Comic Review: Magnificent Ms. Marvel #5

Magnificent Ms. Marvel #5

Marvel Comics

Writer: Saladin Ahmed

Artist: Minkyu Jung

SPOILERS:

I think Ms Marvel might be the best character to come out of Marvel in the last ten years, y’know. G.Willow Wilson’s run was incredible throughout, a feat of comic book writing and artistry. When it was announced Saladin Ahmed would be taking up the title, I must admit I was slightly nervous. I just wasn’t sure anybody could ever match up to the heights of Wilson’s run. And while Ahmed hasn’t quite hit that peak yet, he’s doing a damn good job of writing Ms Marvel.

The current arc has been a great start to the run, seemingly changing the status quo for Kamala in her parents now know her secret identity. And while the cat is back in the bag by the end of the issue, a new problem arises for the Khan family. But anyway, all that’s in the future. Right now, the issue is concentrating on finishing up the arc of the alien war and the fact that Kamala Khan is apparently “The Destined One” of an entire civilization. It’s an extremely fun story and results in Kamala herself getting a new (absolutely beautiful) costume.

Kamala’s parents coming along for the ride to the alien planet was a masterstroke on Ahmed’s part and really allows for some insight into what the Khan’s truly think of their daughters’ superhero antics. And while everything is reset by the end of the issue, it’s great to see what it would be like if they knew full time. There’s also a rather shocking twist at the end, that left me desperate to find out what comes next, but I won’t spoil that here.

The art is great (even though personally I prefer the art from the previous run). The designs for the alien creatures I like especially, Minkyu Jung’s art is wondeful, better than even her DC stuff. It looks so fluid, and so emotive throughout the issue, and indeed arc so far. The colouring is also just perfect, really making each panel stand out. Ian Herring seems to have a knack for that, which means it’s impossible to find a dull panel or page throughout this issue.

Special mention too must be made to the cover by Eduard Petrovich. It’s goddamn beautiful, showcasing the new costume in all its glory. It’s probably my favourite cover to the series so far, and one of my favourite covers in Marvel’s recent history.

Magnificent Ms. Marvel #5 is a wonderful conclusion to the current arc, and if the quality of this issue is anything to go by, Saladin Ahmed’s run is going to be something spoken about for years. So pick it up, and enjoy the experience.