Jessica Jones is hot on the case in the penultimate issue of this story arc, trying to figure out who attempted to kill Maria Hill. A hit apparently ordered by…herself? Look, espionage is complicated, okay?
Issue #11 of Jessica Jones deals a bit with the fallout of where we left off last issue–Jessica met up with Maria’s father, who even Maria hasn’t seen in fifteen years. Judging from the black eye Jessica’s sporting, things didn’t go so well, but Jessica did manage to squeeze some information out of him that even Maria didn’t know.
What follows is Jessica Jones going full on meta with a comic book within a comic book. I won’t spoil the reason for this, but it speaks to the chances Bendis is willing to take with this series, and so far it’s paying off. The result is a wildly unique issue that manages to be a lot of fun, even though most of it is preparation for the conclusion to this arc next issue. We end up on a pretty ambiguous cliffhanger that could either mean something huge or nothing (it’s probably misdirection), and with that we’re off to the races to the final issue of this intriguing arc.
Bendis continues to nail Jessica’s demeanor and characterization. She’s cold, she doesn’t trust anybody, but underneath it all she is a genuine person. And of course, she has a biting wit about her that makes her conversations and thoughts a joy to read. Maria is well written as well–the comic-within-a-comic focuses almost entirely on her, and while it’s intentionally a bit more pulpy than the main story, it’s a good read in its own right.
Look Jessica, whatever you’re into is your business, just don’t bring me into it.
As the comic is sort of split into two, so is the art team: Michael Gaydos handles the main story as usual, while Javier Pulido is brought in to draw the second comic. Both artists accomplish what they are setting out to do quite well: Gaydos’ art remains a solid constant for the series, providing the necessary grit and gravitas. Matt Hollingsworth’s coloring felt especially nice here, especially on flourishes such as Jessica’s black eye. Pulido’s style is suitably retro, but what really stands out are the panels. There are some unique layouts here, including back to back double page layouts set in an X that commands your attention. If you feel like you don’t have enough Golden Age in your life, this is the book for you this week.
Is it good?
Jessica Jones #11 mostly sets the table for the conclusion of the arc next issue, but it does so with a refreshingly unique angle that makes it a joy to read.
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