The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #8 // Review
If the theme of Kamala's journey thus far has been growth and development, then this issue shows the often-overlooked consequences of these phenomenons. Saladin Ahmed writes about topics like corporate expansion and workers rights through the lens of a superhero/supervillain power struggle. Artists Joey Vazquez and Alex Arizmendi, colorist Ian Herring, and letterer VC's Joe Caramagna lend their talents to this very topical story.
Rubicon is a massive corporation that's completely taken over Orange Plains, New Jersey. They've taken over so thoroughly that the town has been renamed Rubicon, New Jersey. Rubicon's leader has all of his employees call him Uncle Brett because, as he says, "We're not just a company-- we're a family." A family of workers turned into mindless drones with no purpose but to work for him and grow Rubicon. Kamala is strong, and she has her friends and her new suit to back her up, but corporate greed and corruption is one fight even the Magnificent Ms. Marvel can't win.
The only thing more impressive than a supervillain is an excellent corporate counsel- and Ahmed reminds readers that rich, powerful white men often don't face proportionate punishment, if any at all, for their crimes. Even in a world of superheroes, that lesson rings true. Too much growth in the cells can turn cancerous, and too much growth in power can turn corrupt.
Uncle Brett's design is simple but pointed and powerful. With his black turtleneck, scruffy goatee, and glasses, perhaps Uncle Brett just wants to be a member of the eccentric billionaires club, but if he also happens to bear an uncanny resemblance to a particular former CEO, well…Comics can provide apt commentary alongside entertainment.
This story is a reminder to keep growing, but to not let that growth become a toxic force that consumes you. To questioning, to never take things at face value, and most of all, to keep fighting for what's right. Even if you've never picked up Ms. Marvel before, this issue is a must-read.
