Inti Navia 
Ms. Marvel is finally getting her own show, streaming June 8, 2022 on Disney+. The Marvel superhero is joining the MCU as Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teen who originally got her powers from the inhuman Terrigenesis event, though that may change in the show. The change in her origins doesn’t bode well for the message her character is supposed to send.
In the comics, Kamala becomes exposed to the Terrigenesis mist that turns her into an inhuman, letting her have polymorphic powers that basically lets her stretch. Think Mr. Fantastic or Elastigirl from The Incredibles. Understandably, her powers are horrifying and scary for Kamala at first, since she has to deal with high school and now turning her limbs into spaghetti. In the show, though, she seems to have weird, purple, crystalized versions of her original superpowers, with her inhuman origins being unclear at best and unlikely at worst. While not confirmed by her original creators, Sana Amanat, Stephen Wacker, G. Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona, and Jamie McKelvie, her powers and coming-of-age centered story is a clear body-horror metaphor for puberty and general body change.
Not having the noodle arms just undermines the whole point of her character. It’s the ultimate coming-of-age superhero, someone kids, especially little girls, can look up to and learn from. With the release of her show, it will bring an even larger young audience than comic books ever did, and having funky, Green Lantern-esque abilities doesn’t highlight the hilarious body horror of her original character.
It’s understandable why Marvel isn’t doing it. With the newly announced Fantastic Four movie, they don’t want casual fans to confuse her with Reed Richards, AKA Mr. Fantastic. Also, the MCU doesn’t seem like it’s at a point where it wants to introduce the inhumans yet. So, fine, don’t give Ms. Marvel her original origins, but still allow her to have the stretchy powers! There are lots of characters in the MCU already who have similar powers. They could even spend a few minutes differentiating Kamala and Reed, if they’re so worried. Audiences can think for themselves, it’s not that big of an issue.
Hopefully, Ms. Marvel delivers on the character’s roots. It’s easy to stray away from the heart and soul of stories being adapted, but so far reviews seem good for the show. Hopefully we get a welcome surprise and an awesome new addition to the MCU.
By Inti Navia, Junior, ChiArts
Instagram @intinavia
