Ms. Marvel, alias Kamala Khan, has advanced considerably. She’s a Pakistani American youngster who grew up loving superheroes and who, one foggy night in Jersey City, manages to tap into some unfathomable ability. Taking up the identity of Ms. Marvel, she finds herself saving the world, making new friends, standing up for the voiceless, and finding a strength she didn’t know she had. So much so that she joins the Avengers, only to later leave them on her own will. Kamala is the protagonist of “Ms. Marvel,” a new series on Disney+. She is a leader, a nerd, a hero, a sister, and so much more.
Of course, no TV series could possibly cover all that ground in a single season, but “Ms. Marvel” provides fans with all they desire and more. However, before seeing Kamala on the small screen, some viewers may require a refresher course in her exploits on paper. These comics are recommended reading for fans who can’t wait to see “Ms. Marvel” on Disney+, and we’ve compiled them for your perusal. You’ll find yourself rooting for Jersey City’s greatest superhero in no time at all as you read about her hilarious missteps and terrifying ordeals.
Ms. Marvel’s origin story
Beginning with “Ms. Marvel” #1 through #5 from 2014’s “No Normal” story arc is the best spot to get caught up on Kamala’s comics before viewing the TV program. Kamala wishes to have the same abilities as Captain Marvel, but she gets more than she bargained for when the mysterious Terrigen Mist activates her polymorphic abilities. She, like her hero, must utilize her power to save the defenseless and stand up to evil. However, it turns out that being a superhero while maintaining a social life, academic obligations, and a career is a rather big order.
This plot is fascinating right from the start. Kamala’s geeky interests and her Muslim beliefs both contribute to the beautiful complexity of her personality. Her inner conflict between her want to make the world a better place and her desire to be a normal teenager who goes to parties and writes fanfiction about the Avengers on Planet Unicorn provides great dramatic tension. Furthermore, Kamala needs to realize that she can be a hero without having the powers of Carol Danvers. What we get is a fantastic first act that cements Kamala’s reputation as an unconventional hero with a rock-solid moral compass.
