15 Radical Superheroes To Diversify The MCU
4. Ms Marvel
The character that seems most likely to get a promotion to Marvel's big leagues is the current Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan - the first Pakistani American superhero and, although not the first Muslim superhero, certainly the most high-profile.
The original Ms Marvel was none other than Carol Danvers, until her adoption of the Captain Marvel monicker in 2012. Kamala's hero worship of Captain Marvel is written into the storyline, including a passing of the torch moment where Danvers gives the fledgeling superhero her blessing.
In real life, artist Jamie McKelvie, who designed Carol’s iconic new look, also created Kamala’s costume, paying tribute to the original Ms Marvel as well as elements of the shalwar kameez, the national Pakistani dress. Created largely by two Muslim women, editor Sana Amanat and writer G. Willow Wilson, the emphasis was on cultural authenticity.
Like Squirrel Girl, the new Ms Marvel benefitted from the trade paperback market rather than the traditional direct comic books market. That makes her a mainstream success already - and she’s already had plenty of mainstream publicity, the vast majority of it overwhelmingly positive, with her debut featured everywhere from the Guardian to CNN.
With Captain Marvel becoming one of Marvel Studios’ biggest hits and proudest role models for girls the world over, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before Kamala Khan becomes the first Muslim superhero to be adapted for film or television.