Comic Review: The Magnificent Ms. Marvel (2019-) #1

The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #1

Marvel Comics

Writer: Saladin Ahmed

Artists: Minkyu Jung

Ms. Marvel is a character at the forefront of the best stories in comics. Kamala Khan’s main book is always a reinvigoration of the classic Marvel formula but with better representation. There’s kooky antics, a great supporting cast, a lively world outside the window, and a hero making ends meet. G. Willow Wilson and Sana Amanat’s creation is one of modern Marvel’s gems that will continue well beyond this generation. It is with these thoughts in mind that it’s easy to worry about what happens when Wilson turns the reins of such a wonderful book over to a new writer. With this new creative team penning a perfect first issue, readers can rest easy knowing the book’s in magnificent hands.

We open with a parent telling their child the tale of The Destined One, Ms. Marvel’s alias on this world. The parent’s commentary continues throughout the issue portraying Kamala as a benevolent hero who overcomes all obstacles. These words are always in stark contrast to what is going on in the panel they share. It’s a simple storytelling technique that really paints the contradictions in an outside perspective of the hero. Everyone heaps praise and aspirations because she seems perfect but its work getting to a place where others admire you. Ahmed is set to show how the hard work Kamala puts and where she needs to compromise or break boundaries.

Since this is the first issue, it has the obligation of supporting cast and backstory introduction for a new audience. Ahmed does this wonderfully by weaving in different characters to round out different parts of the tale. We get to see Nakia hearing Ms. Marvel’s origin, serving as both a recap and a relationship builder between characters. We see Kamala run back home as she realizes she’s late and worries about her parents, her Ammi and Abu. Kamala’s mom tells her husband about Ms. Marvel’s secret identity because something is going on, but Kamala won’t listen. Instead, she’s hurt by her mom betraying her trust and rushes off to help Bruno. It leaves a mystery wide open for the arc, what’s going on with Abu that warrants Ammi telling him Kamala’s secret?

While the story’s mystery deepens, it’s the artwork that drives home the major moments of the issue. Nakia’s friendship shows with a sly grin while she sips her juice and leads Kamala into talking about her origin. Abu’s care, confusion, hurt, and shame show on his frowning mustache as Kamala runs out from the important conversation. Then there are the gargantuan action panels with Ms. Marvel knocking down Deathbringer or the new monsters in Jersey City. At one point a wolf in gladiator’s armor knocks the roof off of the Circle Q and Jung painstakingly drew every shard. This art team is astonishing in what they convey and the detail they put into scenes. Jung, Vlasco, and Herring leave me anxious to see panels from their next issues.

It’s rare to say a first issue is perfect, but I love this one. Perhaps it’s how much I love Ms. Marvel or Ahmed’s writing, but I can’t help but feel it’s beyond that. There’s brilliance in the recap, the story set up, the character moments, the artwork, it’s all there. The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #1 is an issue you won’t soon forget, but you should pick up a copy just in case. You never know when the urge to read a masterpiece might pop up.