After a long wait, Ms. Marvel has finally premiered on Disney+, introducing audiences to the lovable Kamala Khan, played by Iman Vellani, and her friends and family, who are sure to become fan-favorites by the time the series concludes.
Though Ms. Marvel tells a relatively self-contained story within a far broader franchise, it also carries with it several major allusions to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, giving fans a glimpse at what the live-action Earth-616 (comics Earth-199999) looks like post-Blip.
AvengerCon
A major aspect of the opening episode of Ms. Marvel included Kamala Khan's yearning to go to the very first annual AvengerCon in Jersey City, where the citizens of the world come together to celebrate Earth's Mightiest Heroes amongst other superhero enthusiasts.
The existence of AvengerCon in the MCU alludes to the emerging attitude toward superheroes among everyday people. While the citizens of the world have been somewhat wary of the Avengers in the past, it would seem that they are starting to accept and celebrate these heroes after the Battle of Earth, with fandoms beginning to form around certain superheroes to mirror the real world.
A Tribute
While attending AvengerCon, Kamala and her best friend, Bruno, come across an artistic tribute to Iron Man and Black Widow, both of whom gave their lives to defeat Thanos in Avengers: Endgame. The touching tribute includes various "thank yous" from people whose lives were saved by their heroism, and a banner that reads "Thank You For Your Sacrifice."
The presence of this tribute finally does justice to the sacrifice of Natasha Romanoff, who has often been ignored in the post-Endgame MCU. While audiences have seen Tony Stark tributes in other projects, especially Spider-Man: Far From Home, it is good to see that Natasha hasn't been forgotten either.
The Battle Of Earth
Ms. Marvel's premiere episode begins with Kamala's recap of prior events in the MCU, including the Avengers' battle with Thanos in a desperate effort to keep him from destroying all life in the universe. This opening monologue is apparently the conclusion to a ten-part web series Kamala is putting together regarding Captain Marvel and the Battle of Earth.
This sequence shows Kamala's pure enthusiasm for the superheroes in her world and acts as the first instance in which the term "The Battle of Earth" has been used in the universe. The title had previously only been used by fans to refer to the final battle between Thanos and the Avengers at the ruins of the Avengers Compound in upstate New York.
Scott Lang's Podcast
The opening monologue of Ms. Marvel's first episode includes a reference to "Big Me Little Me," a podcast interview given by Scott Lang, Ant-Man, himself. Kamala claims to have diligently studied multiple interviews given by Lang, learning plenty about the Battle of Earth and her personal hero, Captain Marvel.
This reference is far more than a throwaway joke about Scott Lang evidently spending his free time building the Avengers fanbase. In fact, it answers a lingering question fans have had about the post-Blip MCU in that viewers finally know how the people of Earth know so much about Thanos's invasion--apparently (all has been revealed by one tiny Avenger with an apparently very large mouth).
Differing Views On Captain Marvel
During her web series on the heroic Captain Marvel, Kamala interestingly alludes to what seems to be a prevailing opinion that Carol Danvers abandoned the people of Earth. It appears as though Danvers's public reputation has hit some bumps in the road as she remains absent from recent events involving other superheroes.
This moment, combined with Monica Rambeau's seeming coldness to the mention of Carol Danvers in Wandavision, could set up Captain Marvel's future in the MCU as a controversial figure. It also implies that the cosmically-powered superhero hasn't been seen since the Battle of Earth, possibly hinting at a rising threat that will be addressed in next year's Captain Marvel sequel, The Marvels.
Thor's Hobbies
Kamala ends her recap of the Battle of Earth with a promise to her viewers that her next project will be a two-part series proving that Thor, the God of Thunder, is a gamer. While meant as a throwaway joke, Kamala isn't too far off-base with her assertions.
When the audience reunites with Thor after Endgame's five-year time jump, the son of Odin had retreated into his shack in New Asgard for days at a time, spending his time drinking beer and playing video games with Korg and Miek. Fans will remember Thor's angry rant against fellow gamer NoobMaster69, whose identity was once a heated topic of debate among Marvel fans.
Ant-Man And The Wasp
After finishing her latest video diary, Kamala Khan scrolls through some of her previous videos, eventually clicking on one from two weeks prior, titled "Ant-Man and the Wasp's romantic vacation in Paris!" This is one of several references to Ant-Man throughout the premiere episode and the first reference to the Wasp in the entirety of Phase 4.
While little detail is given on Scott and Hope's romantic getaway to France, their vacation could serve as a subtle setup for the upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, perhaps acting as the setting for the first act of the plot before the film's star-studded cast takes their inevitable trip into the Quantum Realm.
Nega-Band
During the course of Ms. Marvel's first episode, Kamala searches for the perfect finishing touch for her Captain Marvel cosplay, eventually settling for a strange armband that her grandmother had sent to her house earlier in the episode. This band proves to be far more than an accessory, however, granting Kamala strange cosmic powers.
This arm bracelet could, in fact, be the MCU's version of a Nega-Band. In Marvel Comics, Nega-Bands were Kree relics that converted mental energy into physical, much like Kamala seems capable of doing while wearing her own armband. The comic book version of these important weapons has been owned by characters like the original Captain Marvel and Ms. Marvel herself.
The Star-Spangled Man
Captain America's presence is clearly felt throughout AvengersCon as Kamala and Bruno make their way through the various exhibits. In fact, the event itself takes place at Camp Lehigh, the birthplace of Captain America, previously depicted in the first two Captain America movies and, more recently, in Avengers: Endgame. The Captain's signature theme song, "The Star-Spangled Man," is also heard playing throughout the convention hall.
The adoration for Steve Rogers's heroism continues a theme begun in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in carrying on the legacy of superheroes that have either died or passed on their mantles to someone else. Unbeknownst to her, Kamala Khan will soon become a hero much like Captain Marvel, perhaps even one day carrying on her legacy after the more experienced hero's time in the MCU has come to a close.
Damage Control
The first episode of Ms. Marvel includes a post-credits scene revealing two agents working for the Department of Damage Control (the department set up by Tony Stark to handle the fallout of superhero conflict). One of these individuals is Agent Cleary, with Arian Moayed reprising his role from Spider-Man: No Way Home.
The presence of the Department of Damage Control so early in the series hints that the organization will have an important role to play in future episodes, as well as in the MCU's current storyline. The DODC has been largely relegated to the background since its introduction in Spider-Man: Homecoming, but may yet have a part to play as the fallout of superhero battles becomes increasingly destructive. This post-credit scene may also hint at the return of Tyne Daly's Anne Marie Hoag, the director of Damage Control, who hasn't been seen in the MCU for several years.
Ant-Man's Agelessness
The second episode of Ms. Marvel includes a delightful exchange between Kamala and Bruno as they discuss the nature of her newfound powers, during which Kamala posits that she might be similar to Ant-Man, reasoning "we're both charming and look a lot younger than we are."
Other than a casual reference to who is clearly one of Kamala's favorite Avengers, this allusion is also a fun meta-joke about 53-year-old Paul Rudd's seeming agelessness, something that has been the subject of plenty of memes from baffled fans.
The Source Of Kamala's Powers
Shortly after testing out Kamala's new powers, she and Bruno ascertain that, though her family's bangle seems to have unlocked this ability to create "hard light," the power itself actually comes from within Kamala, stemming from her DNA. Kamala jokes around with Bruno, wondering if she's Asgardian.
While it is unlikely that Kamala herself is an Asgardian, the third episode of the series would go on to explain that she is descended from ancient Djinn, making her not fully human. This revelation may be a way of masking Kamala's true origins, however, of being an Inhuman, as is the case in the comics. If this is the case, it would be the perfect way to connect Ms. Marvel to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., as that series dealt heavily with the introduction of the Inhumans to the MCU.
"Let Me Go"
Kamala and Bruno play with the audience's heart somewhat in the second episode when, after a malfunction with Kamala's new powers leaves her hanging from the edge of a roof, Bruno desperately grabs her arm and tries to pull her back up. Seeing that her friend is unsuccessful, Kamala dramatically bids he let her go, only for her to drop a full two feet onto the ledge beneath her.
This is an obvious reference to Black Widow's far more tragic death scene on Vormir in Avengers: Endgame. While it is unlikely that Kamala and Bruno were directly referencing the Avenger's death, the scene is a clear nod to MCU fans everywhere who still aren't quite over Natasha's sacrifice.
Kingo
While on her first date with Kamran, Kamala discusses her love of Bollywood films. Naturally, over the course of their conversation, Kingo is namedropped, leading Kamala and Kamran to discuss the generations of Bollywood stars with that name.
Fans will recognize Kingo as Kumail Nanjiani's character from Eternals, who became a Bollywood actor after he and the other Eternals split up. While the general public, including Kamala and Kamran, believes that Kingo is a name passed down through generations, audiences know that the various Kingos through the years have indeed been one and the same.
The Illumin-Aunties
While at a gathering of her community, Kamala, Nakia, and Bruno lovingly refer to a group of gossiping women as the "Illumin-Aunties," before strategizing exactly how they will persuade this clique to support Nakia's bid to win a seat on the mosque board.
Although this is a casual joke on behalf of Kamala, Nakia, and Bruno, MCU fans will undoubtedly be reminded of the true Illuminati, a version of which was recently introduced in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The version of this group depicted on Earth-838 happened to feature Black Bolt, the king of the Inhumans, who has a very close connection to Ms. Marvel in the comics.
E.D.I.T.H. Drones
At the end of Ms. Marvel's second episode, Kamala is hunted down by the Department of Damage Control, which sends a drone to track her movements before cornering her in an alleyway. Kamala is able to narrowly escape with the help of Kamran but is very nearly caught by these very familiar-looking drones.
Fans will undoubtedly recognize these drones as the very same that were used by Mysterio in Spider-Man: Far From Home. Designed by Tony Stark to be controlled through the E.D.I.T.H. glasses that he eventually would give to Peter Parker, these drones were seized by Damage Control along with the glasses after they raided the Parker apartment in No Way Home.
The Ten Rings
The opening scene of Ms. Marvel's third episode depicts Kamala's great-grandmother Aisha discovering the all-important mystic bangle alongside Najma and the other Djinn in an ancient temple. When the temple begins to be burned down by the British, however, the symbol of the Ten Rings can be clearly seen etched into the floor.
The Ten Rings is a terrorist organization that was responsible for the kidnapping of Tony Stark in Iron Man. They would later be revealed to be led by Xu Wenwu in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, who, as an ancient being himself, would have been the leader of the organization at the time of this flashback. While the series has yet to explain whether or not Aisha or the other Djinn are directly connected to the Ten Rings themselves, the terrorist group will undoubtedly be a major part of the series moving forward.
Erik Selvig
After learning the truth of her origins from Najma and the other Djinn, Kamala asks Bruno about the prospects of interdimensional travel, sparking a memory in her friend of a paper he'd read by Dr. Erik Selvig about this very topic. Bruno is later depicted studying this paper, which delves into the events of the Battle of New York, for which Selvig was present in 2012's The Avengers.
Dr. Erik Selvig, of course, is a major character throughout the MCU, appearing in the first two entries of both the Thor and Avengers franchises. The character has not been seen, however, since Age of Ultron, though his likeness appeared on the thumbnail of a documentary in Far From Home. His name being dropped by Bruno in this episode, however, could indicate that Selvig's return is imminent, perhaps in the soon-coming Thor: Love and Thunder, where his longtime associate, Jane Foster, will also be making her return.
The Red Dagger
Ms. Marvel's fourth episode sees Kamala travel to visit her grandmother in Pakistan. There, she comes across Kareem, a member of a clandestine group of warriors known as the Red Daggers. These vigilante fighters protect the people of Karachi from danger, including that posed by the Clandestine.
The Red Dagger's appearance is a major revelation for fans of the comics, who will recognize the superhero persona as an associate of Ms. Marvel. The Pakistani hero eventually finds his way to Jersey City in the comics and even forges a partnership of sorts with Ms. Marvel herself. Given the MCU's constantly expanding catalogue of superheroes, Kareem may have a long and bright future ahead of him in the franchise.
Terrigenesis?
Near the end of Ms. Marvel's fifth episode, the remaining Djinn attempt to return to their home realm, only to be transformed into stone before crumbling into dust, leaving only their skeletons behind. This process, though unexplained, is eerily reminiscent to the Inhuman process of Terrigenesis.
Terrigenesis, as depicted in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and The Inhumans, is the birth process of an Inhuman that occurs when a human is exposed to Terrigen Mist. The subject then is transformed into solid stone. Those that emerge with powers become Inhumans, whereas those who crumble and die were devoid of the Inhuman gene.
Kamran's Powers
When Najma sacrifices herself to close the rift between realms, a supernatural occurrence connects her with her son, Kamran, seemingly giving him a similar power set to those demonstrated by Kamala throughout the series. Spooked by this, Kamran seeks help from Bruno.
Kamran's new powers remind comic book fans of the character's comic book origins, wherein both he and Kamala are Inhumans. In the comics, Kamran has the ability to create biokinetic charges, not unlike those he is seen performing in the series, indicating that he could follow a similar path to his comic book counterpart.
The Suit
As Kamala prepares for her final battle with Agent Deever and the Department of Damage Control, her mother presents her with something that is sure to give Ms. Marvel fans a start. Muneeba reveals that she has gotten Kamala a new super suit for her superhero endeavors, complete with a strikingly familiar emblem on its chest.
Heroes in the MCU often embark on long journeys to reach their comics-accurate suits and Kamala seems to be no exception. By episode six of her Disney+ series, she has finally completed this journey, adopting each portion of her classic comic book look.
"Enbiggen"
During the final battle of episode six, Kamala finds herself at a loss while attempting to protect Kamran from the Department of Damage Control soldiers. In a last-ditch effort to protect her friend, Kamala attempts to use her hard light powers to "embiggen" her body, stretching out her limbs to engage in battle once more.
Kamala's embiggening powers are a new take on the character's ability from the powers, which included stretching her body in a manner not unlike that of Reed Richards. While Ms. Marvel seemed to be steering away from this portion of the character's backstory, the finale reversed this trend, finally introducing a comics-accurate Ms. Marvel.
Mutants!
In the season's final moments, Bruno takes Kamala aside to tell her about a new variable he has discovered: a gene in her DNA that made her capable of such power. He calls this variation in Kamala's DNA a "mutation," warning her that this could make things far more complicated.
Fans around the world likely jumped on this trigger word, as Bruno seems to be indicating the very first confirmed mutant in the MCU. With the first few notes of the classic theme to X-Men: The Animated Series ringing out at the mention of a mutation, no one can be mistaken in concluding that the MCU's Kamala Khan is indeed a mutant, and not an Inhuman like her comics counterpart.
A Special Cameo
The post-credits scene of Ms. Marvel's final episode saw a strange mishap occur between Kamala and her bangle, causing the young hero to go careening through her closet door. When she emerges, she looks quite different, sporting the face of her idol, Carol Danvers.
This scene not only indicates the future that the characters of Kamala Khan and Carol Danvers will have together in The Marvels, but it also acts as a callback to Ms. Marvel's comics origin. In the comics, Kamala's powers are initially manifested by using her body's uncanny transformation ability to turn her into the spitting image of Carol Danvers. Kamala would masquerade as Danvers for a while before concluding that she is enough of a hero herself to wear her own face. This moment is a fun nod to this comic origin and an indication of what the audience might see from Kamala in her next appearance.