Kamala “Ms. Marvel” Khan is the most important Marvel creation of the past five years, a young woman of color who shows the heights superhero comics can achieve when they put marginalized perspectives in the spotlight. She has a compelling inner conflict between her civilian and superhero identities, a supporting cast of complex, endearing characters, and isn’t afraid to stand up to oppressive institutional forces that jeopardize her community. Ms. Marvel has been better than ever this year, landing on our Best Comics of 2017 list because of how it deftly tackled major social and political issues with intelligence, compassion, and nuance. G. Willow Wilson has showcased the potential for superhero comics to inspire hope in dark times, and the book’s Marvel Legacy storyline shows how Jersey City’s heroine has driven other neighborhood citizens to follow her lead.
This exclusive preview of next week’s Ms. Marvel #25 introduces a new face behind Kamala’s mask, and if the cover is indication, she’s not the only person stepping into Ms. Marvel’s shoes. Kamala is in the midst of a serious crisis of faith that has her questioning her future as a superhero, but she also can’t have people risking their lives to fight in her name. Nico Leon is a veteran of this series back for the current arc, and of all the book’s artists, he does the best job capturing the spirit of Kamala co-creator Adrian Alphona, whose work is as detailed as it is expressive. There’s a lot of personality in Leon’s art, and his visuals amplify the sense of humor in Wilson’s script. Colorist Ian Herring is an essential member of this book’s creative team, and he keeps the look consistent with each artist shift. Kamala Khan had an outstanding 2017, and her 2018 looks just as bright.