Dark Web: Ms. Marvel #1 is the first in a two-issue tie-in comic series for the Dark Web event. The comic is written by Sabir Pirzada, art by Francesco Mortarino, colors by Protobunker’s Dono Sanchez-Almara, and letters by VC’s Ariana Maher. With Ms. Marvel being more popular than ever thanks to her MCU debut, it’s nice to have a Ms. Marvel-led book back on the stands. Like the other comics that have been released so far in the Dark Web event, it does not disappoint.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Dark Web: Ms. Marvel #1!
The comic opens with a bang, by having one of the major players in the Dark Web event bring back one of Ms. Marvel’s most iconic villains, whose inclusion is very fitting with the inclusion of other characters in the Dark Web event. It then cuts to more mundane moments in Kamala’s personal life. One of these is a conversation between Kamala and her two best friends, Nakia and Bruno. This is a standout moment from the issue, as it gives us insight into how Kamala is trying to navigate a place in the world, and shows that she is maturing and evolving from the character we first met way back in Ms. Marvel Vol. 1.
The story then continues with a scene of Kamala and a new character, who is her lab partner, at Oscorp. The two are deep in conversation, but in typical superhero comics fashion, they are interrupted by a group of adversaries. The way the conversation continues is very cleverly written and tells us more about Kamala as a character. The battle is a pretty standard action sequence, with some classic Ms. Marvel quips sprinkled in. This particular action scene may be somewhat disappointing for Ms. Marvel fans who have become used to Kamala using her powers in more creative ways, beyond embiggened fists, and general size changes. The issue wraps up with an appearance from Chasm himself and ends on a cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting to read what’s next immediately. Most importantly, Pirzada captures each character’s established voice perfectly, while still adding something new to them. However, I do feel the addition of yet another potential romantic interest for Kamala is a bit redundant since she has had several love interests introduced since her creations and none of these romances have had the chance to be fully fleshed out before quickly moving to the next.
The art in the book is stellar, and the colors match. Each character looks recognizable, and their personal fashions are well represented. In the case of the returned villain, he looks even more menacing than he did in his original appearance, which fits the tone and direction of the story being told very well. The characters are very expressive, which makes those scenes involving characters having conversations feel even more personal. The colors are vibrant, and the use of warm tones fits the overall mood of the event and the comic itself. It is also nice to see Kamala and Nakia’s skin tones accurately portrayed, as the issue of whitewashing is still unfortunately very prevalent in comics.
Ms. Marvel: Dark Web #1 accomplishes what every successful event tie-in comic does: It’s a piece in a larger story with big stakes and grand action, while also staying true to the titular character and giving them meaningful character moments and development. The comic also includes what fans of Ms. Marvel love about her, while also bringing in new elements to her world. Also, while it is best read in conjunction with the rest of the Dark Web event books, it can easily stand on its own. If you are a longtime Ms. Marvel fan, or just now looking to start reading more about the character, this is an absolute must-read.
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