There aren't enough good things I can say about this amazing comic series by G. Willow Wilson. Kamala Khan is just your average teenager living with strict parents until she is given exceptional gifts. Because of her gifts, she has to decide who she is--and could she really be Ms. Marvel?
A fresh reboot to a stereotypical super hero, Kamala Khan IS Ms. Marvel to me. She encapsulates the struggles of youth, gender issues, strict religious family and religious identity (which resonated strongly with me). All wrapped up in a superhero-discovers-their-powers story, its funny, touching, and an important read for the state of the world we currently live in. Kamala is a genuine heroine who acts like a real person and wants to do what is right.
When I was growing up with an older brother, we would read comics together. I loved the Batman universe, mainly The Animated Series and the movie with Michelle Pfeifer. However, I was never compelled to read them because the women are just extra. Sure, Selina Kyle is strong and powerful, but isn't she the bad guy? All the women in Batman are pretty much the enemies. Marvel is known for having scantily clad vixen-types be their heroes and it was about damn time someone new came along.
I am grateful for Kamala Kahn, not only for her being a female protagonist, but a Muslim-American, a teenager, and a huge but believable nerd.
The comic is still in print, so there are new issues coming out for stocking stuffers. I would recommend starting with the origin story graphic novel volumes 1-3. They're available in your local comic book store (click here to find one near you!).
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