MS. MARVEL VOLUME 1: NO NORMAL

Kamala Khan has a lot going on—overprotective parents, mean girls at school, and brand-new superpowers. Shanta Parasuraman sounds so natural as Kamala that, for the non-superhero inclined, it’s easy to just consider this an action-packed young adult novel. However, cameos by Iron Man and Captain America remind listeners that we’re in Marvel’s universe. The writing is snappy and clever, and it’s delivered well by the diverse cast, with the occasional broad accent to remind you that the action takes place in Jersey City. The detailed soundscape of music and sound effects helps translate for listeners what comics readers would be seeing on the page, and the result is exciting and absorbing. The end of NO NORMAL is just the beginning of Kamala’s story—listeners will be left wanting more. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2015]