This is Another Five Star Review: Ms Marvel, Vol 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson & Adrian Alphona

Ms Marvel, Vol 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson & Adrian Alphona

Released: October 2014
Publisher: Marvel
Age Group: Young Adult
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★★★★★
Synopsis: Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she’s suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When 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 bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she’s comin’ for you, Jersey!

My Thoughts

Ms Marvel is the first graphic novel I’ve ever purchased, and the reason I pulled it from the shelf is entirely superficial– the cover. I mean, look at it! It’s intense and powerful. If that was any indication of the story inside, how could I resist? And I definitely wasn’t disappointed. First, the artwork was stunning and the colors were bold; I’ve only read a handful of graphic novels, but the artwork of Adrian Alphona is my favorite yet. Second, Kamala Khan is a powerhouse. I mean, obviously– she is Ms Marvel. But even when she’s not a super hero, she’s still strong. She’s insistent on experiencing teenage-hood despite over-protective parents and the fact that teenage-hood is an absolutely terrifying time. Also, while she seems shy and awkward, she is also unapologetically her own person (and unapologetically geeky!) even though sometimes she’s still trying figure out who that is. Finally, Ms Marvel: No Normal is a thought-provoking story because it challenges a lot of our social norms– what is considered beautiful, who can be considered a hero, what it means to be American. Kamala Khan may start out transforming into a Carol Danvers look-a-like, but soon she realizes Ms Marvel doesn’t have to be a blonde-haired, white woman as she becomes more confident in herself and her identity.

If you pick up one graphic novel to read this year, it definitely needs to be this one. I’m still trying to get my hands on Vol 2: Generation Why but my local bookstores never seem to have it in stock!

Have you read any of the Ms Marvel comics featuring Kamala Khan? What did you think of them?

9 responses to “This is Another Five Star Review: Ms Marvel, Vol 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson & Adrian Alphona”

joyousreads

September 3, 2015 at 11:23 pm

I need to pick this up on my next graphic novel run. Thanks for the heads up!

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Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

September 4, 2015 at 2:16 am

I absolutely LOVED Ms Marvel! KAmala is such a strong heroine and a fantastic role model! Glad to hear you enjoyed this one.

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JBandTea

September 4, 2015 at 3:59 pm

I love Ms. Marvel. I actually read this series in the original comic book format because I cannot wait like six months between issues. I have loved it since the beginning, and hope it continues to be awesome. Ms. Marvel is a great role model for young girls of all types.

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1. Jackie G.
  
  September 4, 2015 at 6:47 pm
  
  I’m so bad at following release dates that snagging Ms Marvel in its original comic book format is unrealistic for me, so I’m definitely grateful for graphic novels. But I’m kind of surprised that I haven’t found the second Ms Marvel graphic novel anywhere yet. I can’t tell if it’s because it’s not that popular of a comic where I live (which would be a shame!) or if everyone keeps snagging copies before I get to the store.
  
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  1. JBandTea
    
    September 4, 2015 at 7:05 pm
    
    I don’t know about that because I have my subscribed at the comic book shop I go to, so I never miss an issue or forget about it (I am terrible at remembering those thing, too). But it’s always here. >> http://www.amazon.com/Ms-Marvel-Volume-Generation-Why/dp/0785190228
    
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    1. Jackie G.
      
      September 5, 2015 at 7:43 am
      
      I had no idea that subscribing to a comic book shop was even a thing. What happens when you subscribe? Do they just pull newly released comics on your wishlist for you and then give you a call to let you know they’re in? That actually sounds awesome…!
      
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      1. JBandTea
        
        September 5, 2015 at 2:50 pm
        
        Well, at my local shop, you have to have at least 5 comics that you want to sub to, and then each week they pull out the ones you wanted and then the rest go on the shelves. Subscribers get theirs first.
        
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Vlora

September 4, 2015 at 5:33 pm

I read this one! I actually also picked it up because of the cover. And a good review, but mostly the cover – it’s GORGEOUS. I liked it, and I loved the stay true to yourself theme, but I wasn’t blown away by the plot. I think I was a little confused at times? It’s been a while, so I don’t remember everything, but I’m glad you liked it!

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1. Jackie G.
  
  September 4, 2015 at 6:49 pm
  
  I did actually become kind of confused by the plot by the end of the graphic novel, so you’re not alone there. I had to read it twice to really understand what was happening, but somehow that doesn’t diminish my love for this comic. I’m glad you had the opportunity to read this one!
  
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