This review is part of Melody’s Summer Reading: Diversity Spotlight. Enjoy!
Ms. Marvel, Vol. 3: Crushed by G. Willow Wilson
Illustrated by Takeshi Miyazawa & Elmo Bondoc
Release Date: June 23, 2015
Publisher: Marvel
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
ISBN: 978-0785192275
Source: Library
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Love is in the air in Jersey City as Valentine’s Day arrives! Kamala Khan may not be allowed to go to the school dance, but Ms. Marvel is! Well sort of — by crashing it in an attempt to capture Asgard’s most annoying trickster! Yup, it’s a special Valentine’s Day story featuring Marvel’s favorite charlatan, Loki! And when a mysterious stranger arrives in Jersey City, Ms. Marvel must deal with…a crush! Because this new kid is really, really cute. What are these feelings, Kamala Khan? Prepare for drama! Intrigue! Romance! Suspense! Punching things! All this and more! The fan-favorite, critically acclaimed, amazing new series continues as Kamala Khan proves why she’s the best (and most adorable) new super hero there is! Plus, see what happens when SHIELD agent Jemma Simmons goes undercover at Kamala’s school!
I was so excited to read Ms. Marvel volume one that I jumped to get volume two immediately after which I loved (and yay! Wolverine appearance!) and umm the same can be said for me acquiring the latest, volume three.
Looking at the first page of this issue, I was a little worried because the beginning of the story takes place on Valentine’s Day and I definitely was not up for the next five issues revolving around Kamala’s love life. Though only the first issue takes place on V-Day, a new love interest is introduced. And my confidence in the storyline wavered no more as that continued to play out. I did feel pretty bad for Bruno though. That talk he had with Kamala’s brother was tough. There were a lot of tough lessons this time around for not only Kamala but those around her as well. A lot of characters were crushed in this volume in more ways than one and picking up the pieces has only just begun.
I loved that Kamala and her family as well as close friends are making so many thought provoking points to the reader as well, as minorities when it comes to race, religion, and feminism and as human beings (*cough* the friend zone vs. a friendship *cough*). Kamala and the loved ones who surround her fight for what is right and that is to be commended because it’s not always easy. What I especially loved what seeing Kamala realize her own strength and what that means for those on the other end. I was waiting for a moment like this and it didn’t disappoint. I was so emotionally connected with Kamala, it definitely shook me.
The thing is, Kamala has always been different so to add on having a super power… her perspective in particular on human compassion and the human spirit stands out among the rest and is a voice to really take note of. This voice is so much more relatable and authentic and understanding and empowering, making this a must read. One of the most equally entertaining reads in awhile that I also have so much gratitude for simply for speaking up about this life as other. Now I wasn’t always an emotional wreck though as it seems each volume is getting funnier and funnier. Lots of jokes and I loved them all.
Of course, I also liked Loki’s appearance towards the beginning and thought that Jemma Simmons’ appearance was quite interesting though so far, my favorite appearance has to be from Wolverine from the previous volume. Who has been your favorite guest star so far? But really, we’re all trying to figure out who the other Inhuman is in Kamala’s family, right…because that’s all that matters to me at this point. Who do you think it is?! Great volume. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Ms. Marvel, Vol. 3: Crushed by G. Willow Wilson, Art by Takeshi Miyazawa & Elmo Bondoc is available today.