Ms. Marvel: Series Premiere Review

Throughout this first episode, Ms. Marvel is visually arresting in its mix of animation and live-action.

---

“

Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (aka Adil & Bilall) effectively balance Kamala’s active imagination against the backdrop of Jersey City and the Khan home. Throughout this first episode, Ms. Marvel is visually arresting in its mix of animation and live-action, underscoring why this convention setting can not quite hold a candle to the rest of the premiere. Otherwise, the directing team does an excellent job of establishing the disorientating elements of Kamala’s powers and mirroring these moments in other ways – such as when she flops down onto her bed.

The cosplay competition is an opportunity to reflect on how the Avengers have impacted the cultural climate of the fictional and real world. There is some whiplash for viewers going from watching new episodes of The Boys, which critiques the MCU (among other properties), to this rather wholesome depiction of fandom and hero worship. Ms. Marvel’s is in line with how Hawkeye depicts idolizing an Avenger, but without the real Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) rocking up to give Kamala some pointers. Expectations about what a hero typically looks like are also addressed, and the MCU has taken its sweet time getting here.

Iman Vellani

A lot rests on Canadian 19-year-old Iman Vellani’s shoulders, and from the voiceover in the opening credits, it’s clear she’s a star. Hawkeye is the nearest MCU series in terms of tone to Ms. Marvel, and Vellani is equally charming as Hailee Steinfeld – you would never know that this is her acting debut. It is a lot to put on the lead in the opening episode to portray Kamala’s struggle between wanting to embrace her passions while not alienating or hurting her family. Her relationship with both parents has already hit some stirring notes, and one stomach-churning moment accurately captures the shame of hurting those closest to you. Kamala is trying to be all things to everyone, and it is no surprise she is struggling. Clothing is one way to depict this back and forth, and costume designer Arjun Bhasin expertly captures an array of cosplay costumes that reflect this conflict. He also creates the kind of cosplay garment a teen would realistically be able to construct (Bruno’s cosplay choice is wonderfully low-key), and at no point does her interpretation seem like a stretch (excuse the pun).

As far as coming-of-age superhero stories go, this one certainly has a lot of legs (or arms), and it is not getting bogged down in teenage anxiety either. Captain Marvel does not stick around on Earth, but who needs her when Kamala Khan is around?