Review: Ms. Marvel #1, Loki: Agents of Asgard #1, All-New X-Factor #1
One of the biggest problems with most superhero comics on the shelves is the assumption that the reader is already familiar with the character’s history as well as the events that have plagued their universe as a whole. This makes it difficult for people who are interested in comic books but have no prior experience to just pick a book off the shelf and start reading. Ms. Marvel and Loki: Agent of Asgard both manage to avoid this problem almost completely. All-New X-Factor makes no attempt to educate the reader and is generally doomed to mediocrity.
Ms. Marvel #1 isn’t really about superheroes; it’s about growing up as a member of a minority. In just 20 picture-laden pages, it effectively explores the ways a minority status can shape one’s life, from prejudice to fitting in to everything in between. As a first-generation South Asian immigrant, I understand where she’s coming from, and any teenager or former teenager will empathize with her struggle for identity. As the series goes on, she’s going to have to balance between the cultures of her parents and her peers while wrestling with her newfound superpower, which (surprise surprise!) will apparently be the ability to shapeshift. The mechanism behind her superpowers is a little strange, but that’s a minor caveat.
Loki: Agent of Asgard #1 is definitely the go-to book for anybody who loved the Avengers movie. It features everybody’s favorite supervillain, who’s recently reformed and has the appearance of a teenager (which is really the only comic-specific detail that’s not explained, but it’s not important) and is currently going on undercover missions for the rulers of Asgard, the All-Mother. His most recent mission involves breaking into Avengers Mansion, which provides an abundance of hilarity and action that’s perfect for any Marvel movie fans. The comic actually has references to the movie and clever riffs off of older comics. The spunky text boxes are an especially delightful touch. After getting one’s feet wet with this delightful installment, I would advise readers to check out Young Avengers and Kieron Gillen’s Journey into Mystery run for more young Loki stories.
I have some major issues with All-New X-Factor. See, I’m a huge X-Factor fan; the 90’s and early 2000’s installments are some of my favorite comic books of all time with some of the best character development I’ve ever seen. So I was really, really excited when I heard the comic was being resurrected again. Unfortunately, the premise is uninteresting and a little confusing, and the characters leave much to be desired. I was especially disappointed with Quicksilver’s characterization, as X-Factor had established one of the best characterizations for him in the 1990’s. The art would be just fine if the backgrounds were done in dark colors for a nice visual contrast, but the garish costumes and occasional beige backgrounds tend to assault the eye. It might get better over time, but after looking at a preview for Issue 4, I’m not holding my breath.
