Jessica Jones: Alias, volume 2

     Jessica Jones is hired to find a missing girl in upstate New York. For the most part, the town is glad she's there to help. But as the detective digs deeper into the disappearance, she discovers a secret shame that is haunting the town. It has a anti-mutant problem and the young girl Jessica is hired to find claimed she was a mutant. Was the missing child a target of a homo superior hate crime?

     Then Jessica goes on a blind date with Scott Lang. Just what do the two have in common? The answer might surprise you in this very charming story by Bendis.

     This entire volume was great. The Ant-Man story had a 'When Harry Met Sally' appeal to it. It was very fresh and very New York. 

      But the story about missing teen was awesome. There were hints of Twin Peaks. Yet, the small town feel behind the mystery actually was more representative of an even more obscure, short-lived series called Picket Fences. There were some powerful parallels between the hatred of mutants and the discrimination that minorities and homosexuals face. 

        Of course, Bendis does a fantastic job. But I can't overlook the amazing artwork by Bill Seinkiewicz, Mark Bagley, David Mack, and Michael Gaydos. Gaydos crafted an entire scrapbook as from the perspective of the runaway and it was amazing. It's published in it's entirety in the back of this volume. Amazing stuff!

       Worth Consuming!

       Rating: 9 out of 10 stars. 

Jessica Jones: Alias, Volume 1

  The ground-breaking series that inspired Netflix's Jessica Jones. 

   Retired from the superhero game, Jessica Jones still has powers and still wants to do some good. So she becomes a private detective, but not before burning quite a few bridges in the superhero community. When Jessica accepts a case to find a missing sibling, she stumbles upon the secret identity of one of the pillars of the Avengers- Captain America. This case just got interesting...
    Then Jessica is hired by a woman claiming to be the husband of Rick Jones- the Forrest Gump of the Marvel Universe. As she searches for Rick, Jones will uncover some uncomfortable truths about not only the superhero community and herself as well.
     Originally published under the title Alias from 2001-2004 under the MAX imprint, Brian Michael Bendis pens this series that puts the Max in Marvel Max. It's some very edgy stuff- not just for it's time but for the entire Marvel Universe. I don't know what was more unnerving; hearing your favorite superheroes use the F-word like a Tarantino character on an epic monologue or seeing your favorite Marvel characters have hardcore sex. 
     Just like the live-action series, this is not for kids. And no- this series is not based on the Jennifer Garner series, either!
     
     An intriguing series, very well written but not your dad's comic book by any sense.

    Worth Consuming!

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #14

   In this, the final issue of the Pulse, Jessica Jones reflects on how she first met Luke Cage.

   The series that could ends with a very sweet story. While for the first time in about 5 issues, there's actually some action between superhero and supervillain. But sweet doesn't sell comics and that's part of why this book is highly underrated. But man, did Bendis sure try!

   At the end of this issue, one of the editors gives a small afterword explaining why the Pulse was to be no more. They claimed that because of upcoming storylines involving Cage and Jones in the pages of New Avengers, the publisher thought it was wasn't important to carry on this popular series. 

    Folks, that's code for this book isn't selling; no matter how popular the characters in this series might be. There's not a publisher on earth that's going to cancel a popular title. Well, unless they get the brilliant idea to reboot their entire line-up (I'm talking to you, DC) or don't want an upcoming film to be popular with audiences (Now I'm talking to you Disney/ Marvel.)

    The Pulse was a great little series. I've found many of these issues in the bargain bin and I highly recommend it. You could probably get the entire series for less than $30. You just have to dig these little gems out of the dollar boxes.

    Worth Consuming and worth the search.

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #13

    The event of the year is happening just beyond the front doors of Doctor Strange's sanctum santorum: the birth of baby Cage-Jones! And you folks get to witness it all!!!  From the nervous pacings of a dad-to-be to the extremely salty language of the mother in labor; The entire superhero community is on hand to provide crowd control and safety from the crowds outside and to providing state-of-the-art scientific monitorings of the health of the mother and baby. 

   Bendis once again takes us out of the battlefield and into the living rooms/ bedrooms/ kitchens of the superpowered elite in another fascinating chapter of the Pulse. With 3 straight issues not dealing with heroes battling villains, it's no wonder that this series didn't last that long. But, I am not one of the haters. 

   Stan Lee made the Marvel Universe what it is because he took people with extraordinary powers and abilities and made them relatable. Over the years, Marvel kinda lost it's way and focused more on action and less on the real meat and potatoes of a true epic written in the Marvel-style. Bendis was one of those writers in the new millennium that worked to put Marvel back on track to how their comics should be crafted.

    I'll even give credit where it is due, as if it wasn't for editor Joe Quesada, Marvel would have continued to produce the poorly inked and even poorer plotted fluff it was churning out in the 90s. Thank you, Joe Q, for despite all your flaws (and I can name quite a few), you did return the word 'Idea' back into the House of Ideas.

    Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars

The Pulse #12

  

   When you are a superhero in action, you can get away with bending a few laws here and there. You might even be able to commandeer a taxi or two. But when it's your girlfriend in labor, superheroes like Luke Cage still have to keep their cool and wait it out in traffic like everyone else. 

    While the father is stuck in traffic, mother-to-be Jessica Jones sees what it's like to be a superhero at a normal hospital. Fear over the possibility that she is a mutant and if her baby will start blasting people with laser eyes the moment they emerge from the womb, puts the locale of the former hero's delivery in some serious doubt. The Pulse might just have an exclusive here folks: 'Superhero gives birth on sidewalk in front of Big Apple ER!'

   It's a good thing Cage and Jones have some connections in the superhero community and might be able to pull a few strings. This is if they can reach the prospective parents in time.

    Another fun story by Bendis that focuses on superheroes trying to live out normal lives. Lots of laughs are contained in this issue. But what really sold this chapter for me were the protocols used by a hospitial that operates in a metropolis filled with super-powered people. This is just one of those things that unless your at your LCS, you just don't really think about. 

   I may have to bring this up the next time I'm at the store raiding the bargain bins.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #11

 

   Being a superhero doesn't alleviate the fears of being a new mom for Jessica Jones. So fellow superhero Carol Danvers arranges a special lunch meeting with the matriarch of the Marvel Universe, Sue Storm.

   Another masterpiece by Bendis. Some of the best stories don't involve superheroes being heroic and BMB is the master of these types of stories. Sometimes, the better tales have the hero dealing with normal fears that their powers can't control. With her boyfriend having almost died in the events of Secret War and the who Osborne-fiasco, Jessica Jones' fears of becoming a new mom are grounded. 

    The cover is also a classic by series artist Mike Mayhew. However, it's a little bit of a fake-out. Unlike what the cover shows, baby Cage-Jones isn't born in this issue- yet...

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

 

The Pulse #9

  In the Marvel Universe, if you want answers, there's one person you go to- Wolverine. Even if he doesn't know what you're looking for, he's that x-factor (forgive the pun) that will eliminate all other possibilities. He's the mutant embodiment of Sherlock Holmes' famous theory of deduction in which once you have eliminated the impossible options whatever remains is possible. Once Jessica completes her visit with Logan, journalist Ben Ulrich is able to deduce just where Luke Cage is. 

   Featuring a slew of twists and turns, this issue is a who's who of residents of Marvel Knights (Marvel's grittier imprint starring street fighter characters such as Jessica and Luke Cage.) Perhaps the biggest surprise is the appearance of a character that I didn't think remained in the Marvel Universe since their first appearance in a short-lived series of the same name from the 1970s. 

   I know this issue is almost 10-years old. But there are some major spoilers that really would ruin the mystery that has built up over the past 5 or 6 issues. Fantastic writing job by Bendis with killer Marvel Knights style art by Michael Lark.

   This is my favorite issue in the series, thus far.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #8

   Jessica Jones, in a bid to find Luke Cage after he was kidnapped from his hospital bed, returns to their apartment in hopes of uncovering clues as to his whereabouts. Assisting her is Ben Ulrich, whose been in constant contact with an informant at SHIELD which is in turmoil following the ousting of Nick Fury as its Director head. The superspy's absence has created a power vacuum of which fringe organizations such as Hydra and AIM are more than happy to fill. Will Jessica turn to one of these groups in order to find the answers she is looking for and more importantly, her boyfriend?

   A great issue that reads like a game of cat and mouse or cloak and dagger. Just about every major espionage organization in the Marvel U is represented here. With SHIELD literally impotent without Nick Fury, the representative at Hydra makes a compelling case for filling in the void. Unfortunately, that means that the world would be made free from democracy under the watchful eye of a fascist organization.

   It's scary stuff if you stop to think about it. Leave it to the great Brian Michael Bendis to make comics not just entertaining but thought provoking.


    Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.  

The Pulse #7

Awesome Steranko-like cover.

Assisting Jessica Jones with learning who and why Luke Cage was targeted by a mutant suicide bomber, Ben Ulrich learns just how dire things are at SHIELD. Nick Fury is no longer in charge. Plus, it looks very likely that Congress will enact legislation forcing those with super powers to register with the American government. Also, another suicide bomber attacks the hospital in which Power Man has been treated and if that wasn't bad enough: during the ensuing chaos, somebody has kidnapped Luke Cage from his hospital room.

    A thrilling issue of the Pulse that continues to tie in the Secret War storyline. I had said that having a little bit of back story might help me to better enjoy these tie-in issues and I was right. Not only that, but you really can see the seeds of the Marvel Civil War storyline being sown in this issue. 

    Though Civil War is a couple of years away from when this issue occurs, the hints of a superhero registration act are starting to appear. Plus, with Nick Fury in hiding, the events in this chapter will have ramifications for Marvel's Secret Invasion and Dark Reign story arcs as well. 

    The writing by Bendis is high quality. I just love the mystery he's woven. But now as the plot deepens and Luke Cage goes missing, I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to know what happens more than ever before.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #6

   A mutant with the powers to detonate blows herself up in Jessica Jones and Luke Cage's apartment. Cage shield's Jessica from the apparent suicide bomber. But the lover's heroic actions result in Power Man being badly injured. Now in a coma, with his life hanging in the balance, Jessica will use her resources with the Daily Bugle to get to the bottom of her beloved's near fatal encounter.

    Thus begins a multi-issue tie-in to Marvel's Secret War. Not Secret Wars or even Secret Wars II, both of which starred the mysterious Beyonder. I'm not even familiar with Secret War. So, I had to do a little research because I even got this storyline confused with Civil War- that's how out of the loop I am with this.

    Sometime prior, Nick Fury recruited Captain America, Wolverine, Luke Cage, and others to conduct a clandestine operation on Latveria. Well, the high ups of SHIELD weren't too happy about that and they will do any and everything in their power to ensure that those heroes who participated in the mission don't live to see another day.

    I wish I had read this backstory prior to having reading this issue. But, that's how it goes sometimes. Sadly, I just didn't enjoy this issue. 

    I love the Marvel stories that involve SHIELD and espionage. Nick Fury is freakin' awesome. And if you know me at all, then you'll know that Cap is my all-time favorite superhero!!! So, on paper, I should love Secret War. (It's now on my radar and wish list.)

   But what to rate this issue? It wouldn't be fair to say that it's a stinker. But I just didn't enjoy this story. But I think now that I have a little bit of back story and no longer am confusing this story line with Civil War, I will probably enjoy the rest of the Secret War tie-in issues of this series better.

   So out of all fairness, I will rate this right down the middle. If you've read Secret War, you might like this one.  So please, don't let this rating detract you from enjoying this issue.

    Rating: 5 out of 10 stars

The Pulse #5

 

    In the pages of New Avengers, Norman Osborn becomes quite the thorn in the team's side, particularly with Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. This issue is the birth of that feud. 

  If you've wanted to see Osborn get what's coming to him, this (and issue 4) are the issues you've been demanding. Of, course, being like the 3rd richest person in New York means that it won't be easy for the good guys to bring Osborn finally to justice as he'll hide behind lawyers, lackeys, and even his Green Goblin persona to save his slimy hide.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #4

 

  With evidence mounting, Ben Ulrich gets not only the blessing of the Daily Bugle to go after Terri Kidder's murderer- he's also got Spider-man watching his back too! 

   A great chapter is which one of the biggest baddies (and biggest jerks) in the Marvel Universe finally gets what's coming to him. 

   This story is over 10-years old, but it's got a major spoiler that if you haven't read this by now, you must be really new to comics. I'm not even going to reveal the cover to this issue as what happens here is something that truly devoted fans of Spidey and the Marvel Universe had waited for since the early 60s. 

   I really am enjoying this series. Bendis has done a fantastic job. I'm just a little confused about one thing. The first issue seemed to imply that Jessica Jones was going to be the star of this series. But she's been grossly underused since that premiere issue. In fact, this has been more of the Ben Ulrich show than just about anyone else. Well, the star of this series is really the Daily Bugle. It's got a great ensemble cast feel to it like the TV shows Cheers or ER.

   But why add Jessica Jones to the mix, along with boyfriend and baby-daddy Luke Cage, if their role is nothing more than background scenery? It just doesn't make sense. Maybe Bendis just didn't find a connection between those two characters. But it really isn't like him to just avoid certain characters especially since just about every superhero and villain ever created by Marvel is used by Bendis is some form in the Ultimate comics universe. Maybe the master has something up his sleeve for a later issue in this awesome series...

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 out of 10 stars. 

The Pulse #1

  With sales lagging due to the internet and 24-hour news, the Daily Bugle must do something fast or face shutting down. Since stories about superheroes sell papers, The Bugle looks to increase coverage. But readers don't like publisher J. Jonah Jameson's rants against them. So, the editor Robbie Robertson has decided to run a weekly insert devoted to positive stories focusing on the superhero community called the Pulse

    Along with veteran reporter Ben Ulrich, Jameson and Robertson have hired former superhero cum private investigator Jessica Jones as a consultant thanks to her numerous superhero contacts and experience. This sort of thing normally isn't Jones' sort of thing but her client base is near zip and she just found out that she's pregnant with Luke 'Power Man' Cage's baby. And she gonna need the health insurance badly...

     A very good but interesting premiere issue. It's not heavy on action. In fact, except for a couple of flashback panels, there are no superhero vs. supervillain melees here. But if you like a comic that's heavy on plot while focusing on those with amazing abilities, then this is the Marvel comic you've been looking for. Plus, the final page cliffhanger sets you up for a great mystery to be solved in the next issue.

   Marvel writer extraordinaire Brian Michael has done in again with the Pulse and the almost 2 years to collect the entire series (before reading it) was worth the wait. Assisting Mr. Bendis is the awesome Mark Bagley, whose art is just superb and a brilliantly painted style cover by Mike Mayhew.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.