Bibliographic Information:
Title: Ms. Marvel –Episode 1 “Generation Why”
Year Released: 2022
Screenwriter: Bisha K. Ali
Directors: Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah
Producer: Marvel Studios
Network Found On: Disney Plus
Rating: TV-14
Cast: Iman Vellani, Aramis Knight, Saagar Shaikh, Rish Shah, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur
Genre/Format of the Item: TV Show
Adventure
Fantasy
Awards:
none
Reading Level/Interest Level:
TV-14
Plot Summary: Ms. Marvel was created by Marvel Studios and introduces Kamala Khan. Kamala is a Muslim American teen who is obsessed with Captain Marvel and the Avengers. Her family is very strict and they pressure Kamala to focus on her studies and less on her imagination. Kamala has a blog that she uses as a tool to share her stories about Captain Marvel and her adventures. Kamala has a difficult time fitting in with her peers but her best friend, Bruno, encourages her to follow her dreams. In the first episode, Bruno and Kamala sneak out and attend the first Adventure-con where Kamala puts on her grandmother’s piece of jewelry that gives her super powers. Kamala cannot control her new power and chaos erupts at Adventure-con. She sneaks back inside her room where her mom is waiting for her. The first episode introduces the characters and sets the tone for adventures to come!
Author Background: Bisha K. Ali has had many roles in her short life. She began a career as a data scientist, then worked as a domestic violence support worker, and even a stand-up comedian (Noor, 2020). A self-taught screenwriter, she poured over books and instruction manuals to learn more about the art of screenwriting. She was able to get a screenwriting job for the TV rendition of Four Weddings and a Funeral . She then began writing for the Netflix show Sex Education. Now she is writing the script for the newest Marvel TV show on Disney Plus- Ms. Marvel (Noor, 2020).
Critical Evaluations: This was a fun and easy show to watch. The production used many creative elements to enhance the filming—there were many cartoon-type images moving in and out of the screen during one action scene, and the introduction to the show is very upbeat and hip. Marvel has done a nice job of continuously working to create diverse characters and this show doesn’t disappoint. I think that it is aimed at teens and teens will appreciate it the most. The interpersonal drama is very teen driven and the pressures that Kamala feels to succeed in school are common to many teens. The first episode does a nice job introducing the characters and giving them depth and personality right off the bat. I think that this will prove to be a popular Marvel series.
Creative Use for a Library Program: This would be a great show to highlight during a library ComicCon program. If the library hosted a Marvel Comic program, this show could be playing in the background. The program could focus on Marvel graphic novels, comics, and other books. There could be Ms. Marvel activities or posters. I think it is great to have the main character be a Muslim American female and it would be great to highlight Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan) at a ComicCon.
Speedround/Book Trailer: Kamala Khan is an average student just getting by under the watchful eye of her doting parents until the day she finds a magical bangle from her grandmother. She and her best friend, Bruno, attend the first Adventure-Con and Kamala’s dream of becoming Ms. Marvel comes true! Watch Marvel’s newest series to find out what adventures Kamala and Bruno go on, all while navigating the dreaded halls of high school!
Potential Challenge Issues/Defense Preparations: There might be some challenges because the Marvel world can be violent (although the first episode did not have any outright violent scenes in it). I have not seen any violence at this point in the show, so I would argue that it is going to be less violent than a Hollywood movie. At the Adventure-con, some characters did have tight-fitting/revealing clothes that may be cause for some concern but I would argue that the main character, Kamala, did not wear any revealing clothing. I looked ahead and Kamala chooses an outfit that reflects her Pakistani heritage, which I think offers a very positive image for teens. Kamala does lie to her parents and sneak out of the house, but she does get caught and it is implied that she gets in trouble which would show that there were consequences to defiant behavior.
Reason for Inclusion: I included this show in my collection because I think it is fun and exciting and it’s Marvel! I love that Kamala is a Muslim American teen who finds the superpowers that she has always wanted. It is a creative and upbeat show that teens will definitely be drawn to.
References:
Marvel Entertainment. (2022, March 15). Marvel Studios Ms. Marvel official trailer [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9EX0f6V11Y
Noor, P. (2020, November 16). I feel joy: How Bisha K. Ali went from struggling standup to Marvel maestro. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/nov/16/i-feel-joy-bisha-k-ali-struggling-standup-ms-marvel-maestro-muslim-superhero
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