Phase 4 Broke A Cardinal Rule & Changed The MCU For The Better

Warning! SPOILERS for Ms. Marvel episode 3 ahead.

The MCU Phase 4 is treating its superheroes differently from previous phases, with Ms. Marvel especially breaking one specific superhero rule and bettering the MCU for it. Whether revisiting heroes introduced in previous MCU phases by making them the stars of their own TV shows as they did with Hawkeye or introducing new ones as Marvel did with Ms. Marvel, the heroes’ families’ involvement in the story marks a difference in Marvel’s Phase 4. While one’s family’s absence or destruction was always instrumental in the making of a Marvel hero, Phase 4 introduced a hopeful trend that not only differentiates its heroes’ stories from previous ones but also makes their stories less traumatic.

The heroes of MCU’s Phases 1-3 all had one thing in common: their isolation. Whether they lost their biological family, like Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) who lost his parents Howard Stark and Maria, or their chosen one, as with Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) losing Bucky (Sebastian Stan) in Captain America: The First Avenger, almost all the original members of the Avengers had the loss of their families in common. If they didn’t lose them before becoming superheroes, as it was the case for Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), losing them later prompted them to continue their work.

MCU’s Phase 4 highlighted a different path for Marvel superheroes, whose families are not only alive but also supportive of them. This is especially true of Ms. Marvel. Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) has not only an immediate supportive family but also supportive friends who are in on her superpowers. She also has her Muslim community ready to protect and support her even though they don’t know she’s the superhero Night Light. Ms. Marvel episode 3 in particular highlights how Kamala’s parents are worried about her and want to know more about her circumstances in order to help her. Kamala’s involvement with the ClanDestines, led by Najma (Nimra Bucha), would put Muneeba (Zenobia Shroff) and Yusuf (Mohan Kapoor) even in more danger than they’ve already been, so it makes sense that she refuses to tell them the truth in Ms. Marvel episode 3. Still, their interest and unwavering support for Kamala highlights how Phase 4 is going in a different direction when setting up new superheroes. These superheroes are not fulfilling their destinies by overcoming family trauma, but by discovering their superpowers and facing obstacles with the support of family around them.

Phase 4 Broke A Cardinal Rule & Changed The MCU For The Better

Ms. Marvel only built upon this trend, however. This change can also be seen in Phase 4 films, such as Black Widow revisiting Natasha’s (Scarlett Johansson) childhood and her adoptive Russian family. It’s even more apparent, however, in the Marvel shows released on Disney+. While Hawkeye served as an introduction to Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) taking the mantle from Clint, it also overwhelmingly presented supportive family themes. Clint’s entire family actively supports him, knowing about his history and being mindful of his feelings. Another added layer was found in his mentoring Kate, which touched upon the idea of found family, especially in Hawkeye episode 4 when they celebrated Christmas at Kate’s aunt’s apartment.

MCU’s Phase 4’s new trend is particularly interesting as it creates the possibility of telling more superhero stories that aren’t necessarily steeped in trauma. Due to the nature of the fights and battles in the MCU, eliminating loss or the threat of loss for its heroes isn’t feasible nor desirable, as it would make for flatter stories. Still, it’s heartwarming that MCU Phase 4 isn’t pushing additional family trauma on its heroes. Just as Ms. Marvel is doing, it’s letting them find their way while still being able to rely on their badly needed support systems.

New episodes of Ms. Marvel release every Wednesday on Disney+.

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