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Alias #1-2
Alias Ultimate Collection Vol. 1 (Alias
Collects Alias #1-15.
Meet Jessica Jones. Once upon a time, she was a costumed super hero. But not a very good one. Her powers were unremarkable compared to the amazing abilities of the costumed icons that populate the Marvel Universe. In a city of Marvels, Jessica Jones never found her niche. Now a chain-smoking, self-destructive alcoholic with a mean inferiority complex, Jones is the owner and sole employee of Alias Investigations—a small, private-investigative firm specializing in superhuman cases. When she uncovers the potentially explosive secret of one hero’s true identity, Jessica’s life immediately becomes expendable. But her wit, charm and intelligence just may help her survive through another day. Thrust into the midst of a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels, has Jessica burned too many bridges to turn to old friends for help? Then, in “Rebecca, Come Home,” Jessica travels to upstate New York to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl rumored to be a mutant in a prejudiced small town. And in “Raining Men,” the hard-luck PI goes on a date with ... the Astonishing Ant-Man?!
Meet Jessica Jones. Once upon a time, she was a costumed super hero. But not a very good one. Her powers were unremarkable compared to the amazing abilities of the costumed icons that populate the Marvel Universe. In a city of Marvels, Jessica Jones never found her niche. Now a chain-smoking, self-destructive alcoholic with a mean inferiority complex, Jones is the owner and sole employee of Alias Investigations—a small, private-investigative firm specializing in superhuman cases. When she uncovers the potentially explosive secret of one hero’s true identity, Jessica’s life immediately becomes expendable. But her wit, charm and intelligence just may help her survive through another day. Thrust into the midst of a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels, has Jessica burned too many bridges to turn to old friends for help? Then, in “Rebecca, Come Home,” Jessica travels to upstate New York to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl rumored to be a mutant in a prejudiced small town. And in “Raining Men,” the hard-luck PI goes on a date with ... the Astonishing Ant-Man?!
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2009
36 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Brian Michael Bendis
4,409 books2,574 followersA 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.
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 62 reviews
November 13, 2022
She's a private investigator that runs her own business, she likes drinking and casual sex, she's at least a size 14 and average looking... she's also an ex-superhero and has powers that she's not good at using! Brian Michael Bendis tears up the Marvel Universe handbook alongside original styled artist Michael Gaydos, with this potty mouthed anti-heroine embedded deep in the Marvel Universe but debuting in this series!
Original part of the for mature audiences Max Comics Marvel sub-brand, this ground breaking work got of to a great start with Alias, Vol. 1 where Jessica finds herself drawn into a conspiracy that she didn't even know existed and then in a search for a missing superhero sidekick! Both stories are great on multiple levels from the single person point of view (Jessica's) to the poignant conclusions that are as complex and unresolved feeling as the real world. Then we have 'Come Home' where Jessica seeks out a 16 year old runaway in a town where most residents lavish in their ignorance and intolerance.
The only real downside having read this before, and knowing just how even better it gets, it doesn't allow me to fully appreciate these first one and half volumes as I should! Welcome to the Marvel Universe finally growing up! A solid Four Star, 8 out of 12 for this gem.
2012 read
Original part of the for mature audiences Max Comics Marvel sub-brand, this ground breaking work got of to a great start with Alias, Vol. 1 where Jessica finds herself drawn into a conspiracy that she didn't even know existed and then in a search for a missing superhero sidekick! Both stories are great on multiple levels from the single person point of view (Jessica's) to the poignant conclusions that are as complex and unresolved feeling as the real world. Then we have 'Come Home' where Jessica seeks out a 16 year old runaway in a town where most residents lavish in their ignorance and intolerance.
The only real downside having read this before, and knowing just how even better it gets, it doesn't allow me to fully appreciate these first one and half volumes as I should! Welcome to the Marvel Universe finally growing up! A solid Four Star, 8 out of 12 for this gem.
2012 read
May 3, 2018
¡¡Me ha gustado muchísimoooooo!!! No me esperaba algo así, este cómic acierta en todo lo que falla la serie de televisión.
Jessica es aquí realmente carismática al mismo tiempo que realista y no la alcohólica amargada de la serie (que bien, pero en serio, a veces me cansa), los casos son interesantes y al mismo tiempo ligeros (no puedes parar de leer), sabemos cositas del pasado de Jess sin que nos bombardeen con información, los diálogos son reales y creíbles... Y lo mejor, esas apariciones estelares de un motón de superhéroes marvel enmarcados en el mundo adulto y real.
Esto sí que es un cómic de superhéroes DIFERENTE. Esto sí.
*****Me voy corriendo a la biblioteca a por el segundo y tomo final.
Jessica es aquí realmente carismática al mismo tiempo que realista y no la alcohólica amargada de la serie (que bien, pero en serio, a veces me cansa), los casos son interesantes y al mismo tiempo ligeros (no puedes parar de leer), sabemos cositas del pasado de Jess sin que nos bombardeen con información, los diálogos son reales y creíbles... Y lo mejor, esas apariciones estelares de un motón de superhéroes marvel enmarcados en el mundo adulto y real.
Esto sí que es un cómic de superhéroes DIFERENTE. Esto sí.
*****Me voy corriendo a la biblioteca a por el segundo y tomo final.
March 25, 2011
Probably the most difficult thing to render in comics (as opposed to typing on the page) is natural speech -- conversations where people interrupt each other, pause for seconds on end, pantomime an assortment of awkward arm positions and facial tics, spiral upward in a union of witty banter. The combination of writer Bendis -- who I'd thought was very overrated -- and artist Michael Gaydos pushes this comic into damn near sublime territory: page compositions that emphasize how conversations just repeat repeat repeat, faces showing awkward smiling silences, even a scene of absolute violence is composed to show the mundane repetition that comes with beating the shit out of someone. A witty, hilarious, irreverent, and action-packed creative collaboration: seriously, the future of great literature may lie in odd concatenations like this.
The plots concern one Jessica Jones, a former superhero now a chain-smoking, hard-drinking private detective. With some powers remaining. The cracking dialogue and tricky speech are time-honored features of the "noir shamus" genre, but Bendis and Gaydos take it to the next level. Her own thought patterns, sober elliptical speech, drunken cock-seeking, and generally awesome random pattern of solving crimes make her one of my favorite detectives ever, and I've only read this one comic... And I should mention that although Bendis is faithful to the Marvel canon, he's constantly sticking thorns in it, insinuating how the Avengers could side with a Republican president, or how "mutants" can become a sick target for religious types.
The plots concern one Jessica Jones, a former superhero now a chain-smoking, hard-drinking private detective. With some powers remaining. The cracking dialogue and tricky speech are time-honored features of the "noir shamus" genre, but Bendis and Gaydos take it to the next level. Her own thought patterns, sober elliptical speech, drunken cock-seeking, and generally awesome random pattern of solving crimes make her one of my favorite detectives ever, and I've only read this one comic... And I should mention that although Bendis is faithful to the Marvel canon, he's constantly sticking thorns in it, insinuating how the Avengers could side with a Republican president, or how "mutants" can become a sick target for religious types.
January 4, 2016
Gritty realistic and definitely for a mature audience. This isn't your happy, fun comic. This is what the real world could be. Set in Marvel's superhero filled world, this is the story of Jessica jones an ex-superhero turned private investigator. Each story arc follows a new investigation, introducing new characters and revealing more about the world she lives in and her place in it. The stories themselves are varied and engaging.
If your looking for a good graphic novel Alias is for you!
(even if you're not usually interested in graphic novels and comics)
Ps. This book is the inspiration for the Jessica Jones TV series. If you were interested in that one chances are you'll like this one to.
If your looking for a good graphic novel Alias is for you!
(even if you're not usually interested in graphic novels and comics)
Ps. This book is the inspiration for the Jessica Jones TV series. If you were interested in that one chances are you'll like this one to.
July 13, 2019
This book really didn’t have a lot of action or super hero fights but it was still a good read ( no pun intended) what carries this book is the writing. Bendis does a bang up job with all the dialogue and interactions between the different characters in the book. This is basically like a “days in the life of Jessica Jones”. She gets various clients coming in needing help and we get to see her weave her way though the city doing what she does best. Side note, that issue 10 with someone hiring her to identify Spider-Man? Hilarious!! I definitely read it in the actors voice who played him in the movie. Now time to crack open Vol 2.
May 9, 2015
Hombre Púrpura: "Jessica Jones, mi personaje de cómics favoritos de siempre".
Cuando voy a leer un cómic siempre intento buscar cómics con personajes más humanos que metahumanos, las historias de superhéroes invencibles y perfectos casi nunca me llaman la atención, prefiero que los personajes que leo se sientan más reales que perfectos, por eso, quizás fue que me decidí a leer Alias, quien hace parte de la línea MAX Cómics de Marvel, dirigida a un público más adulto.
Al principio el cómic quizás sea un poco difícil de seguir, o al menos a mi me sucedió, nos presentan a Jessica Jones una investigadora privada, antes heroína, como si toda la vida hubiese hecho parte del universo Marvel, pero la verdad es que el personaje nace en esta historia gracias a Brian Michael Bendis y Michael Gaydos, quienes en catorce números logran que tengamos esa sensación que conocemos a Jessica de toda la vida.
Me gusta mucho el enfoque que le dieron a Jessica Jones, como durante cada investigación a la que es solicitada se mezcla (aunque ella no lo quiera) con el universo de superheroes de Marvel, también como reniega de sus poderes, por otra parte, las crisis por las que pasa, sus temores e inseguridades la hacen un personaje muy fácil de querer, eso sin contar la forma en como se va desarrollando su personaje a medida que avanzan sus casos, es un personaje de cómic como nunca antes lo había visto y nos la presentan de una forma muy real.
Los dibujos de Michael Gaydos son crudos y reales como la historia en la que se desenvuelven, dan una sensación de estar leyendo una novela negra aún cuando, a veces, hay de por medio esa parafernalia que envuelven a las historias de superheroes. Por otra parte, el guión de Brian Michael Bendis sólo lo puedo catalogar de perfecto, tomo tras tomo va enriqueciéndose y toca su punto más alto cuando toca el último arco argumental llamado: Púrpura.
Decir que este cómic me encantó no sería suficiente, la historia de Jessica Jones me envolvió de una forma increíble y me hizo hasta que me sintiera identificado con su personaje, convirtiéndola, aún con sus muchos defectos y más humana que superhéroe, en uno de mis personajes favoritos de Marvel. Una historia que recomendaría a ojos cerrados, y sobre todo a quienes no son muy seguidores de los cómics, ya que es una historia que no se alimenta de otras historias para ser totalmente funcional.
Cuando voy a leer un cómic siempre intento buscar cómics con personajes más humanos que metahumanos, las historias de superhéroes invencibles y perfectos casi nunca me llaman la atención, prefiero que los personajes que leo se sientan más reales que perfectos, por eso, quizás fue que me decidí a leer Alias, quien hace parte de la línea MAX Cómics de Marvel, dirigida a un público más adulto.
Al principio el cómic quizás sea un poco difícil de seguir, o al menos a mi me sucedió, nos presentan a Jessica Jones una investigadora privada, antes heroína, como si toda la vida hubiese hecho parte del universo Marvel, pero la verdad es que el personaje nace en esta historia gracias a Brian Michael Bendis y Michael Gaydos, quienes en catorce números logran que tengamos esa sensación que conocemos a Jessica de toda la vida.
Me gusta mucho el enfoque que le dieron a Jessica Jones, como durante cada investigación a la que es solicitada se mezcla (aunque ella no lo quiera) con el universo de superheroes de Marvel, también como reniega de sus poderes, por otra parte, las crisis por las que pasa, sus temores e inseguridades la hacen un personaje muy fácil de querer, eso sin contar la forma en como se va desarrollando su personaje a medida que avanzan sus casos, es un personaje de cómic como nunca antes lo había visto y nos la presentan de una forma muy real.
Los dibujos de Michael Gaydos son crudos y reales como la historia en la que se desenvuelven, dan una sensación de estar leyendo una novela negra aún cuando, a veces, hay de por medio esa parafernalia que envuelven a las historias de superheroes. Por otra parte, el guión de Brian Michael Bendis sólo lo puedo catalogar de perfecto, tomo tras tomo va enriqueciéndose y toca su punto más alto cuando toca el último arco argumental llamado: Púrpura.
Decir que este cómic me encantó no sería suficiente, la historia de Jessica Jones me envolvió de una forma increíble y me hizo hasta que me sintiera identificado con su personaje, convirtiéndola, aún con sus muchos defectos y más humana que superhéroe, en uno de mis personajes favoritos de Marvel. Una historia que recomendaría a ojos cerrados, y sobre todo a quienes no son muy seguidores de los cómics, ya que es una historia que no se alimenta de otras historias para ser totalmente funcional.
January 3, 2013
The first of two volumes collecting the entire series, this book has 3 story arcs and a stand-alone story (issue 10):
(1) the 5-part one in which we meet Jessica Jones, yet another Bendis creation, involving some sort of conspiracy regarding a US presidential candidate and a secret tape revealing the secret identity of Captain America (5 stars); and
(2) a four-parter featuring a guy who's passing himself off as Rick Jones and a doctor in the closet who likes to meet other men (first on the internet, then in "real-life" to have sex with...) (4 stars)
(issue 10) J Jonah Jameson hires Jessica to uncover Spider-Man's secret identity, but instead our protagonist uses this time to help out the community (while charging Jameson $ 200. a day). He finds out and he's pissed, but there's nothing he can do about it.
(3) this time around Jessica Jones investigates the disappearance of a small town teenager. This was a solid arc, with the "investigative" nature of the series in full swing. The interactions between the different characters is pitch-perfect and Michael Gaydos' art is (again) ideal for the mood of the story. Because it's set in Small Town America (and also because Michael Gaydos was involved in both projects), this arc reminded me a lot of Daredevil: Redemption - which I also highly recommend.
Bendis writes his usual "real" dialogue (thus time with the freedom the MAX imprint gives him - which another way of saying that it includes "coarse" language (read: the F word) & sex. Michael Gaydos provides the interior art and David Mack does the covers. This was an interesting book, in that it gives us another, different look at the goings-on of the Marvel Universe.
Don't forget to check out the second half of the series in Alias Ultimate Collection Vol. 2.
(1) the 5-part one in which we meet Jessica Jones, yet another Bendis creation, involving some sort of conspiracy regarding a US presidential candidate and a secret tape revealing the secret identity of Captain America (5 stars); and
(2) a four-parter featuring a guy who's passing himself off as Rick Jones and a doctor in the closet who likes to meet other men (first on the internet, then in "real-life" to have sex with...) (4 stars)
(issue 10) J Jonah Jameson hires Jessica to uncover Spider-Man's secret identity, but instead our protagonist uses this time to help out the community (while charging Jameson $ 200. a day). He finds out and he's pissed, but there's nothing he can do about it.
(3) this time around Jessica Jones investigates the disappearance of a small town teenager. This was a solid arc, with the "investigative" nature of the series in full swing. The interactions between the different characters is pitch-perfect and Michael Gaydos' art is (again) ideal for the mood of the story. Because it's set in Small Town America (and also because Michael Gaydos was involved in both projects), this arc reminded me a lot of Daredevil: Redemption - which I also highly recommend.
Bendis writes his usual "real" dialogue (thus time with the freedom the MAX imprint gives him - which another way of saying that it includes "coarse" language (read: the F word) & sex. Michael Gaydos provides the interior art and David Mack does the covers. This was an interesting book, in that it gives us another, different look at the goings-on of the Marvel Universe.
Don't forget to check out the second half of the series in Alias Ultimate Collection Vol. 2.
August 1, 2016
i'm honestly fifty/fifty about it. it took me a little time to warm up to the graphic style (it lacks softness for my own taste but then i do think that the harshness of the faces fit JJ's atmosphere) and to the way Jessica is portrayed. but the more i keep reading it and getting into the story, the more complexed and nuanced it became and the more compelling Jessica became as well and by the end i truly liked it (even if date night with ant-man was????? wtf??????)
September 27, 2020
4,5*
Me lo he pasado genial con este cómic, me ha tenido enganchada unos cuantos días.
Esta es una visión distinta de los cómics de súper héroes. Jessica Jones decidió en un momento de su vida dejar colgado el traje de mallas y llevar una vida normal como detective.
Una historia con un toque noir diría yo, con unos simpáticos cameos de súper héroes sin trajes haciendo lo que cualquier persona haría en su día a día. Tengo muchas ganas de seguir descubriendo los casos de Jessica.
Me lo he pasado genial con este cómic, me ha tenido enganchada unos cuantos días.
Esta es una visión distinta de los cómics de súper héroes. Jessica Jones decidió en un momento de su vida dejar colgado el traje de mallas y llevar una vida normal como detective.
Una historia con un toque noir diría yo, con unos simpáticos cameos de súper héroes sin trajes haciendo lo que cualquier persona haría en su día a día. Tengo muchas ganas de seguir descubriendo los casos de Jessica.
August 16, 2022
Really enjoyed reading that. Looking forward to reading the rest but I think I might hit up some Bendis’s Daredevil before getting to the next half of this series.
June 3, 2025
Obsessed con la súpergente cansada de vivir con tremenda falta de sueño y problemas emocionales que aún así trata de ayudar a todo el que puede.
April 15, 2020
Je l'ai lu car j'ai commencé la série, mais que je voulais quand même voir le comic avant. J'ai bien aimé même si j'ai mis du temps à rentrer dans complètement dans l'univers.
August 20, 2015
I feel like there are a few perfect in every way reviews of this already on Goodreads, so I'm not to pumped about writing a full review now. Pwehaps when I come back and give this a second read I'll re-write this review, make it more complete.
Because I WILL be re-reading this. This is one of the top five best superhero comics I've read, right up there with Ultimates 1 and 2. Jessica Jones is so real... and this nontraditional view of the Marvel universe through her eyes makes that world seem SOOOOOO much realer. Brian Michael Bendis is an amazing writer, and this was even better than his Ultimate Spider-Man stuff.
As for Michael Gaydos art, this book changed my opinion of his art. I've seen it before (I think in X-Factor) and thought it didn't really fit the Superhero Genre, but after just a few pages into this I felt it was a perfect fit for this story. By the end it had me wanting to read more MArvel stuff he drew because I had come to adore the way he drew faces, especially the noses and especially the facial expressions.
- Second Read -
Holy hell is this good... Even better this time through now that I've read so much more marvel stuff. The book does an amazing job at making each and every Marvel character that appears, even if its just a one panel cameo or a mention, seem real and human. Flawed, profane, and fucked up, but all so real.
The art still stands out as the weak points. Most of the time its works just okay. But when it works really well its amazing, but sadly when it isn't working it really sucks. So in the end it evens out, but i wish it was more even all the way through.
Because I WILL be re-reading this. This is one of the top five best superhero comics I've read, right up there with Ultimates 1 and 2. Jessica Jones is so real... and this nontraditional view of the Marvel universe through her eyes makes that world seem SOOOOOO much realer. Brian Michael Bendis is an amazing writer, and this was even better than his Ultimate Spider-Man stuff.
As for Michael Gaydos art, this book changed my opinion of his art. I've seen it before (I think in X-Factor) and thought it didn't really fit the Superhero Genre, but after just a few pages into this I felt it was a perfect fit for this story. By the end it had me wanting to read more MArvel stuff he drew because I had come to adore the way he drew faces, especially the noses and especially the facial expressions.
- Second Read -
Holy hell is this good... Even better this time through now that I've read so much more marvel stuff. The book does an amazing job at making each and every Marvel character that appears, even if its just a one panel cameo or a mention, seem real and human. Flawed, profane, and fucked up, but all so real.
The art still stands out as the weak points. Most of the time its works just okay. But when it works really well its amazing, but sadly when it isn't working it really sucks. So in the end it evens out, but i wish it was more even all the way through.
July 6, 2011
THIS is why I read comics. I really do love Bendis's writing, but more importantly, his ideas and overall plots are some of the best in comics. Jessica Jones is so real I felt like I could almost touch her as I flipped through Alias. Not only does she look normal and not like a typical superhero, but she makes dangerous, personal decisions and beats herself up for it. This leads her to even more problems and keeps her from finding the happiness she so desperately craves. While Alias shows a different side of Marvel and of super heroes in general (much like Powers), there's something really special about this book and someone with only a passing knowledge of Marvel characters (Wasn't there a Daredevil movie once? And what about Captain America? Isn't he going to be in one too?) is more than enough to enjoy this book. The art fits the book well and the last story arc in this collection, perfectly captures how it feels when you're teenager who doesn't fit in. If any of this sounds appealing to you, please pick up what is one of the best graphic novels I've ever read. You will not be disappointed!
November 30, 2015
Having just finished the 'Jessica Jones' Netflix series, I thought I'd check out what she was like in print. I enjoyed reading about Jessica's connections to other Marvel characters, but none of the individual stories gripped me. The language annoyed me too - pretty sure Bendis gets a bonus every time he crams f*&k into a speech bubble. I'd read the second collection and it has sparked an interest in checking out some more comics :)
May 7, 2011
Easily one of the best comics I've ever read and not just because there's a fuck word in every other bubble. Both story and artwork are a total pleasure. What I enjoyed most are appereances of different characters from Marvel universe in not-so-tycpical roles. Bendis proves he's a fantastic writer.
October 9, 2024
Alias: Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1 (2009)
Writer – Brian Michael Bendis
Artist – Michael Gaydos
Series – Alias #1-15
Genre – Superhero, Thriller, Detective, Drama
Synopsis: Follows the ex-Avenger, Jessica Jones who has now set up a private investigation firm called Alias
Jessica Jones was created by Brian Michael Bendis and this was her introduction into the Marvel catalogue of superheroes. While appearing as a retired superhero, very little is disclosed about her days in the Avengers aside from some cameos from Captain America and Captain Marvel. The Ultimate Collection Volume 1 collects three cases.
Alias Investigations: A case about a missing woman, ends up as a conspiracy theory involving Captain America. This was a good start for the series and develops the character of Jessica pretty well.
B Level: A case to find a man who claims to be a relative as well as a sidekick to the Avengers. The case in itself seemed pretty average and it was fairly obvious what was going on. This seemed to be a filler story arc.
Come Home: Jessica travels to a town which is prejudiced against mutants, to find a missing girl. Starts off strong with a lot of relevant social themes and a good plot. But the ending was pretty anti climatic with a soft landing that didn’t really deliver the solid touch.
The novel is on a meatier side when it comes to story, the dialogues and self-reflection is done well. The focus is more on developing the character than any action heavy sequences. Jessica Jones as a character is relatable albeit slightly on the boring and dull side.
What could have been done on purpose is to how Jessica fits inside the Avengers. Her powers seem to be just super strength, while she is a good private investigator. Her powers never take centre stage and its used at very few sequences.
The artwork by Michael Gaydos is a particular style which is okay, but the cover arts are very good.
Overall, this is a good read if you keep in mind, its not much of a superhero novel.
RJG Rating – 3.25/5
Goodreads – 4.01/5
Writer – Brian Michael Bendis
Artist – Michael Gaydos
Series – Alias #1-15
Genre – Superhero, Thriller, Detective, Drama
Synopsis: Follows the ex-Avenger, Jessica Jones who has now set up a private investigation firm called Alias
Jessica Jones was created by Brian Michael Bendis and this was her introduction into the Marvel catalogue of superheroes. While appearing as a retired superhero, very little is disclosed about her days in the Avengers aside from some cameos from Captain America and Captain Marvel. The Ultimate Collection Volume 1 collects three cases.
Alias Investigations: A case about a missing woman, ends up as a conspiracy theory involving Captain America. This was a good start for the series and develops the character of Jessica pretty well.
B Level: A case to find a man who claims to be a relative as well as a sidekick to the Avengers. The case in itself seemed pretty average and it was fairly obvious what was going on. This seemed to be a filler story arc.
Come Home: Jessica travels to a town which is prejudiced against mutants, to find a missing girl. Starts off strong with a lot of relevant social themes and a good plot. But the ending was pretty anti climatic with a soft landing that didn’t really deliver the solid touch.
The novel is on a meatier side when it comes to story, the dialogues and self-reflection is done well. The focus is more on developing the character than any action heavy sequences. Jessica Jones as a character is relatable albeit slightly on the boring and dull side.
What could have been done on purpose is to how Jessica fits inside the Avengers. Her powers seem to be just super strength, while she is a good private investigator. Her powers never take centre stage and its used at very few sequences.
The artwork by Michael Gaydos is a particular style which is okay, but the cover arts are very good.
Overall, this is a good read if you keep in mind, its not much of a superhero novel.
RJG Rating – 3.25/5
Goodreads – 4.01/5
March 3, 2025
I'm reviewing the series as a whole, without too much deep commentary on the famous and fabulous 4th volume. Jessica Jones is relatable, likeable. She's a strong character, albeit in the older school Buffy way. I like antman more here than in the movies.
Plot wise, the series is one where it was always building up to where it ended up. Some don't have a true game plan and fall apart halfway through. But Alias is slowly setting up all of the pieces to knock them down in volume 4. First, we meet some important people in Jessica's life. We learn who she is as someone tries to lean on her. The world is set up as an unfriendly place, ESPECIALLY for women. Which is the theme. Jessica has to face how her past makes her feel now, with the other Jones. Then she has to face a younger version of herself, as a girl's desire to run and fantastical racism cause tragedy. Volume 3 makes JJ face a more direct, much more personal version of herself in Mattie. Which culminated in the show stopping volume 4.
I always argue that comics can explore real issues. Sounds stupid and obvious to those of us who read them, but I've spoken to many who can't see it. I present to them Jessica Jones, a study on recovering from abusive relationships.
Plot wise, the series is one where it was always building up to where it ended up. Some don't have a true game plan and fall apart halfway through. But Alias is slowly setting up all of the pieces to knock them down in volume 4. First, we meet some important people in Jessica's life. We learn who she is as someone tries to lean on her. The world is set up as an unfriendly place, ESPECIALLY for women. Which is the theme. Jessica has to face how her past makes her feel now, with the other Jones. Then she has to face a younger version of herself, as a girl's desire to run and fantastical racism cause tragedy. Volume 3 makes JJ face a more direct, much more personal version of herself in Mattie. Which culminated in the show stopping volume 4.
I always argue that comics can explore real issues. Sounds stupid and obvious to those of us who read them, but I've spoken to many who can't see it. I present to them Jessica Jones, a study on recovering from abusive relationships.
May 29, 2017
Jessica Jones is a former Avenger who has given up the caped life and is now a private investigator. I've read a few trades where Jessica appears - mostly New Avengers, also written by Bendis - and this is definitely grittier than the sanitized "mother" archetype she tends to fill elsewhere. She's a chain smoker, has a one night stand with Luke Cage (who is apparently dating someone else), and uses curse words often. I like this portrayal of her much better.
As for the story itself, I thought that it was engrossing. I'm not a big fan of the art, however. I guess it's supposed to be dark and gritty looking to match the "Max" imprint, but I thought that it detracted from the story rather than adding to it.
As for the story itself, I thought that it was engrossing. I'm not a big fan of the art, however. I guess it's supposed to be dark and gritty looking to match the "Max" imprint, but I thought that it detracted from the story rather than adding to it.
January 27, 2022
Reading Alias I can totally see why Brian Michael Bendis was given the keys to anything he wanted in the Marvel universe over the next decade and a half. It's a story definitely set in the world of superheroes, but totally outside of the expected superhero scene. It's dark, it's mature, but it never feels like it's trying to be edgy. It's the sort of real-life superhero-adjacent story that inspired a lot of live action adaptations, and later successive runs like Fraction/Aja/Wu/Hollingsworth Hawkeye. Michael Gaydos is a perfect fit for this sort or crime/noir story and his panelling is dramatic, often humorous but never ruining the otherwise serious tone, and he knows how to frame Jessica perfectly.
October 2, 2025
Es éste un tomo arriesgado. El estilo, el guión y el desarrollo pueden no resultar aptos para quien espera de los superhéroes nada más que 'superpeleas'... Aquí todo es muy intimista, pero de una forma dura y descarnada. Y, sin embargo, mientras avanzas te descubres identificándote con este o aquel comentario, con esa decisión tan aparentemente contraria a lo que está establecido. Y, al final, la historia, que no es más que un pequeño periplo entre dos puntos vitales aleatorios de la protagonista, no nos obsequia con moralinas paternalistas, prepotentes o condescendientes. Es la brasa de un cigarrillo en la niebla.
Y a mí me ha molado mil.
Y a mí me ha molado mil.
December 6, 2020
Watching the show kind of made it hard to enjoy the comic book series. There’s more depth to her as a character in the show, which I love so much. I did laugh at the last issue in Volume 1 though. I recognized a little more of the Jessica Jones I have grown to love when she’s out on a date with a fellow super hero.
March 30, 2021
El personaje de Jessica Jones es simplemente genial con su buen corazón, ingenuidad, astucia y humor ácido, resuelve los casos más ineperados.
Para mi este comic lo tiene todo: un gran humor, critica social, desarrollo de personajes, casos detectivescos que uno no puede para de leer. Sencillamente me encanto.
Para mi este comic lo tiene todo: un gran humor, critica social, desarrollo de personajes, casos detectivescos que uno no puede para de leer. Sencillamente me encanto.
October 12, 2023
I really like comics where they play with tropes and the fact that someone is a superhero is not in the forefront of the story, so this was right up my alley.
I had a pretty fun time reading this, the Rick jones story was definitely the low point for me, it was pretty boring, but thankfully it ended on a great note with the missing girl’s case
I had a pretty fun time reading this, the Rick jones story was definitely the low point for me, it was pretty boring, but thankfully it ended on a great note with the missing girl’s case
December 26, 2018
I loved this! I watched the first season of Jessica Jones with no background knowledge of Jessica Jones and enjoyed it. I finally decided to pick up the comic and enjoyed it 1000000% more. I will definitely continue reading Jessica Jones graphics.
February 22, 2022
J'ai adoré de nombreux comics Jessica Jones mais je ne connaissais pas encore celui-ci. Il ne fait pas exception à la règle : l'héroïne est drôle, attachant, anti-conformiste, et on voit sous un autre angle les héros qu'elle croise. Je recommande !
June 23, 2019
You’re so you to the tv visuals the characters so much different on paper.
January 30, 2021
El dibujo deja bastante que desear. Por lo demás, bien pero no al nivel de lo que esperaba.
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