Homework 12 - Ms. Marvel!

As a woman, the experiences of reading the original origins of Wonder Woman compared to that of the 2014 Ms. Marvel are uniquely empowering. Wonder Woman origins connected feminine strength to the lineage of gods and drew a parallel between a sense of untouchable power and the identity of being a woman. However, the first two issues of 2014 Ms. Marvel touch on a different type of strength; one brought from the reality of uncomfortable colored female youth in a present-day world.

The first two issues outline the quick back-and-forth power struggle that Kamala feels after becoming Ms. Marvel. While civilians initially fawn over her, the comments soon become derogatory with comments about her outfit.

It’s evident in the writing that Ms. Marvel was written by a woman, as the feeling of being powerful to powerless is so present in the female experience on a day-to-day basis, and having superpowers is no exception. Kamala faces the lack of cultural respect when Zoe insults her friends, and the lack of freedom in her own house as she calls out her own parents for their gendered stigma.



Even after receiving the Ms. Marvel powers, Kamala’s internal monologue and the visual illustrations almost look horrific instead of powerful; much like a representation of fitting into your own body in a society that simultaneously antagonizes and worships the female figure.



At first glance, it may appear as though this version might be more depressing than empowering, but this isn’t the case at all. Kamala stubbornly pushes through all these boundaries by sneaking out of her own house and quickly learning how to use the powers she was bestowed with. Independent growth despite external circumstances is a relatable and important experience to show in media, which is something that Ms. Marvel achieves as it brings a newfound and personal display of female empowerment.