    2. They can be addictive. I'm trying to stay away from them, otherwise my blog would be full of manga. Haha..

      Delete
  3. Oh, this looks like a really good book! Also I love that the heroine is from Jersey City!! I used to live in Hoboken, which is a town over, and my pup is actually from JC :) Hometown pride!

    Anyway, I'll have to add this one to the mix. Not a fan of superhero reads typically either BUT it made you giggle and it sounds interesting. Hope you're having a great week!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yay! I'm so happy you liked this! I really want to read her current comic, but I haven't gotten around to it! There are so many! I was new-ish to the Marvel world, too, which is why I started with Gwenpool. A lot of characters make an appearance in her comic, and she already knows about them because Gwen Poole read their comics before coming to the Marvel Universe. It sounds more confusing that it is, lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This was nice because - free lol but it was simple to follow and very lighthearted and sweet.

      Delete
  5. I read the first two of these, I believe. I really liked them too! I love comics/graphic novels but I don't always know a ton of background details so it's all good. haha

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This was a good one for newbies I think. Other than when Captain Marvel and the gang show up in the beginning - there isn't much overlap. A few mentions of Wolverine but I actually know about him lol

      Delete
  6. Ohh, I've been looking forward to this review Karen. I'm not knowledgeable with anything Marvel too but I'm glad you were still able to enjoy it :)

    Vanessa @ Blushing Geek

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Other than when she first gets her powers there's not too much overlap with other Marvel characters so it wasn't too confusing for me at all.

      Maybe that would disappoint fans of Marvel so that's just from my perspective.

      Delete
  7. I'm right there with you for being a rookie at comic books and superhero stories, but this sounds great. I'd definitely try it. Thanks for sharing, Karen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was kind of the perfect intro. Really fun and accessible.

      Delete
  8. It has been awhile since I read graphic books.I have been thinking of picking them up again. This may be a good place to start.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know if you have Amazon Prime but they have quite a few Marvel comics on there as part of your Prime Reading.

      I'm finding it's a good way to dip my toes in to see what I do and don't like before investing in a series.

      Delete
  9. This a good comic for a newbie. It is the start of a new characters story and whilst Ms Marvel is nothing new the character of Kamala is and it was totally awesome to have some diversity in the marvel universe with a Muslim American MC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was really a breath of fresh air into something that is kind of cookie cutter in the way these stories are told. It was so much fun Becky!

      Delete
  10. I'm not a comic reader either Karen and have next to no knowledge about the Marvel characters and franchise but I love strong female characters and have been waiting for this review. Will definitely be grabbing a copy now <3

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm not a huge marvel geek but I do enjoy the movies and cartoons. Grew up with more the cartoon stories. I would read this one. I did hear of Capt. Marvel but that is about it. :) I do think I'd enjoy this book.

    ReplyDelete