2. Ms Marvel #2 by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona (Marvel)
Kamala Khan is an awkward 16 year old Muslim/American high school kid who's working through some identity issues. Caught between her Muslim heritage and American surroundings, Kamala wanders back from a party one night when Black Bolt sets off the terrigen bomb. The mist transforms Kamala from an ordinary girl into an Inhuman with the powers of Ant-Man/Mister Fantastic and the appearance of Ms Marvel. Is she Muslim? Is she American? She's both and she's a superhero! Arguably Marvel's best new series launched so far this year, Ms Marvel's second issue is as brilliant as the first. G. Willow Wilson writes Kamala's reaction to her newfound powers in a way that puts the reader in her shoes so that we learn how to use her superpowers with her in one great three panel sequence Kamala, back in normal form, tries to change back by willing it: TRANSFORM!!! but doesn't. When Zoe, the patronising/insulting girl from the party, rocks up with her drunk boyfriend, Kamala's powers activate and she shrinks to the size of a bug her subconscious rules her powers (for now). This also explains why Kamala goes from brown skinned to white skinned when she changes to Ms Marvel. I'm sure some readers saw that and thought it was weird and/or insulting to non-whites, but actually Kamala's transformation into Ms Marvel, complete with blonde hair and white skin, plays into the theme of identity in the series. Kamala's still insecure with the way she looks so when she sees herself as heroic, she falls back on the popular image of Carol Danvers, the original Ms Marvel, to gain confidence. She hasn't learned to be happy with who she is - yet. Plus you've got to admit it's a great disguise so no-one she knows will recognise her! Kamala's family is still a highlight of the series and the scene at the end when she comes to a crossroads of whether to use her powers to help people or hide away in fear is a powerful affirmation of character. Ms Marvel #2, like #1, is beautifully written and drawn by Wilson and Adrian Alphona if you haven't already, check out this amazing series and meet Kamala Khan yourself, one of the best new Marvel characters in years!