I snapped this graphic novel up when I saw it at the library; I'd heard so many things about how novel it was, how âimportantâ it was (even in a quoted review on the cover), how â¦
How disappointed I was.
Yes, our protagonist is a young American brought up in an Islamic family. Other than an extremely observant brother and the substitution of an Iman in place of scenes where earlier comics would have used a priest, minister, or rabbi, I found this to be a pretty typical comic. In some ways, it reminded me of early Spiderman, where he had to deal with super-villains AND his Aunt May.
Then again, the fact that Kamala Khan IS a normal American teenager in a normal American family, regardless of her ethnic or religious background may BE the most important comics story, albeit as told between the lines.
Still, the tale itself, with a teenager gaining superpowers and trying to learn what they are and how to use them, while dealing with issues in her personal life, did not shine any stronger than many other superhero based comics that I've seen since I bought my first Batman comic in the mid-60s. Not bad. But not outstanding.
RATING: 3 1/2 stars, rounded down to 3 stars where 1/2 stars are not allowed
How disappointed I was.
Yes, our protagonist is a young American brought up in an Islamic family. Other than an extremely observant brother and the substitution of an Iman in place of scenes where earlier comics would have used a priest, minister, or rabbi, I found this to be a pretty typical comic. In some ways, it reminded me of early Spiderman, where he had to deal with super-villains AND his Aunt May.
Then again, the fact that Kamala Khan IS a normal American teenager in a normal American family, regardless of her ethnic or religious background may BE the most important comics story, albeit as told between the lines.
Still, the tale itself, with a teenager gaining superpowers and trying to learn what they are and how to use them, while dealing with issues in her personal life, did not shine any stronger than many other superhero based comics that I've seen since I bought my first Batman comic in the mid-60s. Not bad. But not outstanding.
RATING: 3 1/2 stars, rounded down to 3 stars where 1/2 stars are not allowed
I have had this graphic novel to read for quite awhile; I don't have any excuse for waiting so long to read it...other than I just got caught up in other graphic novel/manga series (here's looking at you Black Butler). This ended up being a very well done superhero graphic novel that features a muslim teenage girl who is struggling with her identity.
Pretty much everyone has probably heard of this graphic novel, it made a huge splash when it came out. It was a very good book. I enjoyed Kamala a lot and how real her character was.
Kamala is struggling with being Muslim; she loves her family but hates all the differences and restrictions her heritage/religion put on her. She wishes she were like all the other girls and, when a strange force grants her wish in a superhero like way, she realizes that maybe she is is best off being herself.
I really loved Kamala's interaction with her friends and family; they are all solid relationships that are both loving and tense at times. It all felt very real. There is a lot of humor in here as well which I really enjoyed.
The illustration was well done as well and I enjoyed the colors and detail; it's very traditional super-hero like and realistic.
Overall I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved the characters and the story and how so many interesting issues around individual identity and culture are addressed. This was a fun read and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Marvel's aka Kamala's adventures.
Pretty much everyone has probably heard of this graphic novel, it made a huge splash when it came out. It was a very good book. I enjoyed Kamala a lot and how real her character was.
Kamala is struggling with being Muslim; she loves her family but hates all the differences and restrictions her heritage/religion put on her. She wishes she were like all the other girls and, when a strange force grants her wish in a superhero like way, she realizes that maybe she is is best off being herself.
I really loved Kamala's interaction with her friends and family; they are all solid relationships that are both loving and tense at times. It all felt very real. There is a lot of humor in here as well which I really enjoyed.
The illustration was well done as well and I enjoyed the colors and detail; it's very traditional super-hero like and realistic.
Overall I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved the characters and the story and how so many interesting issues around individual identity and culture are addressed. This was a fun read and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Marvel's aka Kamala's adventures.
