(ENGLISH ALARABY) Fans of the Marvel universe have been treated to the first glimpse of actress Iman Vellani in full costume as Ms. Marvel – the first Muslim superhero to have their own title with the animation and comics giant.
The photos were posted on Instagram by the account @msmarvelseries and show character Kamala Khan in full outfit, including her trademark red scarf and thunderbolt dress.
Previous onset pictures have shown Vellani’s character dressed as another superhero, Captain Marvel, but the most recent leak is the first time fans have seen her in full costume.
Kamala Khan was first introduced to the Marvel universe in 2014, appearing in the comic book series Ms. Marvel. In the comics, as she will be in the show, Khan is a teenage Pakistan American Muslim girl who has the ability to shapeshift.
In a 2013 Q&A with Khan’s creators, Sana Amanat, expanded on the decision behind Khan’s religious background.
“As much as Islam is a part of Kamala’s identity, this book isn’t preaching about religion or the Islamic faith in particular. It’s about what happens when you struggle with the labels imposed on you, and how that forms your sense of self,” said Amanat.
“It’s a struggle we’ve all faced in one form or another, and isn’t just particular to Kamala because she’s Muslim. Her religion is just one aspect of the many ways she defines herself.”
The character of Ms. Marvel received high praise when she was first introduced.
“The character of Kamala Khan has the opportunity to offer something new to pop-culture portrayals of Muslims. She is born in the United States, appears to be part of the post-9/11 generation and is a teenager,” said Hussein Rashid for CNN. While Muaaz Khan, writing for The Guardian, likened the character to that of Malala Yousafzai.
