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The Pulse #1-3

Jessica Jones: The Pulse - The Complete Collection

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Jessica Jones, breakout star of Brian Michael Bendis' hit series Alias, is back! And the ex-super hero-turned-private investigator is starting a new chapter in her life - working for the Daily Bugle's new super hero section, The Pulse! Jessica's first assignment: to uncover the identity of a former Bugle reporter's super-powered murderer! How is Norman Osborn involved? And how will Jessica's shocking discovery affect the entire Marvel Universe? And when Nick Fury's Secret War spills over into the streets, it hits Jessica and Luke Cage right where they live! With their lives in shambles, Jessica Jones decides to fight back! And finally, it's the moment you've been waiting for: the birth of Jessica and Luke's baby, and their wedding day!

COLLECTING: PULSE 1-9, 11-14; NEW AVENGERS ANNUAL 1

360 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2006

25 people are currently reading
589 people want to read

About the author

Brian Michael Bendis

4,417 books2,569 followers
A comic book writer and erstwhile artist. He has won critical acclaim (including five Eisner Awards) and is one of the most successful writers working in mainstream comics. For over eight years Bendis’s books have consistently sat in the top five best sellers on the nationwide comic and graphic novel sales charts.

Though he started as a writer and artist of independent noir fiction series, he shot to stardom as a writer of Marvel Comics' superhero books, particularly Ultimate Spider-Man.

Bendis first entered the comic world with the "Jinx" line of crime comics in 1995. This line has spawned the graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso (with Marc Andreyko), and Total Sell Out. Bendis is writing the film version of Jinx for Universal Pictures with Oscar-winner Charlize Theron attached to star and produce.

Bendis’s other projects include the Harvey, Eisner, and Eagle Award-nominated Powers (with Michael Avon Oeming) originally from Image Comics, now published by Marvel's new creator-owned imprint Icon Comics, and the Hollywood tell-all Fortune and Glory from Oni Press, both of which received an "A" from Entertainment Weekly.

Bendis is one of the premiere architects of Marvel's "Ultimate" line: comics specifically created for the new generation of comic readers. He has written every issue of Ultimate Spider-Man since its best-selling launch, and has also written for Ultimate Fantastic Four and Ultimate X-Men, as well as every issue of Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Ultimate Origin and Ultimate Six.

Brian is currently helming a renaissance for Marvel’s AVENGERS franchise by writing both New Avengers and Mighty Avengers along with the successful ‘event’ projects House Of M, Secret War, and this summer’s Secret Invasion.

He has also previously done work on Daredevil, Alias, and The Pulse.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
Profile Image for Baba.
4,069 reviews1,515 followers
August 17, 2022
The next steps for Jessica Jones starts with The Pulse, Vol. 1: Thin Air, in which we get a look at how the digital revolution impacted on The Daily Bugle, what role Jessica Jones got, how Ben Ulrich got a new lease of life and most importantly of all… the final part of an ongoing media and wide war between the paper, and a major super villain. Despite the clever last days of print media backdrop this a pretty conventional superhero story for Bendis, and the Bagley art doesn't really work for this volume either.... despite all that this is a massive must-read for modern fans of the Daily Bugle, the Avengers, Spider-Man(!) etc, a must-read!

The next story is The Pulse, Vol. 2: Secret War, which follows up Secret War, but from the perspectives of The Pulse's cast. This is very nicely done as Jessica's life is turned upside down, and the Daily Bugle's put in the position to bring down SHIELD! Quite enjoyed this, but once again moves Jones more into the mainstream Marvel world.

The final parts cover The Pulse, Vol. 3: Fear, The Pulse: House of M Special (not included in this book, but I read it too) and New Avengers (2004-2010) Annual #1 covering a birth, a proposal and possible a marriage. All of this doesn't touch the story of D-Man and reporter Ben Ulrich looking at a man behind the mask! All in all a pretty top drawer book, but in my heart I know that Jessica is much better suited to mature content comics that this world of masks and capes! 8 out of 12.

2011 read; 2014 read; 2021 read
Profile Image for Anne.
4,739 reviews71.2k followers
March 21, 2024
I LOVED THIS.
Jessica needs healthcare and goes to work for J. Jonah Jameson at The Daily Bugle.
Hijinks ensue.

description

I think her real talent lies in being the regular Joe of the Marvel universe. Kind of the voice of the people. Somewhat overwhelmed and not really knowing her place in the world- just trying to figure out superpowers and motherhood and how all of that translates into her having a healthy baby with Luke Cage.

description

If you're trying to figure out what the reading order is, this picks up directly after Bendis' Alias run ends. Jessica Jones: Alias, for those of you who don't know, is the origin comic for this character.
That one ends with Jessica finding out she's pregnant with Cage's child, and this one continues on (in a PG manner) with how they make their relationship work. The stories crisscross with several major events including Secret War and it's cool to see everything from Jessica's vantage point.

description

This was just damn good storytelling and a great example of why Bendis was such a hot commodity there for a while.
In Alias, it seems that Luke is just one of her better booty calls, so the issue that shows how she and Luke actually met and why they hooked up to start with is pretty vital.
I ooohed when the baby was born, I ahhhhhed when they got married. Luke and Jessica really are one of the best couples in the Marvel universe.
This was a cool comic and I'm so glad I finally got a chance to read it.

description

Highly Recommended. <--but read Alias first
Profile Image for Jeff .
912 reviews815 followers
September 7, 2018
Jessica Jones has left her Marvel MAX – mature readers comic storylines behind so it’s family friendly fun for everyone.



Well, almost.

Jessica is pregnant with Luke Cage’s baby and needs a job with the health benefits.



J. Jonah Jamison, hater of all things Spider-Man, sees a need to start publishing super-hero friendly stuff so as to not alienate his readership.



“Let’s give those #@$%ing superheroes a splashy Sunday supplement.”

So he teams her up with star reporter Ben Urich. First thing on the agenda, people are disappearing from Oscorp Industries and they’re not taking “mental health” days. A reporter manipulates her way into an interview with Mr. Marvel Hair Club himself, Norman Osborn. She ends up interviewing “bad” Norman.



When Ben, Jessica and the cops come on the scene, things quickly get pumpkin bomb splody.



Don’t worry! The baby’s fine!

Luke, being the good boyfriend and baby daddy that he is, doesn’t let this stand.



Luke gets another opportunity to re-think the whole uniform issue.



And this is where the Pulse part of the series loses steam. Why? Secret War – Revenge Time. Nick Fury started a secret war against Latvaria, by hoodwinking some heroes, including Luke Cage, into invading the country, then mind wiping the event from their memory. Well, now it’s payback. Luke and Jessica are attacked. Luke disappears. Jessica goes on an odyssey in order to track him down.

During her adventures, Wolverine utters words I never want to read coming out of his mouth. Ever.



Not everyone plays nice.



After the “Fallout from the Invasion of the Secret War storyline”, the over-arching titular (heh) Pulse plot line is in tatters. Urich investigates the D-Man.



The D-Man offers up an alternate scenario for Infinity Wars.



Jessica has the baby.



And this title gets canceled.

Whoa, Jeff, doesn’t Luke and Jessica get married in this volume.



Of course, sorry, random Goodreader.

There’s a New Avengers annual tacked on at the end of this book, that doesn’t really follow the super hero wedding by-laws – ergo, i.e. if two superheroes or therein friends and families of said superheroes join in holy matrimony, then the ceremony must be interrupted by ne’er-do- wells bent on revenge, destruction, ill will or the crashing of the aforementioned nuptials.

Stan Lee had that sh*t drafted into the Magna Carta. It’s the law.

What we get is an Avengers story (the blonde, hot, Black Widow gets turned into an angry power-absorbing cartoon by an A.I.M./HYDRA team-up that’s perfunctorily dealt with…



…oh, and there’s a wedding. With Stan Lee presiding.



I think the editors cut the part out where Captain America sings “Wind Beneath My Wings”.

Bottom Line - This would be an awkward gateway for any new Jessica Jones readers and those who like the TV show and want more of the same. Bendis provides some fine moments, but it’s like watching a cork bobbing in a body of water – my eyes (and mind) glaze over during the really dull parts. Plus, the art ranges from okay to Alex Maleev wannabe. It’s like the guy/gal who want to remake their new squeeze into a carbon copy of a previous beloved one. Ich, just, no.

Three and one half stars rounded down because I smiled slightly more than I grumbled.



Mazel Tov? Wait! Wolverine is Jewish?
Profile Image for Sesana.
6,270 reviews329 followers
November 13, 2014
A sort of conclusion to Jessica Jones's story, or at least a sort of handing her over to the mainstream Marvel U. I have absolutely no complaints. Jessica is a fantastic character, and she's in fine form here. And not just her. See, this was supposed to be a sort of press level look at Marvel, which sort of makes Ben Urich the co-star and the Daily Bugle a regular location. No complaints. Especially because, in my opinion, Bendis manages to give JJJ somewhat more nuance than I'm used to seeing from him, without losing any of his bombast.

The first major arc is essentially a murder mystery, starring the Green Goblin. Which means that Spidey plays a supporting role, and he's great here. His presence is natural, and he doesn't take over the book. And then there's the Secret War tie in. I've never read Secret War, so I had no idea what was going on. And for once, that actually sort of worked. Jessica has no idea what's going on, either, so I'm right with her. It's just as shocking to me as it is to her when Steve Rogers decks Nick Fury in a hospital room. Or when she runs across Wolverine in a dive bar and he is totally losing it. It did make me really curious as to what really was going on with Secret War, but now I'm kind of afraid that the reality won't live up to my vague ideas. And I kind of liked getting just the outsider perspective of a major (and majorly hushed up) event.

The last arc is much more personal. Jessica is having her baby, and deciding to marry Luke Cage. And Ben Urich is tracking down Z-list hero D-Man. They're much smaller stories, on a cosmic sense, and that can be really nice. Especially in contrast to what is obviously a very big story with the Secret War stuff. And it's a really nice way to wrap up the series. Unfortunately, I don't think that The Pulse ever quite lives up to its full potential. Sure, it's great, but given more time, I feel like it could have been really fantastic.
Profile Image for James DeSantis.
Author 17 books1,205 followers
February 26, 2017
This is almost like a Swan Song for Jessica Jones. It wrapped itself up pretty nicely in the original run. This feels a lot...lighter.

There's still great moments to be had with the character. Her giving birth, the party with the Avengers, gotta love the mystery of what's happening to Luke, and her telling JJ to go fuck himself. There's also great moment with Spider-man and Ben that really hits some great emotional moments. I really enjoyed those aspects of this huge book.

On flip side this doesn't feel as gritty or real life as the original run did. Also it doesn't really feel like a JJ book but more general look at the marvel universe in New York. It's fun but very very different that what I had come to expect with JJ as the main character (or somewhat main here). It took awhile to get into the flow of things.

Still worth reading for sure. Not AS strong as the original run Bendis did but still a nice little send off to a great character. Now let's hope her come back is as strong.
Profile Image for Anna Kay.
1,457 reviews161 followers
November 11, 2015
Yay! Just got my copy from Amazon in the mail today, for only $4! Now I just have to get my hands on the Alias series. But none of the libraries in my system had this one and it was $35 at the comic shop. So yeah, proud of myself for getting a good deal - just hope it's worth it. :)

Actual Review Upon Finishing

Really enjoyed this one! I liked the side story about the reporter murdered by Norman Osborn and other than one issue near the end, the art was a lot more to my taste as well! I didn't mind the Secret Wars stuff, because it was so vague it really had no lasting effects -- Jessica didn't know what was even going on! So it was easily forgotten. The thing with Hydra just reminded me what a badass Jessica Jones is, even when pregnant. Danny Rand is a fucking Dick though and she cut him more slack than he deserved. Overall, I'd recommend it if you want to continue on after the Alias series. Its more than worth it in my opinion. Could've done without the D-Man subplot though.

P.S. You know you're an adult when Luke Cage is trying to talk Jessica out of working for J. Jonah Jameson because he's a prick, and her "but we need the insurance" argument has you nodding your head. Amen to that sister, it's all about insurance!
Profile Image for Anthony.
812 reviews62 followers
August 18, 2014
The sequel to Alias.

This fully bridges Jessica Jones from the MAX universe into the mainstream Marvel Universe, and her appearing in nearly every Avengers comic book Bendis would write from this point out.

It starts with a simple but brilliant murder mystery involving the Green Goblin. It has Bendis writing 616 Spider-man (which he does really well. His quips always seem to bring a smile to my face) and has Mark Bagley on art. It shows the story mainly from the view point of the press, with clear shades of MARVELS present.

The second arc is a bit more tricky, because it's ties in to Secret War, which is a really good book, but if you've not read it you'll probably find the second part of this trade hard to follow. Luke Cage is badly wounded, and it's Jessica trying to deal with that whilst she's pregnant.

A lot of Jessica Jones stuff is her trying to deal with shit while she's either pregnant or holding her baby. You can see how much Bendis loves a character by how rough he treats them.

The final arc is the labour and birth, with Alias artist Michael Gaydos back on art. It features the New Avengers and Doctor Strange and is inter cut with Ben Urich investigating a D-man story. Still keeping focus on Jessica, but not forgetting that The Pulse was established as a press view of the Marvel Universe. All this climaxed in a wedding annual with art by Olivier Coipel.

The Pulse was a pretty good comic. It's one that I didn't like when I first read it because I was 14 and stupid. But now that I'm older and a bit less stupid, I can appreciate it better.
Profile Image for Scott Rhee.
2,310 reviews161 followers
May 16, 2019
Following the success of his Marvel MAX series "Jessica Jones, Alias", writer Brian Michael Bendis rightly didn't want to give up such a unique and likable character as Jessica, so he wrote another (short-lived) mini-series, "Jessica Jones: The Pulse", which followed Jessica's next chapter in her life as she goes to work at the Daily Bugle (at the request of Jonah Jameson himself), deals with being pregnant, can't decide whether to marry her baby-daddy, Luke Cage, and continues to struggle with her very un-superheroine-like bad attitude and potty mouth.

Like "Alias", "The Pulse" just adds more depth and humanity to the Marvel universe and fleshes out an already well-developed and likable character. My only problem with both series is that they both had to end. Thankfully, Jessica Jones can be found in occasional subsequent mini-series and now has a pretty great Netflix TV show (played adorably by Krysten Ritter).
Profile Image for Roman.
199 reviews
February 5, 2025
Серія "The Pulse" від Браяна Майкла Бендіса є єдиним коміксом про Джессіку Джонс від нього яку я не читав (хоча дві минулі я читав так давно, що про них можна сказати те саме) тож пора б це було змінити.

Перший сюжет триває п'ять номерів, у ньому Джессіка влаштовується на роботу в Дейлі Б'юґл в якості консультантки яка працюватиме у тамдемі з Беном Урізом для робити над колонкою "Пульс" про супергеройську спільноту. Першою історією для наших героїв стає розслідування вбивства репортерки з їх же газети. Суть у тому, що вона дізналася про зникнення людей в Озкорпі й думаю самі можете здогадатися чиї руки до неї дотягнулися.

Сама історія мені дуже сподобалась, Бендіс тут непогано попрацював з персонажами та динамікою між ними. Тут у нас і стосунки Джессіки та Люка й переживання першої щодо її вагітності, і напруження між Джоною та Беном через те, що Уріх не хоче розповісти йому особистість Дардевіла. Щодо Озборна то сцена з ним та репортеркою є одним з найкращих моментів з цим лиходієм які я тільки бачив. Єдине, що він тут по характеру та малюнку вийшов як Алтімейт версія, а не 616-на, що не дивно враховуючи, що над цим сюжетом працювала команда Алтімейт Павука. Ну і як я розумію то саме через це Норман в результаті потрапив до Громовержців.

Другий сюжет, який триває з 6 по 9 номери, це у нас чи то тай-ін, чи то невеликий сиквел до лімітки "Таємна Війна" від того ж Бендіса. Ось цей сюжет вийшов дуже паршивим і спантеличним. Суть у тому, що на Люка і Джессіку нападають, після чого Кейдж впадає у кому і зникає, через що Джонс весь сюжет бігає й намагається знайти свого бойфренда. Тут є цікавий момент коли йде обговорення між Джоною та Беном того як Щит впливає на газети та чи доцільно буде публікувати розкриття того що Ф'юрі вчинив таємну війну, однак все інше це старий недобрий Бендіс після якого так і хочеться спитати: "Щоб що?" Щодо малюнку в 6 і в 7 від Брента Андерсона то він, як на мене, вийшов досить паршивим, але на щастя у двох останніх ситуація дещо покращилася оскільки їх вже малював Майкл Ларк.

10 номер це у нас тай-ін до події "Династія М" яку писав Бенді. Історія зосереджується на Кетрін Фарелл, репортерці Дейлі Б'юґл, сам же сюжет на початку дещо перегукується з минулим та цензурою й неготовністю редакторки газети, яка є мутантом, давати дозвіл Кетрін розслідувати справу пов'язану з Щитом, друга ж половина присвячена зустрічі нашої героїні із Гоукаєм, яким у цьому світі є живим і виливає на неї відро експозиції та те, що він планує зробити з Вандою.

Останній сюжет розповідає про те, що Джессіка народжує і те як Нові Месники допомагають їй, паралельно цьому Уріх розслідує справу пов'язану з Ді-меном. І знову ж таки сюжет вийшов хорошим, історія Ді-мена вийшла досить навіть депресивною, в той час, як лінія Джессіки мали декілька кумедних та прикольних моментів, по типу Люка який намагається дістатися до коханої.  В останньому номері Бендіс також показує першу зустріч Джессіки та Люка й у кінці вона погоджується на його пропозиції руки та серця. Після чого вони одружилися в щорічнику Нових Месників… відгук на який відкладемо до кращих часів.

Загалом Пульс вийшов цілком окейною серію, яка місцями відчувається більше як додаток до усіх інших серій Бендіса того часу ніж своє. Аспект з репортерами та їх розслідуваннями є головним гайлайтом серії для мене і міг спокійно існувати як подальша головна лінія серії після виведення Джессіки з серії, а так є відчуття певного втраченого потенціалу.
Profile Image for Althea J..
363 reviews30 followers
November 8, 2015
This was disappointing.

The idea for this series has so much potential!! Jessica Jones is brought on as a consultant to the Daily Bugle for a special superhero section written by Ben Urich. Alias, the stellar series featuring Jessica Jones and one of my top 5 favorite comics series ever, totally establishes a plausible context for this development --- J. Jonah Jameson wouldn't ally himself with a superhero if he hadn't seen firsthand how Jessica helped his own family in a time of crisis, as she did in one of the Alias story lines.

This book started out strong with its first story arc but took a left turn in the 2nd story arc (which was a tie-in to the crossover Marvel event Secret War) and never really found its way back. Instead of exploring the creative possibilities that were set up by the interesting premise, The Pulse ended up being a vehicle for other stories Bendis was writing that were taking place in the Marvel Universe (except for Ben Urich's B-story investigating a down-on-his-luck former superhero, and that didn't involve Jessica at all).

Alias was a standout because of the rich character development. In that book it was like Bendis was taking his time and really delving into who Jessica was and how she interacted with the world. Reading The Pulse, I wondered who this Jessica was. For most of the book she lacked the spunk and agency that made her such an awesome character. I get that she's pregnant and that might alter her behaviors and priorities, but weepy-pregnant-lady is such a boring note to constantly be playing. She and Luke Cage felt flat and there was no chemistry between them. I don't know much about Luke Cage beyond what I saw in Alias, and I certainly don't feel like I know him any better now. I didn't feel emotionally invested in what happened to Jessica, which is off-putting because she is one of my all-time favorite characters.
Profile Image for Bridgettearlee.
58 reviews
January 26, 2016
The focus in the Pulse collection is certainly wider than Jones's Alias series, but happily she remains the central figure. Gaydos wasn't able to come to the series until many issues into its run, which is unfortunate for anyone who grew attached to his portrayal of her in Alias.

The first issues inked by Bagley are visually interesting but a frustrating departure from Jones's previous portrayal. Bagley's version sees a more refined face with bigger lips, smaller waist, bigger hips, wearing skirts, heels, and anxious, bewildered faces. It's a more vulnerable and sexualized version of Jessica, and it takes away so many of the elements that I love about her. To his credit, Bagley seems a reasonable pick for the first story arc given how integrated Pulse's first issues are in the Spider-Man world. But it left me wishing Spider-Man had come to Jones's world instead of the other way around.

Luckily, the rest of the artists seem to have understood Jones a bit better and her tough, leather jacket sporting, jeans and tennis shoe wearing visage returns.

The tie-ins here are interesting and retained some of the grittier feel of the Max line while keeping it pg-13. I appreciate that this compilation includes the New Avengers issue that tied up some loose ends from the final Pulse issue. Fans of Ben Urich will enjoy this series as well, as we see him working on stories and becoming an ally for Jones.
Profile Image for Kelsey.
81 reviews
August 19, 2015
Jessica Jones for best Team Mom. and BRAVO for the scene between superhero women discussing parenting and motherhood anxieties. bless just goddamn bless.

and lol Peter and Cap for being the most precious sidekicks ever.

This will probably be the thing that sends me over the edge into wanting to read every Avengers comic ever. The whole team working together is soooo much better than I thought could be... more more more.

also can someone give wolverine a hug? omg.
Profile Image for Kristin Boldon.
1,175 reviews45 followers
May 26, 2015
Oh, Jessica Jones, what happened to you? You were such a fierce bada$$ in your own series, Alias, and now you end up running around crying that you can't find your baby daddy and that you're pregnant. The art in the first arc of this collection was so bad it made me alternately want to laugh or cry. Jessica and Luke Cage deserve better! It finished strong with the reunion of the Alias creative team, but overall was not worth $35.
Profile Image for Miri Gifford .
1,634 reviews73 followers
December 20, 2016
All I care about is that this gave me more Jessica Jones. There were ups and downs, things I disliked, and the artwork was really disappointing for the first several issues—it just never felt right until we got Michael Gaydos back, finally, in issue eleven. I wish they'd just keep doing JJ solo comics, but if she's going to be merged into the Avengers universe I'm okay with that. As long as she's around.
Profile Image for ir.
254 reviews38 followers
July 22, 2025
(4.5 rating -> rounded up)

JESSICA JONES COMICS ARE ACTUALLY AMAZING, underrated gems. she is such a unique and great person!! i love her relationship with luke cage and it is SO cute. he too is a great guy. ben urich shone in this collection a lot as well. the plot was interesting all the time - specifically concerning the green goblin (luke beating him up and spiderman and urich’s talk) and d-man (his entire talk with urich and daredevil coming to help him). the art isn’t that good but standard for comics.
Profile Image for D.H. Hanni.
Author 2 books4 followers
October 27, 2015
Closer to 1.5 stars. I can't believe this is supposed to be the same character introduced in Alias. Supposedly the creator was behind The Pulse but the character development in non-existent. In fact the character of Jessica Jones was gutted into nothing more than a whiny human. All she talks about is how she's pregnant and can't shouldn't be doing anything. Then when Luke Cage is moved to a different facility after some injuries, the motivation for which was never explained, she whines for more than an issue about "Where's Luke?" and "My baby!". Seriously grating. Apparently when the writer can't use cuss words or have a very small amount of sex, they can't write a character.

Overall this was pretty much just a vehicle for several other characters in the Marvel universe. Mainly Ben Urich and J. Jonah Jameson. I have no idea why this is advertised as being a Jessica Jones vehicle when she doesn't do anything. Supposedly she works for The Daily Bugle with Ben Urich to profile and break stories about superheroes but she doesn't even do that. I have no idea why The Green Goblin and Spider-man have pretty much an entire issue devoted to them with only a very threadbare connection to Jessica Jones.

I'm hoping that the producers of Netflix's "Jessica Jones" does not pull material from The Pulse. Or at least any of the characterization of Jessica from this. Stick with the tone and emotional depth and character of Jessica Jones as presented in Alias.

Also, this is advertised as being complete yet is missing issue #10 with no explanation given. So yeah, it may be an official omnibus put out by Marvel but it's not complete.
Profile Image for Renata.
2,918 reviews433 followers
October 19, 2015
I read this right after reading Jessica Jones: Alias, Vol. 1 and it's a different, lighter tone, but still the same tough, awesome Jessica. I enjoyed the use of the Daily Bugle and media within the Marvel universe, as well as the other superheroes looped in here. Particularly there's a little side story about Daredevil that I definitely teared up at.

Also--I've only read the first volume of the Alias series so Jessica & Luke aren't together yet at that point, but I like them a lot as a couple here <3

I did order this as teen and I think it's okay here--all the cursing is #(*$#ed out ;)
Profile Image for Hilary "Fox".
2,154 reviews68 followers
September 18, 2019
No longer MAX, but still not exactly family friendly, Jessica Jones returns in a follow up to the Alias series.

Pregnant with Luke Cage's baby, Jessica is trying to get a job, get her relationship to work, and in general just figure out how to get her life together when fate seems to be throwing her curveball after curveball. She hung up her superhero suit years ago, but keeps getting drawn into the drama of the supes. Not a good way for things to be going is it?

While not as streamlined as Alias for the most part was, Pulse was still a very fun read. There's Green Goblin and Hydra, Peter Parker and Wolverine, and is that Nick Fury up to... well, whatever Nick Fury is up to?

The rating is 3 rather than 4 stars for my general grievances with Bendis. I feel as if some of his characterization has a tendency to be off, particularly with Luke Cage. Also, not nearly enough Iron Fist in this for my liking. There should be a bit more of him around to at least establish the bare bones of a relationship before the scenes we get with him in this...

Overall, though? A good read that ended at a really weird point and shows no sign of picking up elsewhere. Once more, Bendis, what the hell? Can't Jessica finally have a decent wrap up somewhere?
156 reviews
November 14, 2019
While there were some great moments in this collection, there are a few things that made it a bit of a disappointing read. The Pulse loses a bit of the grit that made the Alias series so great and loses focus, particularly after the first story arc which revolves around the green goblin. At times, Jessica Jones fell to the sidelines even though she's supposed to be the main character. Outside of the characters, there are limited links between the different story arcs. While this is probably because they weren't originally meant to be read alltogether, this weakens the reading experience, especially as one of the story arc the fallout of events which occur outside the Jessica Jones series. As well, based on the summary, I was expected to read about Jessica Jones doing some investigating work for the Daily Bugle, but we don't ger to see any of it and some significant turns in her working relationship with J. Jonah Jameson happen off screen.

That being said, there are many scenes which I loved. There are a lot of cute moments between Luke and Jessica, including the story of their first meeting and the birth of their daughter. And any scene with J. Jonah Jameson is great. Despite some flaws, I still had a lot of fun reading this collection and I'm excited to see what awaits Jessica Jones next.
Profile Image for Eva B..
1,573 reviews443 followers
December 22, 2023
The Osborn volumes didn’t really do it for me but I loved the ones following the attack on the apartment and Danielle’s birth.
Profile Image for Zach Cleland.
41 reviews
July 9, 2023
I really wasn’t a fan of the paneling. It would go back and forth between using both pages or only one and often didn’t have a clear indicator leading to many skips in dialog and then having to go back.
Profile Image for Roman Colombo.
Author 4 books35 followers
June 16, 2017
I thought there was no way this could be as good as Alias...but it was. It's a perfect continuation of Bendis's work in Alias, even if the MAX is gone. And we get some good development for Ben Ulrich, J Jonah Jameson, Luke Cage, and D-Man--YES! D-Man!
All of the artists are great too, adding some different touches to each story.

Oh, and what's this? Bendis just started a new Jessica Jones series? Well now...
Profile Image for Dan.
2,234 reviews66 followers
August 3, 2016
For those who want to read this because of the Netflix show...this is not the same thing. Especially if you're one of those super hero comics haters.. This is pure drama with supes all thru out. It was almost a 2 star book until the last portion.
Profile Image for Lorena.
1,084 reviews213 followers
December 30, 2016
I came to the comics after watching the Netflix series, and I was frankly surprised at how the series had managed to make so much meaning out of so little material. I'll stick with the show.
Profile Image for Amy.
722 reviews10 followers
December 31, 2016
Art is a little inconsistent, but it's still fun to see Jessica's further adventures. Finished this, with Jessica and Luke's wedding at the end, the day before my own engagement. Weee!
Profile Image for C. Varn.
Author 3 books397 followers
December 25, 2017
So much promise

Bendis lost something in this run: Alias had a lot of vision and had a Marvel product that legitimately rivaled the best of the Vertigo run. This premise had equal promise, going into the world of the Daily Bugle realistically which Ben Urlich and Jessica Jones together.

Yet the writing just isn't up to it. Bendis has strong dialogue and in the last arc with Urlich and the D-man nearly perfect, but there are too many crossovers, too many characters that get simplified, and a weird inability for the book to stick to a tone. Mark Bagley's artwork is strong and clean but doesn't thematically fit, Anderson's figure work seems muddled, and only when Gaydos returns for the last arc does title seem to get a tonal match.

The final New Avengers plot was both a tonal and stylistic mega-shift to which the marriage of Luke Cage and Jessica Jones seems entirely incidental.

Like many have said, a mixed bag.
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