Writer: Saladin Ahmed
Artist: Joey Vazquez, Juan Vlasco, Ian Herring, and VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 4, 2020

Magnificent Ms. Marvel has been one of my go-to books since Fresh Start began, and while I have said it a million times already, Saladin Ahmed has treated her with kindness and respect since taking over for G. Willow Wilson. I have heard people complain that there isn’t enough action going on each issue, and to them, I say, “How Dare You!” as loud as a teen girl yelling at the U.N. about climate change. True fans know that Ms. Marvel is just as much about family and friends as it is about embiggening, and while it’s true, I may have just won a bet for putting “embiggening” in my introduction. While I go and collect my shiny nickel, let’s get on with the review…

The issue opens with Kamala and her father driving to the Sussex County Fair, and it’s a feels moment with Kamala feeling bad for not doing more to save her father by the end of the last issue. Yea, she was making sure that Discord didn’t die, but Josh is a murdering jerk, but it was her haywire, on the loose Stormranger suit that was going to kill him…UGH!!! See people; a whole lot is going on in this book!!!

You have to love Mr. Khan. That is a command as well as a reflection on how great a dad he is. Sure, he is a little overbearing at times, but after almost losing him, Kamala is so happy to have him lay down the law with his curfew and suspicion of BOYS at the fair.

When Kamala does get there, Bruno is right there to meet her, but unfortunately, Saladin wants to break my heart, and after more heat over whether they should come out as boyfriend and girlfriend, Bruno bails. Kamala still has Zoe and Nakia, though, but I’m left here with my tissues and the dreams of what is and what might never be.

Anytime Kamala gets to spend time with her buds, it’s solid gold, and this is no exception. Bumper cars, Nakia arguing with people, Zoe making them do crazy things… it’s all here, and it leads to our superhero moment. I should say “superheroes” there!

After unleashing some demons from a crystal ball, Kamala suits up (so good to see the classic suit) and quickly teams up with Amulet! He does the teaming up, actually, and while Kamala is getting her bearings, this new hero already impresses me. I love his character design, and the little hints and straight-up oops reveals were intriguing and put a smile on my face. Saladin already has chemistry between them, and their similarities are sure to screw with Bruno’s head once he finds out about him. I do think there is a bit of an age difference going on here, but we will have to wait and see.

The issue ends with Kamala and Amulet saying goodnight and Zoe driving like the valets in Ferris Bueller to get Kamala home on time. Of course, her father is solid gold as usual.

I enjoyed this issue. It’s all about introducing Amulet, so the big bads are not that bad, and are maybe even set up (?) to go down quickly. It’s a shame we have to go off to Outlawed now since I’d like a bit more of Amulet before using powers is illegal, but thems the breaks. I am looking forward to seeing more of him no matter what or where.

Joey Vazquez’s art is good throughout the issue, even if I prefer a brighter, more cartoony look for Kamala’s adventures. It all takes place at night with magic demons, so it does work.

Final Thoughts:

I always enjoy Kamala, and Saladin Ahmed knows how to balance heroics with family and friends, and that’s the mixture I love for this book. Seeing Amulet for the first time is a big bonus, and while I wish we could learn a little more about him before jumping into the Outlawed story next month, I will possibly have to wait on that. Maybe not, but right now, I have a smile on my face.

9.0/10