The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #7 // Review
Kamala, Nakia, and Zoe are just trying to go on a road trip to try "the best gyros in America" and distract Kamala from all of the chaos in her life. But villains from Ms. Marvel's past come calling interrupting the trip. Writer Saladin Ahmed partners with artist Joey Vazquez, color artist Ian Herring, and letterer Joe Caramagna to make a story that's one part YA contemporary and three parts superhero adventure.
Kamala is running herself ragged between school, being a superhero, spending time with her friends, and taking care of her dad. She also needs to try and fit in some extracurriculars because teen superheroes still have to worry about college. Kamala can't balance it all forever. Her grades are starting to slip, she's falling asleep in class, and she still hasn't talked to Bruno about their almost kiss (back in The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #1).
Ahmed's choice to take time to focus on Kamala's life outside of fighting crime is refreshing. It shows how real and relatable Kamala can be. Yes, she's a superhero, but she's still a teenager with all of the problems non-super teens have. Nakia's dialogue in this story reminds the reader that Kamala (and Nakia) don't just face danger from supervillains. But from Islamophobes who look at them and see a threat, not a human being.
Overall the art is enjoyable and beautiful. But there is some "same face syndrome" occurring in some panels where Kamala, Nakia, and Zoe are together. It's not every scene, but it's noticeable when it does happen.
The best thing about Ms. Marvel has always been her ability to keep fighting. Fighting for what's right, even when she's got the world against her. And how much she cares about helping her friends and family. This issue really shows how far this mentality has gotten Kamala in her superhero journey, as well as how far she still has to go. No matter how super one is, there's always room to grow.
