Ms. Marvel (2015) #9

Previously in Ms. Marvel #8

Ms. Marvel #9 | Writer: G. Willow Wilson | Artists: Takeshi Miyazawa & Adrian Alphona | Colorist: Ian Herring | Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna | Cover Artist: Cameron Stewart | Publisher: Marvel

Captain Marvel has lost her damn mind.

The events in Civil War II and Captain Marvel’s desire to prevent crimes at any cost continue to have serious consequences for Kamala Khan and those she cares about. Ulysses’ latest vision of danger leads Ms. Marvel and her newly formed - and way too enthusiastic - team to her friend Josh’s door. Josh, fresh from a breakup with Zoe, has misguided thoughts of causing trouble at the school so that others can feel his pain. According to Ulysses’ prediction (which we recently learned is based on an imperfect algorithm), Josh’s plan will lead to a fire and death.

Even though he hasn’t actually done anything yet, Josh is taken to a detention center currently housing others accused of crimes they haven’t yet committed. Worst of all, they’re held without legal council and under murky jurisdiction.

Kamala knows in her heart it’s wrong, so she goes to Carol for guidance and is told to do her job. To her credit, Kamala tries to the right thing and reins in her overzealous team, releasing a few of the detainees. But when she refuses to let Josh go, her friends turn on her and Bruno takes matters into his own hands with tragic results.

Wilson continues to develop Kamala Khan into a kind-hearted, flawed, and still-learning young woman. Watching her try to “do her job,” maintain friendships, and excel at school and home has been delightful. When she stumbles, we have no doubt Kamala will rebound better than ever. The beautifully written “cold opens” providing insight into Kamala’s mother’s and grandmother’s journeys in becoming the women they are have been a treat to read as well.

There are also more glimpses into Kamala’s home life with a brief appearance by Aamir and Tyesha (love them!), and a sweet reveal as Zoe explains to Josh why she broke up with him. I won’t spoil, but I hope her love isn’t unrequited. Wilson took a background character who could have easily been a stereotype and really fleshed Zoe out to someone I look forward to seeing in an issue.

This issue ended with one hell of a cliffhanger, and its consequences could drastically alter a few of Kamala’s most important relationships.