Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan) First Appearance: Captain Marvel #14 and How to Identify It

Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan) first appeared in Captain Marvel #14, published by Marvel. The source puts it this way: "she just appears in one panel as an anonymous bystander admiring the exploits of Captain Marvel".

• Background cameo, not named or on cover: there is no mention of Kamala in the story outline — she just appears in one panel as an anonymous bystander.
• Series/volume to look for: the issue to look for is Captain Marvel #14 from the 2012 series.
• Distinguishing this cameo from her later full reveal and own series: reading guides list All-New Marvel NOW! Point One (2014) #1 (also known as Ms. Marvel Infinite #1) and Captain Marvel (2012) #14 and #17 together as related extra reading, separate from her own ongoing series.

• Indicia: the small print on the first page or inside cover gives the issue number, date and publisher; reprints usually say so there.
• Cover price and barcode: a price or barcode format that did not exist in the year printed means a later edition.
• Paper and staples: decades-old newsprint is tan at the edges; bright white pages on an old date are a warning sign.
• Restoration: color touch, trimmed edges and married covers are common on expensive keys; a grading service can detect them.

Shoot the front cover flat, straight on, in even light, then the indicia page and the back cover. Include the top edge and staples in one frame. The app reads the title, issue number and cover and matches it against the checks above; the indicia photo settles most reprint questions.