May 26, 2022 - Economy

Disney+'s "Ms. Marvel" a 1st for Asian superheroes

Hope King

a young Pakistani girl in front of a mirror in her bedroom which is decorated with Marvel stickers and colorful lights — Iman Vellani as 16-year-old Kamala Khan and "Ms. Marvel." Screenshot: Disney+, Marvel

Reviews are in ahead of the premiere of “Ms. Marvel,” a new show from Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Why it matters: “Ms. Marvel,” the alter ego of a Pakistani-American teen from Jersey City, is the first Muslim superhero from Marvel Studios.

Asian representation on screen has often been limited to characters who serve as the punchline or butt of a joke, a study of top 10 grossing films from 2010 to 2019 reveals.

Catch up quick: Marvel Comics introduced 16-year-old Kamala Khan, who idolizes Captain Marvel and writes fan fiction about her and other Avengers, in 2013, then got a solo title a year later.

What critics are saying: The show is "Marvel meets Mean Girls,” that’s exceeded some expectations, with star Iman Vellani and the cast noted as being “charismatic” and “fantastic.”

When to watch: The first episode lands on Disney+ at midnight Wednesday June 8.

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Disney+'s "Ms. Marvel" a 1st for Asian superheroes

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