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A review by mattquann
Alias, Vol. 1 Omnibus by Brian Michael Bendis, Michael Gaydos
4.0
4.5 Stars. Though it happens rarely, on occasion I'm required to consult the comic book back-catalogue to familiarize myself with a character before they make their way to the big (or small) screen. Following on Netflix's success with "Daredevil", Marvel Studios will be dropping a season of "Jessica Jones" based on the "Alias" series by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos. For anyone familiar with modern Marvel comics, "Alias" will come as a breath of fresh air, primarily because the character of Jessica Jones is so complex and cool! A retired superhero-turned-private detective, Jessica Jones investigates crimes that brush the borders of the fantastical Marvel universe while remaining a gritty, realistic comic book. What's more, this is an a comic book made for adults. The first issue opens with "Fuck!" and Jessica Jones is a hard-drinking, heavy smoking lady who happens to be a tad promiscuous, leading to a good deal of on-panel nudity. In short, don't give this one to your kids.
Despite the super heroic underpinnings, "Alias" remains grounded in part due to its gritty, street-based narrative, and in part due to the complex issues Jessica faces over the 28-issue series. Sex and adult relationships play a huge part in the ongoing storyline between individual crime arcs, though it never feels gratuitous. Jessica Jones has a complicated and troubled past, leading to a great deal of dramatic tension as we wonder how or if Jessica will clean up her act. The actual writing is spot-on and, like much of Bendis' writing, is very text-heavy. In a similar vein to his "Daredevil" run, the heavy text is wholly appropriate for the noir tale. Extended exposition through Jessica's internal monologue is contrasted with realistic and interesting dialogue. What's more, Michael Gaydos' art pulls more from independent comics than the mainstream, giving "Alias" a unique visual identity and also making the talking head portions emotive and hard-hitting.
After reading the first issue of "Alias" I was unimpressed. Jessica Jones is a frustrating character on a path of self-destruction when we meet her. Yet as the story continued, Jessica becomes increasingly sympathetic and interesting. In the afterwords, Bendis describes how Jessica's prickly persona was designed to become more accessible as the story progressed. In much of the same manner, the cases take on an increasing level of intrigue while tackling radically different topics. "Alias" both entertained me and made me exceptionally excited for the upcoming Netflix take on the character. This story is removed enough from continuity that it will be accessible to those unfamiliar with Marvel and should be investigated (pardon the pun) by anyone interested in strong female protagonists and Marvel's more realistic output.
Despite the super heroic underpinnings, "Alias" remains grounded in part due to its gritty, street-based narrative, and in part due to the complex issues Jessica faces over the 28-issue series. Sex and adult relationships play a huge part in the ongoing storyline between individual crime arcs, though it never feels gratuitous. Jessica Jones has a complicated and troubled past, leading to a great deal of dramatic tension as we wonder how or if Jessica will clean up her act. The actual writing is spot-on and, like much of Bendis' writing, is very text-heavy. In a similar vein to his "Daredevil" run, the heavy text is wholly appropriate for the noir tale. Extended exposition through Jessica's internal monologue is contrasted with realistic and interesting dialogue. What's more, Michael Gaydos' art pulls more from independent comics than the mainstream, giving "Alias" a unique visual identity and also making the talking head portions emotive and hard-hitting.
After reading the first issue of "Alias" I was unimpressed. Jessica Jones is a frustrating character on a path of self-destruction when we meet her. Yet as the story continued, Jessica becomes increasingly sympathetic and interesting. In the afterwords, Bendis describes how Jessica's prickly persona was designed to become more accessible as the story progressed. In much of the same manner, the cases take on an increasing level of intrigue while tackling radically different topics. "Alias" both entertained me and made me exceptionally excited for the upcoming Netflix take on the character. This story is removed enough from continuity that it will be accessible to those unfamiliar with Marvel and should be investigated (pardon the pun) by anyone interested in strong female protagonists and Marvel's more realistic output.