Review: The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #12

Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Saladin Ahmed
Artist: Minkyu Jung
Inker: Juan Velasco
Colorist: Ian Herring
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Released: February 5^th, 2020
Rating:

I’ve been a huge fan of Ms. Marvel ever since her series first launched, but for whatever reason I’ve never actually formally reviewed her issues before (but I have reviewed the volumes, so that’s something at least). I’m going to remedy that now because her series is so worth talking about.

The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #12 is the latest issue in a run written by Saladin Ahmed, and artwork by Minkyu Jung, Juan Velasco, Ian Herring, and VC’s Joe Caramagna. These creatives are a powerhouse and have brought a new perspective on Kamala’s story.

The latest plot arc for Kamala has been a pretty intense and emotional one. I’ll be honest, there’s been a moment or two where I had to put the issue down and give myself a minute. So I guess consider yourself warned there? Basically, Ms. Marvel’s father is ill – seriously ill, and for a while, things were looking very grim. Grim enough to warrant the need of somebody like Doctor Strange to step in, which really speaks volumes in and of itself.

Speaking of Doctor Strange, if you’re not up to date on his current series, you should probably check that out. It’s going to provide a lot of context to what is happening now, I promise.

The Writing

The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #12 was the perfect balance between superhero and human life. Kamala had two battles to face here; the one against her enemy (which, ironically, was previously her new suit), and the one for her father’s health.

That means she had to make choices here. Hard choices. The kind of things that nobody should ever have to make, least of all a young woman going through a difficult time. I don’t envy Kamala for the situation she’s in – yet it’s inspiring to see her go through it.

At the end of the day, it’s those human elements that make Kamala’s story so beautiful and powerful. It’s the reason why I’ll always come back and read (and love) her series.

Even if it is an emotional gut-punch from time to time.

The Doctor Strange element was a nice touch, though I still maintain that being up to date in his series will help. It isn’t required, but it’ll add so much more nuance to what he’s up to here. Or so I believe.

I’m struggling to say more without it all being spoilers. So instead, I’ll say this. This issue concludes the latest plot arc, and Saladin Ahmed did justice to everything that has happened. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Marvel will come up against next – though I am still mourning the loss of her suit (it was so cool! Before it turned evil, that is).

The Art

The artwork in The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #12 was fun and charismatic, yet unafraid to show the pain caused by impossible situations. I’m in love with this artistic team, truth be told. I know artists tend to swap out every now and then, but I’m really hoping that we don’t see a change on this lineup anytime soon.

I loved how vibrant and alive all of the scenes seemed. That has always been a feature I loved about this series –how it never shied away from color. You’d think I’d get over that with time, but I haven’t.

In Conclusion

The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #12 was everything I had hoped it would be, and then some. It was a brilliant yet emotional conclusion to an arc – one that did justice to both the characters and the fans. I don’t know what changes will be in store next for this young hero, but I’m looking forward to finding out.