MS. MARVEL First Reactions Praise Iman Vellani’s Joyous Kamala Khan

Critical reactions to Ms. Marvel‘s first two episodes are out in the world. And it seems like, for once, everyone can agree on one thing. That universal fact is that Iman Vellani is the MCU’s new star. From our first Ms. Marvel reactions, it sounds like we’re in for a joyful, awkward, and super-relatable few episodes of television. Of course, Ms. Marvel is a fun adventure but also one that holds a lot of importance both inside and outside the MCU. Kamala Khan is the MCU’s first Muslim superhero and the nuance of her story is top-of-mind for many critics.

Marvel Studios

Maryam Ahmad shares a thoughtful thread about the beauty of Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan but also discusses what would be great to see as the series progresses.

In terms of comic accuracy, there is of course the power change, but in linking it to Kamala’s heritage, it might just pay off. Seeing as I’ve only seen Ep 1 and Ep 2 though, it’s too soon to say. There are also other characters’ stories changed which I don’t really like. (3/6) pic.twitter.com/qssQpbOI8L

— Maryam Ahmad (@curious_maryam) May 25, 2022

It’s not the only possible story about us!!! (I promise) Plus, Kamala’s story in the comics is so deeply shaped by her love for her community, and by the Islamophobia and racism she faces outside of it. (5/6)

— Maryam Ahmad (@curious_maryam) May 25, 2022

Overall, I like it!! I’m also so so excited, for myself and kids like my sisters, to see #MsMarvel on screen. She inspired me to write because I saw myself in her, and to tell stories that others could see themselves in too. Now I get to write about her!! 🥹(6/6) pic.twitter.com/z8H8Ve9r9b

— Maryam Ahmad (@curious_maryam) May 25, 2022

Critic Swara Salih had some powerful thoughts to share as well in his first reactions to Ms. Marvel. Although he too notes that the show could continue to improve, he takes an important look at what we’ve seen so far and where it may fall short of what it could have delivered.

While this *can* be a struggle Muslims face, MCU's #MsMarvel often does it without subtlety, and sometimes stumbles into "othering" the Muslim community with the white gaze in mind.

There's definitely room to improve this in the next 4 episodes, but for now, I'm disappointed. pic.twitter.com/WoyDxetEC1

— Swara Salih (@spiderswarz) May 25, 2022

I hope going forward Kamala will get to face and address the systemic oppression and ostracization of her community, just as has been done so poignantly in other media.

But in these two eps, the #MCU's #MsMarvel isn't doing it. I hope it does in the other episodes and beyond. pic.twitter.com/h3MCRKL4d1

— Swara Salih (@spiderswarz) May 25, 2022

Meanwhile, Rayyan, Editor in Chief of The Cine Geek shares more about Ms. Marvel‘s relatable journey. They echo that although the series hasn’t yet touched on too many hard-hitting topics, they feel a powerful story is being set up for the rest of the show’s episodes.

#MsMarvel Ep1 and 2 are pure joy! Straightaway thrust you into her cartoonish fangirl world as she struggles with her identity being Pakistani-American. She’s excited to have powers but doesn’t know how to use them, ends up fumbling and embarrassed, It’s all very relatable. pic.twitter.com/x7kV0wj1aN

— Rayyan – #Kenobi | #MsMarvel Era (@RayyanTCG) May 25, 2022

Pakistani and Muslim Representation in #MsMarvel is great, not perfect but certainly better than anything else. It really does feel like a Pakistani household. Not dealing too much with the harder hitting topics yet but that’s definitely setup and is just on the horizon. pic.twitter.com/a5CDQJY22v

— Rayyan – #Kenobi | #MsMarvel Era (@RayyanTCG) May 25, 2022

#MsMarvel most definitely feels the most like Homecoming. Kamala is a straight up nerd who is in love with the Avengers. What makes her journey more interesting is her struggle with identity, being a Pakistani and a Muslim America. Her awkwardness is soo relatable and charming. pic.twitter.com/nfIlMsYMq2

— Rayyan – #Kenobi | #MsMarvel Era (@RayyanTCG) May 25, 2022

Several critics named Spider-Man: Homecoming in their reactions, noting that Ms. Marvel carries with it the same kind of youthful exuberance and excitement.

I've seen the first episode of #MsMarvel and spoiler free – I love this show. It is everything I could have wanted. I say this a lot about our girl Kamala Khan, but I've literally never felt so seen. But like me… specifically. Iman Vellani is a DELIGHT. Put her in everything.

— Preeti ChhibberPreorder Spidey's Social Dilemma (@runwithskizzers) May 25, 2022

So far it's giving everything I loved about Homecoming vibes — YA / coming of age / awkwardness!! But with #MsMarvel — like honestly. It's so good. I am in love with this show already.

— Preeti ChhibberPreorder Spidey's Social Dilemma (@runwithskizzers) May 25, 2022

And those qualities make the show incredibly relatable.

The first two episodes of #MsMarvel are delightful and so much fun. Part superhero origin story, part young woman coming of age and into her own. The cast are wonderful, and newcomer Iman Vellani is especially charming as Kamala Khan. I cannot wait to see where this series goes! pic.twitter.com/ILt38QJaPQ

— Arezou-Deetoo SWC (@ArezouAmin) May 25, 2022

#Marvel isn’t trying to hide Kamala’s heritage or faith. She’s very clearly Pakistani & Muslim & her identity is important to the story. There’s at least a genuine effort at cultural & religious representation in #MsMarvel that wasn’t quite as strong in Moon Knight. pic.twitter.com/o8FOmSXaSv

— POC Culture (@POCculture) May 25, 2022

I can't speak on the South Asian Muslim perspective, but they nailed the awkward geeky teen girl who has to deal w/ strict Asian parents & gossiping community. I love the dynamic w/ her family & friends. The story doesn't forget that Kamala is just a kid from Jersey too #msmarvel

— Laura ลอร'า 劳拉 (@lsirikul) May 25, 2022

And, of course, Iman Vellani sits at the heart of it all.

Iman Vellani is perfectly cast as #MsMarvel. she wholly lights up the screen.

ep 1: mostly setup but still fun & i'm loving Kamala's dynamic with her parents, esp her mother. it's inherently South Asian without making it all about her ethnicity. excited to see what comes next!

— saloni gajjar (@saloni_g) May 25, 2022

I’ve seen the first two episodes of #MsMarvel! First, the positive: Iman Vellani is an absolute delight as Kamala and clearly has love for this character. pic.twitter.com/SyzYy2n0mC

— Collier “CJ” Jennings (@CJWritesThings) May 25, 2022

I've seen the first two episodes #MsMarvel, and it's a fun teen superhero show with thrills, humor and heart. And Iman Vellani is PERFECT as Kamala Khan. The series is a big creative step forward for the MCU and an even bigger step forward for Pakistani representation. pic.twitter.com/ata0FSnsqI

— Erik Swann (@SwannErik) May 25, 2022

#MsMarvel is a bright and colorful high school fever dream. Kamala Khan’s superhero journey is nuanced and her navigation of the modern world as a Pakistani-American Muslim teenager is relatable yet culturally specific. Iman Vellani is a delight. And those perfect music bangers. pic.twitter.com/Z49mlCHRik

— Michael Lee (@IamMichaelJLee) May 25, 2022

Not to mention, it sounds like we’re in for a truly iconic soundtrack.

Ms. Marvel is an epic, game-changing series for Muslim representation in the MCU. By the time the second episode ended I was already begging for more.

Iman Vellani is a standout as Kamala and I cannot wait to see her in the rest of the series. AND THE MUSIC IS SO GOOD.

— Tariq Raouf (@tariq_raouf) May 25, 2022

Of course, the Ms. Marvel reactions we’re seeing are only the beginning. Ms. Marvel releases on Disney+ starting on June 8. It will run for six episodes. We can’t wait to see Iman Vellani and the rest of the cast absolutely shine.

The post MS. MARVEL First Reactions Praise Iman Vellani’s Joyous Kamala Khan appeared first on Nerdist.

Source: Keulisyuna