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marlan's review
3.0
It was refreshing to read a graphic novel where the women look like actual humans - very fit humans, sure, but the panels exist to give more information on their reactions, their emotions, and their fighting skills. Compare this to most DC/Marvel fare, where women are alien contortionists with bubble butts and balloon boobs. Where the only point of looking at the panels of a female protagonist is to get a sense of what teenage boys think about when they lock the bathroom door. It's what prevents me most from picking up the occasional comic title - it's like buying Playboy for the articles.
The other thing that keeps me away from comics, though, is the general lack of depth and character development. It's rare that I read a comic and don't think, "this would be better as a book." A book affords more time for character development, more time for internal conflict, more time for world-building, more time for everything. Sometimes the "omnibus" graphic novels counteract this, if the creators of a title are committed to arc-based stories and consistent character development. But that didn't feel like the case here. This feels like an "also ran" title. Stories are started and then dropped, presumably to be concluded in bigger titles. Kamala Khan has the same issues from beginning to end. She's a superhero fangirl. Her parents don't let her do anything. You can pick up any issue and get these same character highlights.
It's a fun time, and the humor is great throughout. I'm glad it exists in the world, for younger female readers to have a female protagonist that feels like a human being. And for younger male readers to learn that women have an interior life and are more than a collection of body parts. I just feel like this title could be more than it is. It's not the best of the best. But at least it's a comic that I'm not completely excluded from.
The other thing that keeps me away from comics, though, is the general lack of depth and character development. It's rare that I read a comic and don't think, "this would be better as a book." A book affords more time for character development, more time for internal conflict, more time for world-building, more time for everything. Sometimes the "omnibus" graphic novels counteract this, if the creators of a title are committed to arc-based stories and consistent character development. But that didn't feel like the case here. This feels like an "also ran" title. Stories are started and then dropped, presumably to be concluded in bigger titles. Kamala Khan has the same issues from beginning to end. She's a superhero fangirl. Her parents don't let her do anything. You can pick up any issue and get these same character highlights.
It's a fun time, and the humor is great throughout. I'm glad it exists in the world, for younger female readers to have a female protagonist that feels like a human being. And for younger male readers to learn that women have an interior life and are more than a collection of body parts. I just feel like this title could be more than it is. It's not the best of the best. But at least it's a comic that I'm not completely excluded from.
tortacular's review
4.0
Lots of fun. Kamala Khan is a great character, I look forward to continuing with more.
morgantdr's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
towelmas's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rachelstepanian's review
2.0
I honestly did enjoy a decent amount of it. However, I went into this story thinking I would get a comic with a strong, young, Muslim female lead, which it had. My problem was it didn't seem like she was happy about being Muslim in anyway. The religion always seemed to be the bad guy in a way or a joke. I'm not Muslim but I was excited to read a story uplifting young Muslim teens and giving them a superhero to look up too and I just didnt get that. I am so disappointed. Now, because I am not Muslim, I can't really speak on the accuracy or if this actually is uplifting, but as an "outsider" in this situation I just didn't like the representation. I had a couple other problems but those were outweighed by the good. Unfortunately, I just can't get over my main problem with it in anyway and that is why this rating is so low.
kevinwkelsey's review
4.0
I like that this exists, and is saying the things it's saying to its audience. But being 32, I'm not really the audience it's targeting. It would be fantastic for teenagers though. Really good stuff.
knitterscasket's review
5.0
I had read the first paperback volume and was thrilled to receive this hardback compilation as a gift. I loved the story and development of Kamala's character along with friendships and family relationships.
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