Ms. Marvel #19 Review

Writer: G. Willow Wilson / Artist: Adrian Alphona / Marvel Comics You’ll have to excuse me if I get emotional at any point. For the record, Ms. Marvel is NOT going away (just relaunched under the All New All Different Marvel banner), but it feels like we’ve come to the end of very touching chapter with Black Nerd Problems’ adopted little sister. One year and 19 issues later, it feels like we’ve witnessed the evolution of a young diverse hero tailor made to be at the forefront comics of a different sophistication. If the past 18 issues have been Kamala Khan’s first semester as a hero, this issue is her final exam.

And I’m happy to report she passes with flying colors. Most of the issue is dedicated to her settling personal affairs with her friends and family as she carries the knowledge that the end of the world is imminent. Considering the fact that this story arc takes place just before the events of Secret Wars, it should make for a glum issue, but that would be uncharacteristic of this series. Before her embiggened fists, Kamala’s (and, really, the book as a whole) greatest superpower is her tireless optimism even in the face of the inevitable and G. Willow Wilson reminds us of this essentially on every page. Kamala doesn’t spend a single panel of this issue in costume and the book is still as strong as it would be if she were giving bad guys the work. I mean, she doesn’t even flash a tough look at a villain and yet, by the end, you still find yourself saying, “Congratula…