Kamala Khan: Redefining the American Superhero

Muslim American comic writer G. Willow Wilson made history in 2014 with the debut of Kamala Khan as the new Ms. Marvel. Khan, a Pakistani-American, became Marvel Comics’ first Muslim lead superhero. Wilson recently went on Rewire News’ podcast Get It Right, hosted by Black Girl Nerds editor Jamie Broadnax, to talk about her writing, the comic book industry, and the response from global audiences to a Muslim immigrant hero.

Wilson acknowledges the importance of authentic and nuanced portrayals of American diversity, for audiences both at home and abroad, and also reveals how contemporary Islamophobia and discrimination impact her writing. “It's really been about finding a balance between speaking directly to the things that are happening in the political sphere now, the xenophobia, the rise in various forms of racism and the ostracism of people who are not part of the traditional political elite…and at the same time, keeping it in the world of fantasy.”

You can listen to the full episode here.

Photo by Sam Howzit I CC 2.0