Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal (2014)

Funny and brilliant. I felt it brilliantly captured the awkwardness and strangeness of suddenly getting superpowers. ( )

Kamala Khan is a typical teenager--well, as much as there can be any such thing as a "typical teenager". But when she finds herself coming into some awesome (and also a bit frightening) new powers, her entire world is about to change. She quickly learns, however, that the phrase--taken right from the Marvel universe in which she lives--"With great power comes great responsibility" is profoundly true. Can she handle the moniker of Ms. Marvel and everything that comes with it? Is Kamala ready to lead a double life? And what of the dangers that are inevitable when one becomes a superhero? All questions for which no typical teenager has ready answers.

I picked this up as part of my reading for Hugo voting this year since it was nominated (and subsequently won the award). I don't generally read many graphic novels, which is somewhat surprising considering that I was a major comics fan and collector during my teen years. I think it's just a matter of keeping up with it all and that I keep myself busy enough with the novels and short stories that are on my list. But I do always enjoy reading the graphic stories that are nominated for the Hugos, as that ensures I get in at least a few each year.

It is no surprise to me why this was nominated and selected for the Hugo. Not only is the artwork phenomenal, but it is an excellent origin story and was one that I found very engaging. Although Marvel may downplay and erase the roles of women superheros in their films, I'm glad to see that at least their not being left of the page of their print works. Now if only we could get something like this translated to screen. I'd watch a Ms. Marvel cartoon or movie--and I think there are many others in the same boat.

But really, if you're like me and don't read many graphic novels but you're going to read one this year: this should be it. You won't be disappointed. ( )

Graphic Novel Book Club October 2015:

This was a re-read, but I realized while pulling it up into my Currently Reading that I'd never marked it down before. I, like a lot of the rest of the world, love this series. I love the main character, the culture, and the way they are going about the whole idea of being a superhero while being in a teenage girl caught in the diasporic clash of her two cultures, that she is a hybrid of but of which neither works well in meshing with the other. The reread was lovely, and I spent it grinning at the little hints at things to come.

I can't wait to see what the group thinks tomorrow night. ( )

GR has been recommending that I read this book forever. And I really liked Alif the Unseen, also written by Willow Wilson so I did. I found it a little slow at the beginning, and puerile. But, I kept with it, and liked the stereotype busting that I am sure was Wilson's goal here. Kamala Khan is an ordinary Muslim 16-year old girl, living in Jersey City, with strict parents and a devout brother. Her dreams of being a superheroine come true, with elastic like powers and the ability to change her physical appearance. Initially, she chooses the American ideal, but eventually decides she can be herself. Basic good vs. evil plot, with more to come. ( )

Re-reading this again, because the art and plot never fail to amaze. There is so much warmth in the illustrations. Hands down the best story to come out of Marvel is a long time.

I love how this volume balances out writing about culture and coming to terms with identity, with cool action scenes. It's got a powerful moral message that resonates with people of all ages.

If you like this one, skip the Civil War event and the later team-ups she's in (though the first volume of Champions is fun). They flanderize Kamala to an annoying extent. Just keep reading her solo series. ( )