Graphic Novel Review – Ms. Marvel Vol 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/Superhero
Length: 120 pages
Publisher: Marvel
Release Date: October 28, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0785190219
Stand Alone or Series: 1st volume in the Ms. Marvel series
Source: Gift
Rating: 5/5 stars

“Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she’s suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she’s comin’ for you, Jersey!”

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.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
– Mount TBR Reading Challenge