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Book Review of Ms. Marvel, Vol 1: No Normal

Ms. Marvel, Vol 1: No Normal
ophelia99 avatar reviewed on + 2527 more book reviews


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.