Marvel’s latest superhero takes an earnest step forward in diversity

Iman Vellani, who plays the title character in Ms. Marvel

Inkoo Kang© Washington Post

The two halves of high-schooler Kamala Khan’s life initially seem unbridgeable. By day, she’s a second-generation Pakistani American teen with strict parents and a low profile at school. By night, she’s an Avengers stan, creating fan videos of the battle against Thanos, though her favourite is Captain Marvel, the space-travelling former fighter pilot played by Brie Larson in the movies.