Review: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1

Sabir Pirzada & Iman Vellani build upon their story from Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant, tackling the complexities of being a mutant in a way that feels far too relevant.

This isn’t just about Orchis or world-ending threats. This book punches you in the gut with the real-world issues marginalized communities face. From casual prejudice to outright fear-mongering, Pirzada & Vellani use Kamala’s experience as a Pakistani-American mutant to explore the anxieties and injustices that echo the struggles of so many today. It’s a powerful juxtaposition, placing the comic book world of mutants against the very real bigotry that exists in real-life. This isn’t the first time a member of the X-Men have dealt with social commentary, but here it feels raw and immediate. Honestly, on some level it feels like the only true X-Men book out there right now.

True to the last mini, Kamala’s signature charm shines through. Her infectious enthusiasm and humor rise to the top even in the face of adversity. These two writers perfectly capture Kamala’s voice, making you feel like you’re right there with her, dodging dodgeballs and grappling with newfound prejudice. The artwork by Scott Godlewski deserves high praise as well. The world of Jersey City bursts with vibrant detail, from the bustling streets to the school gymnasium.

Overall, this was a powerful and timely comic. It reminded me that the fight for justice isn’t just about supervillains and universal threats; it’s about standing up for what’s right in the things that we can control. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to Kamala’s mutant story and this creative team deserves all the credit.

Rating: 9/10