Putting Together the Pieces

Jessica Jones: Alias Vol. 2 (Marvel, 2015, $19.99)
Vol. 1 of the collected Alias was good enough that I saw fit to pick up the second volume in rather short order. This volume collects #11-15, originally published as part of Marvel's Max comics line in 2002-2003 and featuring writing by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Michael Gaydos, covers and additional art by David Mack, and additional art by Mark Bagley and Rodney Ramos.

Jones travels to Lago, New York, to investigate a missing persons case. The dialogue pacing and wordless storyboard-like panel sequences are TV ready, and it is the pacing and weight of the comic that makes this such an enjoyable read. Jones, over the course of the arc, solves a mystery—something we don't often see in mainstream comics. She interviews suspects and witnesses. She discovers clues. And she puts together the pieces... all while living a relatively flawed and challenging life at the same time.



The anti-mutant bigotry that plays a role in this arc—and was alluded to in the previous volume—is particularly relevant given the current climate of insensitivity and less-than-veiled hatred of the other, be it related to race, religion, gender identity, or sexual preference.

I don't know what the rest of the Max comics line was like—I've always thought it was grittier Daredevil and Punisher comics—but if they're anything like Alias, it's good stuff. Maybe even like the newer Hard Case Crime comics such as Normandy Gold, only with occasional panties and capes.

Availability: Jessica Jones: Alias Vol. 2 is currently available.