ALIAS: RED BAND #1 (MARVEL COMICS)
It is hard to believe it has been 25 years since “Alias” debuted at Marvel Comics.
Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos ushered in a gritty private investigator named Jessica Jones onto the comics world. Little did anyone know in November of 2001 the impact this character would make.
Her stories crossed over into a live-action Netflix series and Krysten Ritter is slated to reprise the character in the upcoming Disney+/Marvel Television series “Daredevil: Born Again”.
It is only fitting that Jones heads back into comic shops with an all-new series to celebrate!
ALIAS: RED BAND #1 by Sam Humphries, Geraldo Borges, Arthur Hesli, & Cory Petit (MARVEL COMICS) put Jones in the center of a serial killer’s path!
Let’s take a look at how this new series begins!
ALIAS: RED BAND #1 by Sam Humphries, Geraldo Borges, Arthur Hesli, & Cory Petit (MARVEL COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Humphries hits the ground running with the dangers following Jones. With her husband Luke Cage being Mayor, her P.I. services have been put on ice. Once she returns to her office for a child’s toy, the writing shows her struggles of adjusting to “normal life”. Making matters worse is a photographer spying on her every move. Their banter is quick but unlocks a more hideous side of fame. A bloody rat leads to a grizzly discovery. Neighbors to her office are dead and one photo pits her in the midst of an illegal investigation.
Readers watch as the struggles of political office trickle down to the marriage of Jones and Cage. Their conversation boils over the frustrations both have been holding inside. When Jones storms away, she retreats to a local bar. Who finds her is anything other than a friendly face. Readers watch as Typhoid Mary arrives with a unique proposal for the P.I. Letting her emotions take hold after seeing clues to the case, the unthinkable happens. Even more shocking is the final page. Wait for the reaction to what lies there.
You couldn’t ask for a better artist for this series than Borges. The opening page is simple in design but makes a statement. Jones’ shadow looming over her closed office sets the pace for what’s coming. Her reactions to seeing the notice strike at her soul. This is quickly interrupted by the photog. Their exchange has the spotlight stolen by a bloody rat. Readers quickly see the reasons behind the blood. A full page shot shows the victims in a gruesome scenario. Jessica’s reaction matches the readers tagging along for this mystery,
The full page shot of the Daily Bugle headline moves into an emotional onslaught from Cage and Jones. A strong two page spread sees both characters unloading their arsenal of anger to direct hits. Jones walking in the rain is a great compliment to conclude their argument. Readers watch as Typhoid Mary’s entrance gets a solid full shot of her own. Their conversation sparks a few different looks before going into a terrifying two page spread. From here, readers see the dangerous proposition start forming a foundation. This results in an uneasy close. The final page throws everything off its axis which lands the great cliffhanger until next time. Great work form Borges keeping the gritty feel needed from start to finish.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
Jessica Jones’ curiosity proves to unlock the door to an even greater mystery in this debut issue. Humphries brings the drama early and often for Jones’ latest case. Borges’ art unveils the gritty, dark truths lying inside a broken hero. Jessica Jones returns with a story you won’t want to put down!
Let me know your thoughts on Alias: Red Band #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
