Amidst the sea of controversies, the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe series, Ms Marvel, has kicked off in a highly creative and entertaning style on the Disney+ streaming platform. Many voiced their concerns about the change in the superhero’s origin story and her powers a while ago. One of the co-creators of Kamala Khan in the comics, Sana Amanat, addressed this issue in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, explaining that the ‘power alteration’ was needed to keep the character in Marvel’s current continuity.
Amanat also disclosed that changing Kamala’s powers allowed them to align the character properly with upcoming projects like The Marvels. This is what she said in that interview:
“Obviously, so much of the show is an adaptation, and we thought it was important to make sure that her powers are linking to larger stories in the Marvel universe. We wanted to make sure there is a little bit more story to tell after this series. Obviously, she goes into The Marvels.”
Ms Marvel’s original powers included elasticity, plasticity, and shape-shifting abilities. It seems like the makers have given a bit of cosmic touch to all these powers to keep her aligned to MCU’s present continuity. And it all makes sense.
How about we focus on some good things? Huh? First of all, Iman Vellani looks perfect as Kamala Khan. Her ability to add the much-needed sweetness and innocence to the superhero character impresses. Also, the makers have kept the show’s tone pretty light and humorous as compared to previous MCU entries. And the best part is that Kamala’s origin story is getting the undivided attention of the makers. Their decision to properly explore all elements of the character’s personal life is what makes the series so enjoyable.
Kamala is just like any other teenage superhero fan. She daydreams and posts fan videos about the Avengers. And Captain Marvel is her favourite. However, her parents are strict and highly conservative. But they love her and want to protect her from the evil of the outside world. On the other hand, Kamala has become sick of the way her parents treat her. This is what every teenage child feels like.
Additionally, the first episode spends most of its time showing Kamala’s daily life routine and the troubles related to it instead of teasing the show’s connection with the future MCU instalments. The show has a normal story about a teenage kid who wants to do something big and find her true identity. In many ways, this happy-go-lucky approach of the creators towards the series works greatly.
Mohan Kapur and Zenobia Shroff as Yusuf and Muneeba Khan, Kamala’s parents, do an outstanding job. Everyone knows that most Asian parents are conservative and overly protective of their children. And the duo flawlessly portrays all these characteristics. The scene where Yusuf dresses as Hulk and Muneeba prepares a Hulk costume for Kamala will surely melt your hearts.
Ms Marvel Episode 1 is streaming on the Disney+ streaming service. Stay tuned for more updates.