Bookish Chat – Ms. Marvel, Vol 1: No Normal

Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal by Adrian Alphona, G. Willow Wilson
Series: Ms. Marvel #1
Published by Marvel on October 28th 2014
Genres: Comics & Graphic Novels, Crime & Mystery, Girls & Women, Superheroes, Young Adult
Pages: 120
Format: Paperback
Goodreads

Marvel Comics presents the all-new Ms. Marvel, the groundbreaking heroine that has become an international sensation! Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City - until she is suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the all-new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! As Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to handle? Kamala has no idea either. But she's comin' for you, New York! It's history in the making from acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and beloved artist Adrian Alphona (Runaways) ! COLLECTING: MS. MARVEL 1-5, MATERIAL FROM ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW! POINT ONE

Julie and I have been thinking about trying out graphic novels. So with the help and direction of Sofia over at Platypire blog, here is our first attempt with Ms. Marvel! We hope you enjoy our chat!

 

 

    So. Ms. Marvel. Excellent suggestion thanks to Sofia. I approve her suggestion.

 

    I agree. Completely. Good origin story. You didn’t really need any other knowledge to read it.

great starter graphic novel

 

    Exactly, and more fun to read than the Sunday Comics. And easy to follow. So great for a first graphic novel read.

 

    the easy to follow thing for sure. The last graphic novel I tried was not. At all. And I gave up.

 

    Plus, my first paperback read in months, so that really made it fun. And beautiful vivid illustrations. I forgot how fun illustrations are.

    Oh yea, things need to flow in a way that makes sense, or people will lose interest.

 

    Agreed. More adult books should have pictures!

 

    Fan art should be part of the book.

 

    That’s always been my struggle with graphic novels. The whole non left to right reading situation. But this one was easy to read. Even the conversations.

 

    Yea that took a bit of getting used to. But I got the hang of it pretty fast because it made sense. I do wonder if this whole series continues like this or if it gets more complicated.

 

    I wonder that, too. Like this was a great intro. But is it going to get more complicated? Not sure. But I’m definitely interested enough to find out. Especially with the giant chicken at the end!

 

    Yea giant chicken dude, the inventor? some good plot seeds for sure.

 

    yes.

 

    And I love that our hero is a heroine. And awkward. And diverse!

 

    ok – I was totally typing the same thing!

    She’s an average teenager. With parents who care.

    And some not so average super powers.

 

    embiggen!

 

    lol. I wouldn’t have thought of that if I were in that situation!

 

    I like how she’s your average rebellious teen, but still has her values and doesn’t want to be bad. Just wants to have some freedom to figure out her identity.

 

    yes – exactly.

    And the whole modest swimwear situation was hilarious

 

    Yea lol she wouldn’t wear that for swimming, but she has found a use for the clothing. And her leotard in the first section was funny too. She thought she wanted to dress like the sexy hero chicks, and then realized how uncomfortable that is.

 

    yes – the wedge platform boots had me laughing. Completely not practical for fighting the bad guys! And probably a sign that it was men who came up with those outfits in the first place

 

    Yea, definitely haha. But then again, super hero men also wear spandex… so not sure what that’s about.

    I mean, fighting bad guys + wedgie?

 

    true. very true.

    lol

    so what do you think about the other characters? Bruno? I liked him.

 

    I liked him too, great smart sidekick with the cool invention. Secret not to secret crush.

    Honorable, trying to help his low-life brother.

 

    yes. I liked the goop stuff! That was great. And that at least Kamala told someone what was going on!

 

    Yea, she definitely needed a sidekick because that’s too much to keep to yourself. If this was a typical YA novel, she would tell no one and alienate her only friends.

 

    yes. for sure. She’d also have much less involved parents.

    and I love that it’s her dad in the end, letting her have some freedom

 

    Yes, that. I liked her parents. Especially her Dad.

 

    yes.

    I think it’s great that he’s supporting her.

 

    Her brother is kinda weird though. I wonder if he’ll have more to his story in future volumes.

 

    yes – on both. the two siblings are very different. And I can see that clash ahead at some point.

 

    I’m sure she’ll have to rescue him at one point.

 

    lol. I’m sure you are correct!

    ok – I feel us winding down.

    Pro Ms. Marvel?

    Would read the rest of the series? (is that what they are called?)

    Try some other graphic novels?

 

    Definitely a good pick, and I’m curious for more. Though need to figure out how to get the complete volume at the library so we’re not reading issue by issue. issues? series? Not sure.

    Maybe we’ll have to hit Sofia up for another rec. It was good to read something new and totally outside my norm.

 

    Yes – I agree. Need to figure out how to get the whole series next time!

    And yes – agreed. Sofia had an excellent recommendation this time!

    And I agree – this was a good break from the usual!

 

    Rating? I would say a solid 4 stars for me.

 

    I would, too. A solid 4. Really liked this pick!

 

 

 

What about everyone else? Do you read graphic novels? We are both looking for recommendations!

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