Ms. Marvel #1
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Ms. Marvel #1

Writer: G. Willow Wilson Artist: Adrian Alphona Publisher: Marvel Comics Release Date: February 5, 2014 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 42 User Reviews: 48
8.5Critic Rating
8.2User Rating

The legend has returned!
Marvel Comics presents the all-new MS. MARVEL, the ground breaking heroine that has become an international sensation! Kamala Khan is just an ordinary girl from Jersey City--until she is suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the all-new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm, and prepare for an epic tale that will be remembered by generations to come. History in the making is NOW!

  • 10
    Hyper Geeky - ClumsyG Feb 10, 2014

    What Wilson and her creative team has done is set a new standard. Superheroes are at home in comics, but that shouldn't mean we as readers should be left in the dust. This is storytelling at great lengths that pulls in readers from wherever they are to exist in a world that isn't. It's when we close the book that we look around and see that art has imitated life, and we are very much alive. Read Full Review

  • 10
    PopMatters - James Orbesen Feb 25, 2014

    Wilson, Alphona, and Herring have their full focus on creating a breathing character first, letting the story grow from that, and giving the reader a new, exciting perspective from which to play in the wide open Marvel sandbox. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Booked - Cal Cleary Feb 6, 2014

    With Ms. Marvel#1, G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona have created quite possibly the most relatable super-hero origin story since Spider-Man first swung onto the scene in the 1960s. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comics Refueled - ironmarco Feb 8, 2014

    Even though this origin story isn't finished yet it already has all the fundamental elements of one. Immediately we're introduced to Kamala who feels trapped in her life and yearns for something greater. This is something every comic-book fan can relate to and her story really hits home. This issue is unconventional in many different ways, but if you keep an open mind this issue is a great read for what it is. Read Full Review

  • 10
    ScienceFiction.com - Alison "Boom" Baumgartner Feb 7, 2014

    All in all, a great start to series that I hope will entertain me for some time to come. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Nerds Unchained - Magen Cubed Feb 6, 2014

    This book is beautiful from start to finish, with great scripting and amazing artwork. It lives up to the hype and then some, establishing a new chapter in the Ms. Marvel mythology as well as Marvel pantheon at large. Im not afraid to say that Kamala Khan has won my heart, and I hope that, given the chance, she can steal yours, too. Read Full Review

  • 10
    All-Comic - Nick Rowe Feb 7, 2014

    As a whole, Ms. Marvel #1 is one of the most impressive comics Marvel has released in recent years. Wilson, Alphona, and Herring are setting out to create a comic capable of uniting an unbelievable spectrum of comics fans. Its welcoming and fun story is nearly impossible to resist smiling at while reading, and Kamala is the type of character who's extremely difficult to dislike. It's not often a single issue is capable of instilling such a powerful feeling of anticipation for the next issue, but 30 days seems like far too long to wait for Kamala's next adventure. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Book Resources - Meagan Damore Feb 6, 2014

    There is nothing not to love about "Ms. Marvel" #1: every character is well formed and distinct; the story, lovingly crafted; the art, meticulously planned and -- at times -- downright funny. Wilson and Alphona infuse pure joy into Kamala's creation, instilling a kind of charm that will resonate with all of her readers. Kamala Kahn is loud, she's Inhuman, and she's here to stay -- and I couldn't be happier for it. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Nerdophiles - Sam Wildman Mar 7, 2014

    You can, Kamala. You totally can be everything you want to be and more. [Comics Alliance] Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Word Of The Nerd - Kristi McDowell Feb 8, 2014

    This is the first comic I've read in a long time where every single character looks like a person you might encounter in real life. I think comics tend to feel like the characters, even the background ones, have been cut out of a fashion magazine full of models. But Alphona has filled Ms. Marvel with actually interesting, dynamic characters from the title character all the way down to the background character of a party that we see for only a couple of panels Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Graphic Policy - Brett Schenker Feb 9, 2014

    I expect anyone who checked out this first issue, and this is their first comic, were impressed. This team has put together a fresh character, fresh voice, fresh outlook. This is diversity in characters at its best. You might actually have an heir to the voice that was the beloved Young Avengers. Marvel has given us a character for a new diverse generation of comic readers and fans. Here's hoping they embrace Kamala, because this issue shows they should give her a chance. Read Full Review

  • 9.1
    Multiversity Comics - David Henderson Feb 6, 2014

    Ultimately, this was an incredibly strong opening issue for a series the represents a very important move on Marvel's part. While it is possible that this issue could come close to pandering to the newly founded sub-section of comics fans found on tumblr, as a tumblr user myself I don't see that as a bad thing. For every muscular white dude punching another muscular white that panders to the "core" comics fans, there should be another issue of this or of "Young Avengers" or of "Nova". Because just as much as those other two titles there, Kamala's problems feel real and genuine and relateable even to a non-Muslim and seeing her journey from that to superhero is important. It just helps that it's written by someone with a clear love for the story she is telling and drawn by someone who can make that story look like nothing else on the shelves right now. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics: The Gathering - kanchilr1 Feb 5, 2014

    Kamala Khan’s first issue in the Marvel Universe is handled extremely well with the excellent writing G. Willow Wilson and great art by Adrian Alphona. Those looking for a good representation of female minorities in mainstream superhero comic books need look no further. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Crave Online - Iann Robinson Feb 3, 2014

    With so much slam-bang noise being made by the other Marvel Now issues exploding onto the screen. Ms. Marvel makes an impact with a quieter style that's more elegant and charming. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geeked Out Nation - Jideobi Odunze Feb 7, 2014

    This was the best possible start you could have asked for from a new hero, one of minority, an Inhuman, and legacy to a big time Avenger. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Max Level Geek - Jonathan Semoneit Feb 6, 2014

    This book really feels like a labor of love by all those involved and that type of energy rubs off on the reader. I really like these characters already. I sympathize with them; understand them. I want to know more about Kamala and what is going to happen with her now that she got her wish. I got a hunch that it isn't going to be everything she expected. But as for Ms. Marvel #1, it more than meets expectations. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    IGN - Joshua Yehl Feb 5, 2014

    The new Ms. Marvel series dives right into the controversial material about the Muslim faith, but instead of being weighed down by serious discussion, young Kamala Kahn is put front and center -- and she is wonderful. The art works perfectly to depict her everyday life while surprising us with her quirky imagination. This issue is full of frustration and hurt feelings, but also the right dose of humor just when it's needed. An amazing debut that can be enjoyed by anyone, even people who aren't Muslims, females, or superheroes themselves. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    We The Nerdy - Henry Varona Feb 12, 2014

    To quickly address the controversy of this title, I have this to say: Ms. Marvel deserves a chance. I know that for as many people who will be attracted to the Muslim background of the character, there will be as many turned away. But ultimately, Kamala is a young girl, like any other, and is written in such a way that she is not defined by her culture. She is a character that is written to appeal to any demographic, and has the potential to be a modern day Spider-Man, full of youth and energy not found elsewhere. For that reason and so many more, I fully support Marvel, the creative team, and this book for as long a run as they are granted, because we need a marketplace with more diversity. I support the new Ms. Marvel and can't wait for more. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Feb 7, 2014

    It's an interesting start to a promising series. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - David Pepose Feb 5, 2014

    Kamala Khan is the superhero you wish you knew - and know, with Ms. Marvel, G. willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona have finally introduced her to the world. Do yourself a favor and meet Ms. Marvel early. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Shadowhawk's Shade - Abhinav Jain Feb 5, 2014

    Overall, I think this is a great effort from everyone involved, particularly editor Sana Amanat who came up with the idea of Kamala Khan and a muslim superhero stepping into the shoes of Ms. Marvel. So, great job all around to them! Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Geeked Out Nation - Ian Yoxon Feb 5, 2014

    All in all this was a well made comic. Sure it's just the origin and there are super villains yet to appear in this comic. But it is on it's way as this is only part 1 of a 5 part story arc, so there is still more to come. It's a great way for new readers to get into marvel comics as Kamala is a new character who doesn't have a long history to follow like so many other characters. This looks like the start of a series that will have readers coming back for more. Let's hope that the next few issues will be just as good. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    AIPT - Jordan Richards Feb 5, 2014

    Ms. Marvel #1 is a solid origin issue from this brand new character, Kamala. She has plenty of potential and endearing qualities. While the first issue didn't really dive into the superhero angle until the very end and feels like a slow start to begin with, there is still plenty of things to like about this comic. Definitely give it a look if you are interested in the onset of a good teenager superhero story. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Fanboys Inc - Oz Feb 5, 2014

    I recommend this for teenagers and up, although so far it could be seen as all ages. There is teenage rebellion, and scenes with under age drinking, however Kamala refrains from willingly partaking in it. I feel this will be a great coming of age book for the next generation of readers. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Aug 31, 2014

    While I am behind on this book by several months, it's one that after the first issue I find myself very eager to catch up on and explore. Kamala's origin story is fairly traditional in the way of superhero tropes but that's a strange positive in a way because it's not trying to be all cultural or anything. It's giving us the kind of origin story that, admittedly to me, feels like ones I've seen in years past through X-Men stories with mutants having cultural issues in the modern world. That gives it a kind of familiarity to me that I like while also having a whole lot of layers to peel away in exploring her Pakistani American roots and who it is that Kamala really wants to be, both as a hero, a person and a teenage girl. It looks to be a fun journey and this opening issue hits it right across the board with solid scripting and character development alongside some great artwork that really makes me like the iconic character interpretations as well as the real world itself. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Michael Moccio Feb 10, 2014

    Ms. Marvel, none the less, remains a stronger-than-average opening issue, with many possibilities. Wilson has given herself room to go in a variety of different directions with the piece, and as long as she keeps the story centered on Kamala"the girl we know we've all been like at one time or another"then she shouldn't have a problem keeping a dedicated readership. After all, who doesn't want to be awesome and butt-kicking and less complicated? Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson Feb 5, 2014

    In short, Ms. Marvel #1 hits a sweet spot, good art and skillful writing combining to make me want to read more about this character and her life. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Kliq Nation - Timdogg Feb 10, 2014

    Tying Ms. Marvel to "Inhumanity" is a smart move. Marvel has big things planned for the Inhumans franchise. Linking Ms. Marvel to them solidifies that once her origin story is established, Wilson can either carve out her own legacy in the Marvel universe, or have Kamala go on a journey to discover her Inhuman roots. - See more at: http://www.thekliqnation.com/2014/02/review-ms-marvel-1/#sthash.fyGFt5eI.dpuf Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - George Marston Feb 3, 2014

    Ms. Marvel is a solid debut issue, and that in itself should be a victory not just for G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona, but for Marvel Comics itself. It is no secret that there has been some controversy over Kalama Khan's faith and her identity in the lead-up to this launch, but Ms. Marvel succeeds on its own strengths. It's not exactly edgy, and Kamala Khan is not exactly the first reluctant teen hero in Marvel's long history, but Ms. Marvel is one of the strongest debuts for a new character that Marvel has had in a long time. Here's hoping she sticks around for the long haul. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    CHUD - Jeb Delia Feb 8, 2014

    As I say, it's tempting to consider the new Ms Marvel in the context of its commercial prospects, and what it means in terms of diversity and inclusiveness in today's comic marketplace, and I won't disagree that those considerations carry some weight. But I'd rather recommend it on the basis of it being first and foremost a well-told superhero origin story that, while invoking the classic comics of the mid-20th century, may also have something worthwhile to say about the culture wars of the 21st. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Noah Sharma Feb 7, 2014

    I hope that in future issues, Wilson will feel less pressure to pack all the exposition about Kamala's community in so tightly, but, while Kamala's racial and religious background has been a key element of discussion about the book, any culture given such care and strong craftsmanship would have proved an impressive start to a series. It's unclear if Ms. Marvel will stick with its offbeat, schoolyard charm or expand to larger locales and grander heroics, regardless, it's my opinion that the crux of a great hero is their character, which will define them no matter the scale of their spandex-clad adventures and that's something that Ms. Marvel has in spades. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Feb 8, 2014

    The art by Alphona was especially great. It didn't appeal to me at first, but I definitely warmed up as the issue went along. There seemed to be a bit of wobbliness starting off, but I think I was just seeing things. The art is very strong and even more personable, infusing Kamala, her family and her friends with real humanity. This is the kind of comic where the art might be just as important to the appeal as the writing. The new Ms. Marvel series is off to a great start, even if I don't like that Inhuman thing. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Spectrum - Gilad Levin Feb 8, 2014

    The title is a key part of Marvel's new MarvelNOW push and it works. It gets you interested in the characters and the introduction to them is done nicely. Despite a small feel of a clichd "teenage struggle" story, I highly recommend it and can't wait for the next issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Vine - Jen 'Miss J' Aprahamian Feb 4, 2014

    MS. MARVEL makes a delightful debut, showing confidence and heart even before she puts on a mask. Kamala is not your average superheroine -- she probably has a lot more in common with readers than most of the capes and suits in mainstream comics -- and her stories seem like they're headed in an exciting direction. Kudos to Marvel for expanding its range; amping up the diversity factor in a way that doesn't feel token or temporary is a great move, and MS. MARVEL is launching with a solid first issue and a world -- a universe, even -- of story possibilities. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Zac Thompson Feb 6, 2014

    Some of the overt stereotypes (all across the board) were a little obvious, causing the story line to feel simplistic. I would have loved to see a little more dimension in both Kamala and the peripheral characters. But regardless, the themes of Ms. Marvel #1 plant themselves deep in our chest because weve lived them before. And perhaps thats why stereotypes are utilized. Conceivably, if Wilson continues with this familiarity the comic will truly stand the test of time. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Feb 10, 2014

    As an introduction to Kamala Ms. Marvel #1 works but as an introction to the new Ms. Marvel it feels incomplete. Although we do Kamala in Danvers' old costume (which she rightly prefers) given the promotional materials (and comic's variant cover) we know it's not the costume she keeps. Worth a look. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - Rob McMonigal Feb 6, 2014

    Despite some rough edges, this should be Marvel's next breakout hit. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    The Pop Cultist - Josh Elliott Feb 5, 2014

    On the whole, Ms. Marvel #1 is unflinching in its portrayal of a Muslim girl destined to become a superhero. There's plenty to draw you in and plenty to alienate you. If you want a challenging read, this is for you. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    ComicList - Brandon Borzelli Feb 8, 2014

    The opening issue is a good one. The backstory doesn't break any new ground except that involves an uncommon ethnicity. The ending is confusing if you are unfamiliar with the powers and transformation into the title character but it might not matter to every reader. Overall, the main character is a charming one and if the book focuses on her secret identity more than her super-hero alter ego then the book will be a hit. This is worth picking up. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Front Towards Gamer - Rhys Egner Feb 8, 2014

    Despite the serious issues with the character, there is one topic that deserves praise: as much as I dislike the story (as it stands), the art is staggeringly good. Artist Adrian Alphona is a master of his work, and creates realistically proportioned characters that are distinguishable between each other, yet still recognizably normal. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comics Bulletin - Taylor Lilley Feb 9, 2014

    As a Marvel Universe book, though, I see trouble ahead. Wilson's deft dialoguing of Kamala vs. ignorant Caucasian peers is a refreshing antidote to ham-fisted 'Jock threaten; cheerleader hiss' high-school-by-numbers scripting, and I dig depicting the Terrigenesis cocoon process as a socio-spiritual fusion experience, but" you called it" continuity. I fear many new readers (Ms. Marvel #1's target audience, right?) will fall for the 'superheroes doing Big' treatment, only to be disappointed when that poeticization gives way to the established 616 'science,' when the mists of Jersey magic are dispelled by Big Apple empiricism. Read Full Review

  • 3.0
    Comic Book Revolution - Rokk Feb 6, 2014

    Ms. Marvel #1 was brilliant marketing by Marvel but, unfortunately, an extremely unimpressive read. This issue is most definitely not worth your hard earned money. You want to support a monthly comic with a female lead? Great, go buy Wonder Woman. It is a well done comic that deserves your support. But, Ms. Marvel? No. If you want my money you have to actually provide me with a well crafted professional comic book. I do not and never will purchase a comic book based only on the characters ethnicity, sex or religion. Niche titles that are written well can justify their existance. But, niche titles written poorly cannot. At this point, I am just curious to see if Ms. Marvel crashes and burns as fast as DC's Katana and Vibe comics. Read Full Review

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