Marvel Lego Minifigs

I have quite an extensive graphic novel and comic collection. I started collecting when I was 8 years old and haven’t really stopped. I now am more selective with what I buy, what with time and money both being precious, but I do like to keep up with current events.

My eldest daughter is getting into comics but seems to prefer the slice-of-life/ indie scene more with Lumberjanes, Hilda and the Raina Telgemeier graphic novels being firm favourites. She’s finished all of them though so I’m getting her onto the superhero comic scene and, to mark this event, I purchased some Lego figures of my favourite Marvel heroines. We made them together and I think they look pretty cool!

Ms. Marvel- TV Series Review (and Some Personal Reflections)

Ms. Marvel has become a pop culture icon and a voice for hope since her debut in 2013. Her status as the first Muslim character to headline a Marvel series was shared enthusiastically by some whilst others thought it tokenistic and ‘woke’. Irrespective of these divergent views, the comic series quickly became one of the industry’s bestselling titles because it was, quite simply, an excellent superhero comic book which was written with wit, pathos and heart.

I have all the graphic novels from the first series as well as the next.

Superhero stories featuring teenage characters are notoriously difficult to write for but to create a monthly comic with a teenage girl of faith was something nearly unheard of in mainstream comics, let alone the religion in focus being Islam. Islam features quite prominently in the comic series as Ms. Marvel, Kamala, is Muslim and as such it forms a major part of her narrative; it greatly influences her behavior and decision-making, adding tension to her life that doesn’t come from the more traditional sources like romantic interests or the masked super villain of the current story arc.

In a medium that has been pretty hegemonic in portraying powerful white heroes, the wave of real world representation in mainstream comics was exciting. The concept was explained well in the very first Ms. Marvel comic when Kamala first meets Captain America, Iron Man and Captain Marvel. She is surprised to hear them speak Urdu, but Captain Marvel replies,

"We are faith. We speak all languages of beauty and hardship."

This really struck me as powerful when I first read it.

This is a real nice touch that speaks to the universal humanity in us all, with the underrepresented now being represented in a medium supported by the diverse community invested in these characters.

And so, it was with quiet nervousness that I approached the Ms. Marvel television series shown on Disney+. I was excited but also had some trepidation about the series as there was media speculation that they had changed her origin story and altered her powers somewhat. Usually, when that happens you end up with a diluted dud product that pleases neither old fans or newbies. However, I needn't have worried; the 6 part series was excellent. The writing throughout the series felt grounded and relatable and there were very few moments that felt written by committee or by olds trying to sound hip and young. The cinematography was kinetic without being obnoxious and the Scott Pilgrim style animation flourished brought an energy and vibrancy to the show.

The actors were all clearly relishing their roles and brought their A-game to the party. Special mention must go to Iman Vellani who embodies the nerdy-goof-with-heart well. The rest of the cast are solid but Kamala's parents are worthy of special mention in their roles- bringing warmth and empathy into their respective roles.

The way the show handled the cultural aspects of the show was superb; some scenes were reminiscent of conversations that I had had with friends and family in my life. Integrating themes such as the Partition, Jinn, the "Illumin-"Aunties and life around the Mosque; these are things I've personally grown up around and something my parents and grandparents were heavily shaped by. Reading this you might think the show is grim-dark but it's a positive show which rails against the current media obsession with violence done in Islam's name. In much of Hollywood and mainstream Western media, the portrayal of Muslims is not usually positive; usually people in the faith are reduced to crazed terrorists, clownish thugs or menacing threats with no redeeming qualities. This is the first popular mainstream Western show that shows a Muslim family with integrity, respect and, most importantly, nuance. They're not angry, militant or suspicious but merely... people, with all the flaws and foibles entails with being part of the human race.

Living in South Devon, I am in the minority here and, on occasion I feel like the standard bearer for Muslims. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a role-model Muslim but I do my best to represent my religion and beliefs in the best possible light. This is my personal jihad, my struggle, which I hope to improve and get better each day and this is what Ms. Marvel television show encapsulates so well, being respectful of your cultural heritage but also living in the environment and society you were born into. Kamala has these struggles to balance her duties and her desires and the series shows this quite honestly. I feel a connection to the character of Ms. Marvel in the same way that Miles Morales speaks for another, often underrepresented or unfairly represented demographic.

Ms. Marvel and me.

Ms. Marvel and me.

The show deals with the suspicion Muslims are often treated with and the fact that the authorities are often monitoring them. The Department of Damage Control are antagonistic and seem to be wary of these new superheroes, not because they have great power but because they're the 'wrong’ type of people. It reminds me of a scene in the Ms. Marvel graphic novel 'Mecca' where Kamala's brother, Aamir, placed in detention after being accused of not conforming to 'societal norms'. It's a powerful scene as he explains how, just because he is brown and wears traditional dress, he isn't to blame for all the ills in the world but because he stands out, it’s easy to target people like him. This storyline was in direct response to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency's policy of separating children form their parents at the border, an extremely controversial policy.

I'm thankful that Marvel Studios have creating a comic character that speaks truth to power, something I'd normally have to go to indie comics to find. The fact that such subjects have been broached by the biggest comic company and in one of the most popular series in the world is heartening. The fact that they translated this emotive topic onto a mainstream show is astonishing and brave; there is a sea change in the representation of people of colour and that has been long overdue.

Art is of its time but it can have a long-lasting cultural and societal impact on the world. By encouraging a sense of community and a forum for discussion change can occur. The Ms. Marvel television series and comics are an excellent medium for showing or even introducing that change. The show is aimed at tweens and teens but hey, as a man in my early 40s, I enjoyed the show and I think many of you will too. Don't sleep on this show guys, it's marvellous!

Anyways, below are the thoughts I noted down as I watched the shows weekly. Be aware, there are spoilers henceforth:

Episode 1

When Kamala wants to go to Avengercon and her mum says "There'll be a lot of haraam there" it reminded me of when I wanted to go clubbing in my late teens, because I truly loved trance and dance music, and knew this would be the response I'd get. Also, when Kamala brought up the unfairness between the ways her Muslim brother is given more freedom than her and she questions it I remember conversations with my family about the rights of my sister to choose her own destiny.
The shopping scene was hilarious as I remember from my youth, travelling to numerous shops to get the groceries and getting a Mr. Juicy carton of drink if we were good at the end of it from a shop.

Episode 2
When Kamala is trying out her powers and she is eating out at a halal van with the sign outside it rang true from experiences I've had.
The rush with Nakia to get to the mosque, hurriedly do wudu and pray hit hard as I remember doing that for Friday Jummah prayers during the holidays.
When the prayer starts and the Imam starts the recitation I had tingles down my spine as this is the Islam I know and love, not the one most commonly shown in media with violence and atrocities with shouts of 'Allahuakhbar' that tarnish that beautiful word.
When Kamala is in the car with Kamran and they name drop Baazigar, DDLJ and SRK I knew they weren't simplifying the series for the mass audience, if you knew you knew and if you didn't you could always Google it.
The dinner conversation about Partition rang true as I know it affected my family who live in the Pakistani Punjab, an area near the Indian border.
The Eid Mela celebrations were cool and even though I didn't go to many at all, I know they were a huge part of many of my Muslim friends' celebrations, which usually happened in Barking Park.
I loved the 'Illumin-aunties' gag and died at the idea that they gossip and know everything.

Episode 3
When the djinn are mentioned I had shivers down my spine as they are known as tricksters and spirits with often unknowable intent.
The self-seveil of the Islamic community by law enforcement rang true and brought up some anger as it led to toxic conversations online when it became a discussed thing years ago.
The bit where Sheikh Abdullah drops the "Good is not a thing you are. It's a thing you do' line I just about lost it. It's so powerful yet so true.
When Kamala's mum discusses the dream she and her husband have of coming to America and then the hardships they faced, it was so honest. I know my dad spoke of the hardships he and his father faced when they came to England in the 70s to start a life and bring their family over.
The choreographed Bollywood dance was cute and, whilst my family weddings were usually a lot more staid, I know a couple of friends who had attended more raucous ones (including mine which was a bit rave-y with old school 90s trance and dance).
The Kamala vs. Djinn battle scene in the kitchen reminded me of the Jurassic Park kitchen scene and was proper tense.
When 'Allahu Akhbar' is said in praise at the end of a wedding it was heartening as the phrase most often been associated with terrible acts of terrorism and criminality in much of the news here in England recently.

Episode 4
The passengers on the plane ignoring the stewardesses appeals to sit back down as the plane lands is exactly what I've experienced travelling into Asian hubs.
The way they portrayed the modern and past history of Pakistan was fascinating as you saw the posh eateries and the busy streets of Karachi, it really showed the juxtaposition of the country.
The 'Come with me if you want to love' quote was hilarious.
The Partition train station scene was heartbreaking as you see the chaos sewn by the Mountbatten Plan.

Episode 5
The vintage Marvel opening was mwah *Chef's kiss*
The opening news footage from the time showing the bloody consequences of the Partition are shocking to watch as it really humanises what is usually glossed over on the history books her in England.
The love story between the great grandmother and great grandfather was sweet and had the usual Bollywood tropes; beautiful cinematography, poems, roses and wah oh wah, kya dialogue!
The drama at the train station was intense and proper emotional.
The wibbly wobbly time wimey stuff was great but the lost kid part gave me palpitations; as a father of two young girls it's one of my worst nightmares.
The three generations of the Khan women bonding after the truth is out is amazing. It warmed the heart and got a big whoop of joy from me.

Episode 6
The 'classic Khan gossip train' bit was awesome as we know that the Pakistani community gossip spreads faster than the Internet.
The part where the family join together to tell Kamala how proud they are of her having powers and doing good is awesome-really heartwarming.
I love that her mum made the Ms. Marvel costume, it reminds me of the old ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ clip where the granny states 'I can make it cheaper.'
Speaking of the costume, I know some hate it but I thought it was cool as it speaks to Kamala's heritage and the deepening of her bond with her mum. Also the logo is from the broken necklace from the episode before... Tres cool.
Nakia's (probably correct perception) that every mosque in America was under surveillance from every security agency (as well as the sanitation department) rang oh so true.
The 'halal' and 'haram' hats were funny as heck.
I love the A-Team style plan to escape from the Feds as it means a team-up with all of Kamala's friends and family.
The Home Alone-ing of the feds was fun.
Embiggen- that is all.
The X-men 97 theme song was amazing and opens up a whole new would.... Potentially.

Spiderman- Video Games As Art

As the lockdown continues my video game pile of shame is slowly whittling down. I’ve just finished Spiderman on the PlayStation. At about 20 or so hours, the game is not crazy long if you critical path it but there are lots of side missions a la Assassins Creed, where icons splooge all over the screen.

The game picks up eight years after Peter Parker gains his power and throws you in the deep end as the Kingpin is taken to prison and a new gang is trying to take over his turf. The game is beautiful and the storyline is intriguing. Check out the pictures from my playthrough.

End of an Era As Ms Marvel Co-Creators leave After 5 Successful Years

After 5 years, 50 comics and numerous comic and cartoon crossovers, two of the co-creators of Ms. Marvel, G. Willow Wilson and Sana Amanat are leaving. For those not in the know this is kind of a big deal.

Since her debut Ms. Marvel has become a pop culture icon and a voice for hope. She received a lot of hype in 2013, primarily due to her status as the first Muslim character to headline a Marvel series, but 6 years on and the comic series has become one of the industry’s best titles because it is simply, an excellent superhero comic book, which is written with wit, pathos and heart.

Ms. Marvel has had a 10 graphic novel run, an impressive feat for a series that was only supposed to be a 10 comic limited run series.

Ms. Marvel has had a 10 graphic novel run, an impressive feat for a series that was only supposed to be a 10 comic limited run series.

Superhero stories featuring teenage characters are notoriously difficult to write for but to create a monthly comic with a teenage girl of faith was something nearly unheard of in mainstream comics, let alone the religion in focus being Islam. Islam features quite prominently in the comic series as Ms Marvel, Kamala, is Muslim and as such it forms a major part of her narrative; it greatly influences her behavior and decision-making, adding tension to her life that doesn’t come from the more traditional sources like romantic interests or the masked super villain of the current story arc.

In a medium that has been pretty hegemonic in portraying powerful white heroes, the recent wave of real world representations in mainstream comics has been exciting. It is explained well in the very first Ms. Marvel comic when Kamala first meets Captain America, Iron Man and Captain Marvel. She is surprised to hear them speak Urdu, but Captain Marvel replies,

"We are faith. We speak all languages of beauty and hardship."

This is a real nice touch that speaks to the universal humanity in us all, with the underrepresented now being represented in a medium supported by the diverse community invested in these characters.

As a longtime comic book fan (I first started collecting when I was 7 in 1988 and Iron Man and Spiderman were my first loves) the fact that the main protagonist, Kamala, was the child of immigrant parents from Pakistan, Muslim and a millennial changed the hitherto well tilled soil of fertile comic tropes. I had loved comics for years and certain aspects I could identify with; Peter Parker being picked on by Flash Thompson in High School, the various aspects of loss in the Death of Superman and striving to achieve against all odds, which was a common comic book trope but with Ms. Marvel it was different. I could identify with her, even though I'm not a millennial teenage girl I am a Millenial Muslim comic book geek who enjoys pop culture. I remember what it was like as a young teen trying to find my way through school and life where balancing my home life and religious beliefs and practices with those of my mostly white Christian friends was difficult. I wanted to go to parties, go out clubbing and have relationships. Other comics have covered these aspects but the fact that the struggle Kamala has in balancing her home and life outside rings true for me.

In issue 6, Kamala seeks guidance from Sheikh Abdullah, an Imam. Fearing she will be told off for not following her parents will, she is surprised to be told,

"... do it with the qualities befitting an upright young woman: Courage, strength, honesty, compassion, and self-respect.”


This message is one of positivity, which against the current media obsession with violence done in Islam's name is interesting and challenging.

Another scene in the graphic novel 'Mecca' has Kamala's brother, Aamir, placed in detention after being accused of not conforming to 'societal norms'. It's a powerful scene as he explains how, just because he is brown and wears traditional dress, he isn't to blame for all the ills in the world but because he stands out, its easy to target people like him. This storyline was in direct response to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency's policy of separating children form their parents at the border, an extremely controversial policy.

It's for these reason that I wanted to give thanks to Wilson et al. for creating a comic character that speaks truth against power, something I'd normally have to go to indie comics to find. The fact that such subjects have been broached in the biggest comic company and in one of the most popular series in the world is heartening; there is a sea change in the representation of BAME people and that has been long overdue. I feel a connection to Ms. Marvel in the same way that Miles Morales speaks for another, often underrepresented or unfairly represented demographic. Ms. Marvel speak to me in a profoundly deep way.

Art is of its time but it can have a long-lasting cultural and societal impact on the world. By encouraging a sense of community and a forum for discussion change can occur, and comics are an excellent medium for showing or even introducing that change.

Even though I'm sad that after 6 years the original team is breaking up, I'm excited to see what the next team do with such a well loved and respected character. Now roll on the Ms. Marvel movie!

My daughter likes Ms. Marvel too.

My daughter likes Ms. Marvel too.

Silver Surfer by Slott and Allred- Complete Comic Series Review

I'm a huge comic nerd and have been for over 30 years. Of course I've known of the Silver Surfer for many years, but he just wasn't a character I was that interested in... he just seemed a little, well, lame. I read a few of his comics back in the early 90s and found his brooding angsty vibe a bit too edgy for its own good. My only recent experience with the Silver Surfer was with the second Fantastic Four movie and that certainly didn't help to adhere him close to my heart. However, over the past couple of years I've been hearing people raving about the recent Dan Slott and Michael Allred run so I thought I'd give the Surfer another chance and by gosh I'm glad I did.

Over the course of 29 issues Slott's Surfer takes us on quite the journey. He still carries the weight of the worlds he helped destroy with Galactus on his shoulders, but with the help of young human Dawn Greenwood, he realises he must move forward and make amends for his past misdeeds.
The Surfer and Dawn are perfect travel companions and as their friendship grows through the various adventures you find yourself rooting for this couple. You see sides of the Surfer that are rarely explored (at least in my experience from his cartoon show and frequent guest appearances in other comics) as he often 'Silvers Down' to talk about the existential crises he often faces; how can he enjoy life when he has led so many to their doom? It's not all serious though, the entire run has goofy humour and silliness galore as the Dr Who influence is placed front and centre. Cases in point: After performing a tonsillectomy we have our hero take Dawn to the universe's best ice cream parlour, take her on (frequent) bathroom breaks and keeping her constantly fed and watered.

Silver Surfer by Slott and Allred

One of the most interesting storylines sees the Surfer confront his past sins and the 6 billion survivors of the many worlds he led Galactus to destroy on a new planet called Newhaven. He knows he must atone for this and seeks to offer an apology and help the survivors, when Galactus arrives... hungry for more planets and souls. What follows reminds me of the most recent incarnation of Battlestar Galactica, as the Silver Surfer and Dawn look for a new, safer home for the inhabitants of Newhaven, the space flotilla search for the Promised Land.
This arc is quite dramatic as Dawn realises the true nature of Surfers past but she forgives him and gets him to reflect on what little choice Galactus gave him, easing his conscience. After this drama, events seems to peater out and never quite achieve the sense of pathos I feel that it was striving for but it is an intriguing arc nonetheless as it offers the Surfer a redemptive arc and brings Dawn closer to Norrin Radd.

In the forth graphic novel Dawn and Norrin become a couple as Norrin chooses to save the culture of Earth from the Zenn-Lavians. It is a dramatic arc as Norrin understands what it is to be the last of your kind on an alien planet (much like Dr Who being the last Gallifrayan) as he is excommunicated from Zenn-La but is welcomed as a citizen of Earth. Dawn also meets her estranged mother but at her time of most need, Dawn is abandoned again. The forth graphic novel is full of high emotion and unresolved strands, showing how messy life can get.

For the final graphic novel collection, the Surfer and Dawn are very much in love and enjoying the different worlds. Dawn seeks high adventure and danger but it comes at a high cost when her father passes away whilst they are away on their escapades. Stricken by grief, they attempt to travel back in time but overshoot somewhat and end up at the birth of the current universe. As they are isolated, the Surfer creates a new world and spends his life with Dawn until she passes. Being immortal, he feigns growing older with her and it is here that the true moment of beauty and philosophy come into play; what does it mean to be human and what is the meaning of life?

The love between the Silver Surfer and Dawn Greenwood is well earned and slowly reveals itself ©Marvel

To hammer home the gravitas of Dawn's passing, the Surfer must watch the new (current) worlds events unfold in front of him and not interfere in any way, lest he affect the timeline. This is all very wibbly wobbly time wimey stuff a la Dr Who.

Over the course of 5 graphic novels, 29 issues, Slott and the Allred’s have created a momentous story arc for the Silver Surfer that joins the pantheon of the greats. The art style complements the writing and whilst not as detailed as the super shiny muscular versions from the 90's, it shares much with the cartoony but heartfelt look and feel of much of the Marvel Now imprint, things like Howard the Duck, Squirrel Girl and Ms. Marvel.

This version of the character makes the Silver Surfer more relatable and likeable than ever before. Dawn Greenwood is an excellently realised character who brings the humanity out of the Zenn-Lavian and the storylines are similar in style to the Kirby/Lee run. More than anything Slott's Silver Surfer has amazing storylines that ring with pathos and humanity and deserve to be read. This may not be your dad's Silver Surfer but it's a brilliant one that deserves to be appreciated.

LINK- Comics in the Classroom (article)

LINK- What Comics Have Taught Me

LINK- Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle Vol. 3- Comic Review

LINK- Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle Vol. 2- Comic Review

LINK- Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle Vol. 1- Comic Review

LINK- Battle Angel Alita: And So It Ends

LINK- The Moomins 80's Soundtrack Vinyl Review

LINK- Inspector Gadget Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- Ulysses 31 Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- The Mysterious Cities of Gold Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- Sonic Mania Video Game Vinyl Soundtrack

LINK- Thomas Was Alone Video Game Vinyl Soundtrack Review

LINK- Akira Soundtrack Vinyl Review

Tonbridge Comic-Con 2018 Builds on Previous Year Success

On one of the hottest days of the year hundreds of geeks and nerds (of which I am one) from various fandoms descended on the Angel Centre in Tonbridge to attend the second ever Tonbridge Comic-con.
I had even higher expectations than last year as that was the inaugural event and this, the sequel, had to be bigger, bolder... better. So how was it? Did it meet my expectations? Well, read on and find out...

Tonbridge Comic-Con 2018

As I approached the Angel Centre I could see a long line had formed and keeping the people entertained were various people in costume, there was Darth Vader, numerous Storm Troopers, a Sand Person, a Jawa and an Imperial Officer. People were getting their photos taken and children were kept enthralled/ terrified.
Inside there were lots of stalls selling all manner of geeky goods at a fair price including anime, manga, Marvel, DC and video game merch. A difference from last year was the amount of stalls as there seemed to be a lot more, but this was a good thing at they sold a wider range of products from last year. There were they typical Funko Pop Figs, t-shirts and posters but also there was a Disney Princess cupcake stall, wallets and purses and lots more vintage figures, annuals and collectable cards and stickers. I purchased some of these cards and was really pleased at the price (5 packs for £1) as well as 3 cupcakes (3 for £5, for my wife and 2 unwell daughters).

There were a few celebrities doing signings and photosincluding Jason Ybarra (Star Wars: Rogue One), Ian McNeice (Dr Who) and a free signed photo for all attendeed from Simon Fisher-Becker (Dr Who).
There were a few people dressed up, representing various fandoms, however not as many as last year but that was to be expected as the heat was oppressive.

Around the Angel Centre hall were lots of items and photo opportunity pieces of memorabilia and costumed folks which you could snap away at. There was the giant inflatable Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, a handmade Batmobile Tumbler and the Iron Throne. The atmosphere of the whole event was lovely and calm and outside the centre many attendees and cosplayers had a chance to congregate and share in their nerd-dom. The second Tonbridge Comic con has built upon last years successes and continues to grow. As a local event it is great and I look forward to it growing and expanding its scope and aspirations.

Overall this was a well organised event with lots of offer for families and young people, I hope next year it's even bigger and better next year!

I bought 5 packs of random cards and stickers for 1 pound... bargain! I wonder if the stick of chewing gum is any good?

Inaugural Tonbridge Comic-Con a Wonderful Event

This morning the first ever Comic-Con was held at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge and in my eyes was a real success. There were lots of stalls selling all manner of geeky goods at a fair price including anime, manga, video games, clothing, bags and Marvel and DC comics. There were a few celebrities doing signings and photos including Colin Baker, Hattie Hayridge (Holly from Red Dwarf) and Hannah Spearitt (of S Club 7 and Primeval fame)

There were lots of people dressed up, representing various fandoms and the atmosphere overall was great. I didn't dress up (I kept my Count Duckula costume in the cupboard for today) but was pleased to see many adults and children did take the opportunity to let their inner geek out. My 2 1/2 year daughter loved the festival of colour and characters and especially the dancing Groot, it was her first con of what I hope will be many. We were lucky enough to get a picture with the fern fellow (get your coat- ed), which my daughter found a little frightening, considering he was about 8 feet tall and towered over us.

My daughter and I met Groot... she was suitably scared!

Around the Angel Centre hall were lots of items and photo opportunity pieces of memorabilia which you could snap away at. My daughter and I met a Dalek, Batman and a giant inflatable Pikachu. She particularly liked the inflatable TARDIS and kept playing peek-a-boo with her 2 year old cousin. The atmosphere of the whole event was lovely and calm and outside the centre many attendees and cosplayers had a chance to congregate and share in their nerd-dom.

I've been to many Cons and this is the first time that such an event has been held in Tonbridge to my knowledge. I'd like to see it become an annual fixture in the Tonbridge calender, especially during the Summer, where more children and young people would be free and interesting in filling in some of their 6 weeks holidays and the event could use the outside space to sell food and host other stalls or activities like a bouncy castle etc. Overall this was a well organised event with lots of offer for families and young people, let's make it even bigger and better next year!

Comics in the Classroom

I introduced comics and graphic novels into my classroom at the beginning of the calendar year to promote reading. I am a huge fan of the medium and believe that it promotes reading, especially among the more reluctant readers. I had several pupils in my class who I believed would benefit from immersing themselves in the comics and now, as we approach the end of the year, I decided to have a chat with my children to find their opinions on the media.

All Star Superman- not a comic I had in my classroom but I feel that he is a good role-model and shows that heroes can be pure and good (ignore the killing of Zod in the awful 'Man of Steel)

I purchased a wide variety of graphic novels including The Lumberjanes, The Babysitters Club, Adventure Time and a range of Silver Age Spiderman, Ironman and Hulk collections.

The Lumberjanes graphic novels were extremely popular with the boys and girls, even though the protagonists are all female. My pupils said that they liked the characters and that they were really appealing. They loved the 3 trade paperbacks and were eagerly awaiting the 4th.

The Baby Sitters Club was popular with the girls. I found that the quieter girls liked this as the story took more time to develop and it was a much longer graphic novel to read.

The smattering of Silver Age Spiderman, Ironman and Hulk were popular with the children, most of who have watched the films and enjoyed learning more about the Marvel universe. A lot of the boys especially stated that they were surprised that some of the stories in the comics, which were over 40 years ago, had stories which they recognised from the movies.
Overall I think that the comics and graphic novels have converted quite a few of my pupils to reading and introduced comics to a wider group, some of who assumed that comics were 'geeky' or 'nerdy'. I hope to introduce more comics with my next class and will look at what books the children liked.

For The Love of Comics

I've been into comics for a long time, I first fell in love with them through the bande dessinée, Tintin and Asterix but when a friend lent me Iron Man #256 my mind was blown and it was love at first sight.

I'd go weekly to my local comic shop,  Rodney's Books and Games, in the town centre for my pocket money infused fix of comics. By buying grab bags for £1 I'd find a wide mix of stuff, some great some dreadful but comics nonetheless.

I fell out of love with comics in the late 90's when there were too many titles to keep up with and so many 'event' comics that I couldn't keep up with the pace. I went instead into manga and anime, which at that time was smaller and more focused here in the UK. It was here that I discovered Battle Angel Alita and GTO and again it was love at first sight. I also discovered Vertigo and voraciously devoured Sandman, Preacher, Hellblazer, Y: The Last Man and Fables.
Since then I've fallen out of favour with anime and manga for the same reason I had fallen out of love with comics in the first place and now once again, over the past 4 years have delved back into mainstream comics.
There has been a sea change in the mainstream comics as I feel the higher ups have realised that they had huge successes with their films but this didn't correlate with their comic sales. The reasons are numerous but I'd say it was due to the fact that the comic scene is overwhelming for newcomers and that the comics didn't cater for all tastes. A lot of the comics were created in the 50's ,60's and 70's and were often white male power fantasies, not a problem in itself but when you are catering for a world market you do need to appeal for a wide range of people.
In the past few years there has been a push for diversity with a black /Hispanic Spiderman in Miles Morales, an Asian American Ms Marvel with Kamala Khan and a female Thor.
However it's not just the mainstream where comics are diversifying, the fringe comic scene has always been the champion of change and difference and there is a huge market here with Junji Ito, Emily Carroll, Raina Telgemeier and Noelle Stephenson catering for different tastes. 
I'm introducing my pupils to comics as I feel it opens up worlds, encourages reluctant readers and promotes creativity. I will be reviewing the comics I buy for them here and hope to encourage other schools and people to push comics and graphic novels into their world. As well as comics for my pupils I will also be writing reviews about comics I buy for myself.
Come join me on my journey and if you get into comics I'd like to recommend a couple of comic podcasts I listen to which are linked below.

Females and Diversity in Mainstream Comics

There was a charge leveled against most mainstream comics that they are white men power fantasies. Looking over the Marvel and DC universe of old, most of the heroes were indeed Caucasian males.  However I feel that this is too harsh a judgement for many reasons; many of the superheroes were created in the 60's when diversity wasn't such a big thing and the comics were aimed at the youth audience, who were traditionally white. So the comics mostly dealt with young white males given or gaining extraordinary powers. This worked for many years but as the story canon has become more obtuse and conflicted it has been difficult for a younger, newer and more diverse audience to access comics.
In a day and age of billion dollar grossing movies the comics industry is trying to branch out and appeal to the diverse audience who access and appreciate these films globally and why shouldn't it? If comics continued on the traditional path they would die a slow death.

When I went to comic shops in the 90's it was mostly older white folk ( which was surprising as I lived in a very culturally diverse town in East London, a melting pot of ethnicities) only really diversifying with the explosion in Marvel Flair '95 and '96 cards due to the popularity of the X Men animated series. But now with Kaboom, Image and small publishing prints it's much more diverse. A large amount of younger female readers have joined the comics wave, either writing, drawing or reading the new versions of classic characters.
Sensing this new audience demographic Marvel and DC have attempted to diversify their cast. The success of comics like the soft rebooted Ms Marvel and She Hulk have led to DC broadening their target audience with comics such as Batgirl and Black Canary (both reboots which don't negate what happened before).

I bought these trades a couple of weeks ago and am enjoying the storylines, artwork and general empowerment of females.

I'm a British Asian male and I love the traditional comics but the newer more diverse comics speak to me (as I mentioned in my article about how Ms Marvel is changing the world). I'm really enjoying the new wave of diversity in comics and long may it continue. Reading the recent trades of She Hulk by Soule and Pulido I came to the 'Legal briefs' page at the back, where the creators come together to share their views, ideas and opinions. A piece written by the editor Jeanine Schaefer really spoke to me as a recent father to a daughter. Women are represented in mainstream comics but only recently are they really getting their due in my opinion.

Jeanine Schaefers editorial to the fans is heartfelt and really struck a cord with me

Ms. Marvel Can Change the World

Ms. Marvel received a lot of hype due to  her status as the first Muslim character to headline a Marvel series, but a year on and the comics series has become one of the industry’s best titles because it is an excellent superhero comic intelligently written with wit and pathos.

Superhero stories featuring teenage characters are notoriously difficult to write for but to create a monthly comic with a teenage girl of faith is something nearly unheard of in mainstream comics, let alone the religion in focus being Islam. Islam has not talked about a great deal in the comic series so far but Kamala is Muslim and as such it forms a major part of her narrative, it greatly influences her behavior and decision-making, adding tension to her life that doesn’t come from the more traditional sources like  romantic interests or the masked supervillain. In a medium which has been hegemonic in portraying powerful white heroes, the recent wave of real world representations in comics is exciting.

In the first comic of Ms. Marvel when Kamala first meets Captain America, Iron Man and Captain Marvel she is surprised to hear them speak Urdu, to which Captain Marvel replies,

"We are faith. We speak all languages of beauty and hardship."

This is a real nice touch that speaks to the universal humanity in us all, the underrepresented now being represented in a medium supported by the diverse community invested in these characters.

As a longtime comic book fan (I first started collecting when I was 7, Iron Man and Spiderman were my first loves) the fact that the main protagonist, Kamala is a child of immigrant parents from Pakistan, Muslim and a millennial changes the hitherto well tilled soil of fertile comic tropes. I have loved comics for years and certain aspects I could identify with, Peter Parker being picked on by Flash Thompson in High School, the various aspects of loss in the Death of Superman and striving to achieve against all odds, which is a common comic book trope but with Ms. Marvel it's different. I can identify with her, even though I'm not a millennial teenage girl I am a Muslim comic book geek who enjoys pop culture. I remember what it was like as a young teen trying to find my way through school and life where balancing my home life and religious beliefs and practices with those of my mostly white Christian friends was difficult. I wanted to go to parties, go out clubbing and have relationships. Other comics have covered these aspects but the fact that the struggle Kamala has in balancing her home and life outside rings true for me.

A moment that touched me occurs in issue 6, Kamala seeks guidance from Sheikh Abdullah, an Imam. Fearing she will be told off for not following her parents will she is surprised to be told,

  "... do it with the qualities befitting an upright young woman: Courage, strength, honesty, compassion, and self-respect.”

This message is one of positivity, which against the current media obsession with violence done in Islams name is interesting and challenging.

 For once I feel represented in a mainstream comic, usually I have had to read Indie comics to feel a connection but Marvel have changed all that. Ms. Marvel has been used to fight racism in the real world, Anti-Muslim adverts on the sides of buses in San Francisco have been defaced with posters of the Pakistani-American teen superhero. The adverts were run by the notorious right wing anti-Muslim organization, the American Freedom Defence Initiative (AFDI). Ms. Marvel author, G. Willow Wilson, tweeted,

“Some amazing person has been painting over the anti-Muslim bus ads in San Francisco with Ms. Marvel graffiti. Spread love.”

Who said comics can't change the world? By encouraging community and discussion change can occur as Kamala has shown. This is a well written comic story with a great character who has dynamic stories to be told and I look forward to reading more. Roll on the Ms. Marvel movie!