The MCU is full of wonderful origin stories, but Ms. Marvel on Disney+ is providing fans with one of the best superhero beginnings in years.
The following contains spoilers for Ms. Marvel Season 1, Episode 2 “Crushed,” now streaming on Disney+.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been telling superhero origin stories for over a decade, with superhero films in general telling those stories for even longer. Iron Man, Spider-Man and the Avengers have all received the origin treatment — yet Ms. Marvel is giving the MCU the best origin story that it’s had since the beginning. The series is incredibly endearing, charming and full of fun. It’s the perfect reminder of what origin stories should be like.
Ms. Marvel focuses on Kamala Khan, a young Pakistani-American girl from New Jersey obsessed with the Avengers. She writes fan fiction, creates stop-motion videos and her role model is Captain Marvel… so when she suddenly gains powers, Kamala is absolutely thrilled! Yet she also gains all the troubles and complications that come with being a hero. She has to hide her identity, balance her family life and still try to live like a normal teenager. The Disney+ show is reminiscent of many iconic coming-of-age stories while showing the difficulties of being a teenage superhero.
The original Iron Man or Captain America: The First Avenger are often referenced as the greatest MCU origin movies. While those films are fantastic, the MCU has evolved a lot since they came out. Ms. Marvel represents the new standard for all origin stories. Seeing a fan become a hero is the ultimate beginning because it connects more closely with the viewer. Many people watching the series have probably dreamed of what it may be like to become a hero, and Kamala’s story gives them a taste of that experience.
Ms. Marvel is bright, fun and extremely refreshing compared to the dark visual style and tone of most of the MCU. It captures its protagonist’s voice visually while Iman Vellani radiates pure joy on the screen, giving one of the best performances in all of Marvel’s Disney+ lineup. She conveys all the fun aspects of becoming a superhero, while the writers also include the dangerous side. In Season 1, Episode 2, “Crushed,” the series shows how Kamala fails to save someone. This is devastating for her and makes her seem like more of a villain than a hero to the public, proving that being a hero isn’t always a dream.
Kamala’s journey also offers a more unique perspective than other MCU dadventures. The plot utilizes Kamala’s Pakistani roots to enhance the story and give a unique view on the MCU world. Kamala not only has all the normal issues of a new superhero, but she is also trying to balance her family and her faith. This creates some very compelling plot points and increases tension within the episodes. The show succeeds in making the audience care about Kamala within the first episode and continues to make her a more compelling character with every moment.
The MCU is very experienced when it comes to telling the superhero origin story, and audiences are even more familiar with how that story goes. Ms. Marvel is able to re-invent the concept and give it new life. It’s unique, fun and some amazing acting and writing. Kamala Khan adds so much warmth and happiness to the MCU that will be a delight when she finally gets to interact with other heroes in this expansive universe. Hopefully future projects will take their cue from her beginnings.
New episodes of Ms. Marvel stream every Wednesday on Disney+.