The Good
MS. MARVEL #2 is a bit of a weird issue, but for all the right reasons. It leaves the reader questioning the dreamscape that writer G. Willow Wilson, artist Adrian Alphona, and colorist Ian Herring painted for the reader. It's pretty surreal as the reader watches Kamala come to grips her new-found powers, which she really isn't sure if they are powers or not, and falls into her first "mission" as a hero by saving someone who fell of a pier. The issue may move a bit slow, but that's what makes this issue work. The reader is easing into this new world and character instead of diving in head first.
Where Wilson really shines is in the dialogue and narration throughout the issue. She takes us right into the head of a 16 year old girl, and does a fantastic job of straddling that line between childhood and adulthood with a dash of teenage awkwardness.
The narration is truly what makes this character compelling to the reader and rarely is it done this well. Wilson also takes time to further all of this by later exploring her family dynamic. She's really giving the reader a full scope of this character and it couldn't be done better.
The art of Adrian Alphona and colors of Ian Herring are impeccable throughout the issue. Alphona's style and Herring's color choices are just eye candy from page one. It's this great mixture of cartoon and realism. Certain aspects of these characters are a tad over-exaggerated, but the colors feel a bit more realistic.
There's some hints at who Ms. Marvel is and where she originally came from here, and if you listen to the CV Podcast, it's a theory GMan has had since the first issue. However, it's nothing more than a few hints.
The overall book is fun and whimsical. Tonally, it's not a huge move away from other Marvel books, but MS. MARVEL really has its own feel that sticks with the reader.
The Bad
This book is a bit out there, at least the first couple issues have been, and it may not be everyone's cup of tea.
The Verdict
This is one of those cases where I've been blown away by the creative team. I've never really cared about Ms. Marvel, mainly because I feel like I never got a chance to know this character, but this character isn't truly Ms. Marvel, so I feel right on the front lines with the rest of the readers. Wilson has a way with making readers feel accepted into this book and firmly establishing a character before diving into any larger story. She's taking her time and readers will ultimately appreciate that. This is a series you should throw on your pull list because it's a great new take on Ms. Marvel.
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