The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #12: There’s Always a Choice

The tension of the past eleven issues comes to crushing end. It’s quite masterful the way Saladin Ahmed takes everything Ms. Marvel has been through in the series; alien politics, sentient costumes, zombies, and weaves it into the climax of this issue with it boiling down to a single choice. Even though the choice between being a hero and familial obligations has been a staple of Mrs. Marvel’s stories, with her father’s life on the line and a villain created from Kamala herself, the stakes have never been this high.

One of my favorite things about the character of Mrs. Marvel is how emotionally expressive she is. Whether she’s frustrated or fangirling, it’s always clear where she’s at. The art of this issue conveys that all perfectly. You don’t need to read the dialogue or know the context, just one look at Kamala’s face will tell you exactly what she’s feeling. And in this issue, she feels a lot.

The final battle between Kamala and Stormranger, I found to be a little disappointing and compared to the last issue too easy. But it didn’t take to much away from the issue since the focus instead lies with the emotion. Regardless of where the reader invests their energy, Kamala’s father, the kiss from the last issue that left everything in the air, or Stormranger seeking to murder Kamala’s enemies, this issue keeps you on the edge of your seat. And there is no guarantee of a happy ending on all fronts.