Laura McCarthy reviews Ms. Marvel #4…
Marvel’s breakout hit, Ms. Marvel, continues as Kamala Khan discovers the dangers of her newfound powers and unlocks a secret behind them as well.
If you’re not reading the new Ms. Marvel yet, I seriously have to wonder what your priorities in life are. If you have yet to hear about this series or were turned off by the stir it caused upon its announcement, now is definitely the time to start picking it up.
While the story has taken a few issues to pick up, perhaps I have been spoiled on quick one to two issue origin stories, the ride is definitely something to write home about. G. Willow Wilson writes a story that doesn’t depend on exposition and her characters, especially Kamala, demand your attention.
Through the issue, readers finally get some kind of idea about just how Kamala’s powers work and she starts to show a bit more control over them. Best of all, we actually get to see a prototype of her Ms. Marvel costume – it took four issues to get to this point, four. It’s not even the completed costume yet! If I do have one major gripe about Ms. Marvel, it probably is the pacing – which can be both a gift and a curse. On one hand, the writer side of me loves the detailed, planned story Wilson is presenting. On the other hand, my inner comic book nerd is screaming “Get to the point, I want to see Ms. Marvel punching people!”
Ms. Marvel #4 manages to satisfy both sides, though. The first half of the book wraps up the cliffhanger from the third issue as well as establishes Bruno as Kamala’s ally and confidant. It sets up for the larger story and in a way reminds me of pre-DC reboot Blue Beetle. The second half of the book brings Kamala into her first actual mission and shows off all the different ways her Ms. Marvel powers work. Best of both worlds.
Adrian Alphona’s art never fails to make me swoon and after seeing Kamala squish a few robot bugs, I can’t wait to find out how he handles a scene with actual fighting. Also I want my own version of the bad guy’s “I’ M A BAD GUY” tank top – I would wear the hell out of that.
Personally, I can’t wait to see what happens next and I don’t know how I’m going to be able to wait until June 18th to find out. Everybody else has time to catch up at least!
Laura McCarthy spends more time crying about fictional characters than being a productive member of society. Follow her on Twitter and Tumblr.
Originally published May 30, 2014. Updated April 12, 2018.
