Literally Graphic reviewed Ms. Marvel, Vol 2 by G. Willow Wilson (Marvel now!)
Review of 'Ms. Marvel' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
So, what's so great about Ms. Marvel? Let me count the ways...
While I do appreciate that not every sexy superhero character necessarily equals objectification (I love black cannery) it was nice to relax into a completely unsexy story of a girl learning how to be a superhero. No randomo flashes of ass. No creepy comments from guys.
That's not to say that Kamala has it easy. By no means. Ms Marvel is literally put through a meat grinder as she learns how difficult it can be to be a superhero! Even if the work together message at the end got a little over the top, I really liked the humble vibe Kamala has to her.
Some have been calling these comics a bit simplistic, but considering how often the big two feel the need to retell us batman or spiderman's origins - this is pure origionality! And no matter how simplistic it can seem to the priviliged, diversity means a lot to a lot of people and that's perfectly acceptable.
Everyone loves something because it means something to them; even if it isn't the next Watchman or V for Vendetta. Heck, most things aren't, and they're still about asshole white guys - I'm looking at you Irredemible Antman! As if stories like that still need to be published? As if we don't have enough of those stories already?
But Ms. Marvel is not just some silly story propped up by diversity. It's not a story for everyone (definitly not serious wolverine fans) but it is a story for a lot of people. Kamala is interesting, well developed and fun. While it is certainly not grimdark, there is a touch of seriousness throughout. Kamala is not in a game, this is real life with real stakes. Her super healing powers do help, but they won't solve everything.
Speaking of super powers, I had kind of written Kamala's off as inexplicable. A random act of god that I would just need to accept. I was pleasently suprised when they did actually have a logical exmplination for them about halfway through the volume. Pretty unique twist in my experiance anyway, although I should expect nothing less.
The art was definitly a bit different then I was used to. Although it reminded me a bit of the new batgirl. But it grew it on me, and it felt like it fit her character pretty well. Being in high school, going through puberty, gaining stretchy morphing new super powers.
For a teenage coming of age story, I thought the adults in the story were of above average inteligence and sensibilities. While Kamala is still trying to keep her new identity secret from them, they still said a lot of things that helped her as she takes on these new responsibilities. They worry about Kamala, and act like most parents would when she stays out to late. But it's obvious that they love her.
My only question is why is this rated T+?