One of the most anticipated comics debuted this week with much coverage in the mainstream news. I had worried that folks who might not normally pick up a comic would read the various stories and decide to give Ms. Marvel #1 a chance and be disappointed. Lets face it, the comic and character within is a blank slate. We don’t know much about Kamala Khan or what we can expect in her adventures. I can say though, the issue blew me away mixing fantastic writing with fantastic art.

When Kamala Khan acquires incredible new abilities from the Inhuman Terrigen Mists, an extraordinary hero is born! But not even superpowers can prepare her for the pressures and pitfalls of being 16-years-old. What we have here is more than just a story about a young superhero, we have so far a well rounded story that mixes powers with a real person.

Khan might take up the moniker of Ms. Marvel, but she’s a teen from Jersey who also happens to live in a Muslim family. She, like any real teen, wants to fit in. This isn’t a story of a superhero as an outsider trying to find their place in society, this is about a teen girl doing that.

That down to Earth storytelling is brought to us by the talented G. Willow Wilson who infuses the first issue with dialogue and interaction that seems real and most likely Wilson has experienced in her life. The only complaint on me is that Wilson uses such realistic names and language that at times I got things mixed up or didn’t know who was being referred to. I’m unfamiliar with Khan’s world… and that’s a good thing!

Wilson is backed up by the talented art of Adrian Alphona. There’s something about the art that just pops for me. I’m not sure what it is, but I really dig it. The line work, coloring, inking, it all is just cool. It fits the youthful attitude of it’s main character.

I expect anyone who checked out this first issue, and this is their first comic, were impressed. This team has put together a fresh character, fresh voice, fresh outlook. This is diversity in characters at its best. You might actually have an heir to the voice that was the beloved Young Avengers. Marvel has given us a character for a new diverse generation of comic readers and fans. Here’s hoping they embrace Kamala, because this issue shows they should give her a chance.

Story: G. Willow Wilson Art: Adrian Alphona
Story: 9.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy