February 5th marks the release of the much-anticipated Ms. Marvel #1, Marvel’s new monthly series from creator G. Willow Wilson and artist Adrian Alphona, edited by Sara Amanat. This new release is a rarity in the Marvel and DC Comics world since there are so few titles starring a non-white woman that you probably can count them on one hand. Kamala Khan is a Muslim Pakistani-American teenager, the first Muslim character to star in a solo series at Marvel Comics. As such, the title has received significant attention, and rightfully so; it’s obviously early in the year, but it’s no stretch to say that this may be one of the most important comics published in 2014.

Marvel Comics’ official description:

“Ms. Marvel will center on 16-year-old Kamala Khan, a Muslim-American teenager living in Jersey City, New Jersey.  Like any teenager, all of her opportunities are in front her and she is full of potential, but her parents’ high expectations come with tons of pressure and has led Kamala to carve out a future that she has little interest in.”

The series, and its central character, are brought to life by an all-star creative team, led by acclaimed novelist and multi-Eisner * nominee G. Willow Wilson (Air, Mystic, Alif The Unseen). Critically acclaimed artist Adrian Alphona (Runaways, Uncanny X-Force) brings his vivid artistry to the project capturing the vibrantly rich and kinetic world in which Kamala lives.

Series editor, Sana Amanat, states, “The inspiration for the new Ms. Marvel series stemmed out of a desire to explore the Muslim-American diaspora from an authentic perspective and yet, this story isn’t about what it means to be a Muslim, Pakistani or American. Those are just cultural touchstones that reflect the ever-changing world we live in today. This is ultimately a tale about what it means to be young, lost amidst the expectations bestowed upon you, and what happens when you get to choose.”

Writer, G. Willow Wilson, “I wanted Ms. Marvel to be true-to-life, something real people could relate to, particularly young women. High school was a very vivid time in my life, so I drew heavily on those experiences–impending adulthood, dealing with school, emotionally charged friendships that are such a huge part of being a teenager.” Willow continues, “It’s for all the geek girls out there, and everybody else who’s ever looked at life from the fringe.”

Its nice to see a unique new character popping up in the Marvel Universe, and Adrian Alphona’s art is pretty gorgeous in the preview pages. This one will be hard to pass up when it hits the stands in February.

MS. MARVEL #1

Written by G. WILLOW WILSON

Art by ADRIAN ALPHONA

Cover by SARA PICHELLI

Variant Covers by ART ADAMS & JAMIE MCKELVIE

32 PGS. Rated T+…$2.99


ON-SALE 2/5/14

* Eisner Awards sometimes referred to as the Comics Industry’s equivalent to the Oscar Awards
– Christophe Chanel