Title: Magnificent Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Stormranger
Creators: Saladin Ahmed (Author), Minkyu Jung (Illustrator), Joey Vazquez (Illustrator), Ian Herring (Color Artist), Alex Arizmendi (Illustrator), Juan Vlasco (Inker), Joe Caramagna (Letterer)
Genres: Comics, Superhero
Pages: 136 pages
Publisher: Marvel
Review copy: Library
Availability: Available now!
Summary: Between her space adventure, her complicated feelings for Bruno and a looming family tragedy, Ms. Marvel really needs a break. Zoe and Nakia decide to get Kamala out of town for a while – but their chill road trip is about to be derailed… by literal corporate zombies. [Cover and summary via Goodreads]
Review: I’ve been a fan of the Ms. Marvel series starring Kamala Khan since Volume 1: No Normal launched in 2014 (you can check out a review by co-blogger Audrey here). So of course, after the end of the run written by G. Willow Wilson, I was so excited to learn that there would be more Ms. Marvel, with a new series written by Saladin Ahmed and illustrated by Minkyu Jung — both incredible creators whose work I admire. The first volume in this new series, Magnificent Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: Destined, was an exciting and fresh read, and I’m happy to say that Volume 2 is another fantastic addition.
If you haven’t read Magnificent Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: Destined, I highly recommend you pick that up first — and you definitely should read the original run of Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson if you haven’t yet. Volume 2 of Magnificent Ms. Marvel picks up where the first volume left off, with Kamala struggling to grapple with her father’s illness, her feelings for Bruno, and her responsibilities as a superhero. While the first volume heads to outer space, this volume slows down the pace and zeroes in on Kamala’s conflicted feelings about her values and what’s important to her. The stakes are high, just as in the first volume, but they’re on a much, much more personal scale.
What I love about the Ms. Marvel comics, and particularly Magnificent Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Stormranger, is the focus on Kamala and her family. Teens may not be able to stretch as tall as a skyscraper or embiggen their fists, but they can relate to Kamala’s struggle to figure out how to balance her responsibilities, connect with her family, and navigate new relationships. Kamala’s story always feels grounded, and that’s what makes it an excellent read.
Volumes 1 and 2 of Magnificent Ms. Marvel, written by Saladin Ahmed and illustrated by Minkyu Jung, is a must-read for Ms. Marvel fans and superhero comics readers. The action-packed illustrations perfectly accompany an entertaining and impactful read.
Recommendation: Buy it now!