By Siya Patel
Get ready for Marvel’s next big superhero, Kamala Khan! After Marvel’s spooky and dark MoonKnight, Ms. Marvel will definitely add some brightness and color to the MCU. Ms. Marvel is streaming on Disney+ and is the first Pakistani-American superhero in the MCU! Not only is this huge for Marvel, it’s also huge for the South-Asian community because of the representation that we’ll receive! But before watching Ms. Marvel, there are a few things you should know. Here’s everything you need to know before watching Ms. Marvel!
Who Is Ms. Marvel?
Growing up in Jersey City, Kamala Khan always admired super-heroes like Captain Marvel, “never dreaming she’d have the opportunity to join her role models in safeguarding society from the forces of evil.” (via Marvel.com) After discovering her ability to elongate her limbs and alter her appearance, she decided to take the name of “Ms. Marvel”, following the legacy of Captain Marvel, and became a superhero. With the ability to shapeshift, Ms. Marvel is determined to use her powers to make the world a better place.
Inhuman Influence
“When Black Bolt of the Inhumans released the Terrigen Mist into Earth’s atmosphere, transforming and empowering several latent members of the super-powered race, even the silent monarch could not have guessed the effect his actions would have on teenager Kamala Khan—or in turn, how Kamala would affect the world around her.” (via Marvel.com) Though Kamala’s origin story is connected to the Inhumans in the comics, she seems to rely on Nega Bands for her powers. According to Sideshow’s “What to Know Before Ms. Marvel,” “Nega-Bands are ancient relics of the Kree empire (Inhumans sprung from Kree experiments) that grant the wearer incredible abilities” Additionally, based on the trailers, it’s likely that Kamala will retain her bioluminescence, almost identical to Captain Marvel.
Because the Inhumans don’t exist in the 616 Marvel Universe (as we now know because of Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), and will most likely not be introduced into the MCU.
In an interview with Empire Magazine, Kevin Feige says: “We adapt the comics; it’s not an exact translation. [Kamala] came about in a very specific time within the comic-book continuity. She is now coming into a very specific time within the MCU continuity. And those two things didn’t match… What we will learn about where those powers come from, and how they come about, is specific to the MCU. You will see great comic splash panels in some of our action sequences. If you want big, giant hands and arms, well they’re here in spirit, if not in stretchy, plastic-type ways.”
Bruno Carrelli
Serving as the Italian-American genius and the best friend of Kamala Khan, Bruno Carrelli uses his skills in science and technology to help Kamala Khan fight crime. According to his character bio at Marvel.com, Bruno “designs and builds all kinds of technology, including a device that senses extraterrestrial activity, a miniature nuclear power generator, and his own hovercraft.” In the Ms. Marvel comics, Bruno also serves as a potential love interest for Kamala. Bruno helps keep Kamala’s alter-ego secret from her parents Yusuf and Muneeba “Ammi” Khan, and their constant closeness results in a change in their friendship.
No matter how her story evolves, Ms. Marvel will allow the stories and struggles of the South-Asain community to be seen and heard, emphasizing the first ever South-Asian representation in the MCU. Marvel’s first South-Asian superhero, Kamala Khan, will debut June 8th, checking off yet another project for Marvel’s phase four. Ms. Marvel, is something that I think the whole South-Asian community is ecstatic to see because we are finally able to see someone who looks like us on screen. Kamala Khan will open a window for the stories of South-Asians to be heard and will ultimately, change the MCU forever.
Hi! My name is Siya Patel and I’m a 16 year old writer for FANgirl Blog! I love the MCU, watching sitcoms, and music!”
Hi! My name is Siya Patel and I’m a 16 year old writer for FANgirl Blog! I love the MCU, watching sitcoms, and music!
