Some have argued that Bendis's story arcs -- on this title and others he pens -- plod along too slowly, even that not enough happens. I'm not in that camp, especially when it comes to Alias. Bendis's work is always at its strongest when it emphasizes everyday humanity, even in characters who are much more than everyday figures. Here, he approaches relationships from completely different angles, and it makes for a well-balanced, resonant and entertaining read.
Jessica Jones does some bodyguard work for Matt Murdock, but she's mortified to discover she's partnered up with Luke Cage, a friend with whom she had a one-night stand a while back. And if that weren't awkward enough for one day, she has a date scheduled that night. It's a blind date set up by her pal Carol Danvers, better known as the Avengers' Warbird. And the date is with another Avenger: Scott Land, AKA the second Ant-Man.
The greatest strength Gaydos brings to the art is the realism in his shadowy work. I love that Jessica doesn't look like a super-model, and Scott seems like a decent-looking but average guy. Gaydos also does an excellent job of capturing the new interpretation of Luke Cage as established by Richard Corben in this year's Cage limited series.
I love that Bendis has developed this book into something of a sister title for his Daredevil run. Peripheral events crisscross, and for those readers following both, that strong level of continuity reinforces the realism he's aiming for in his plotting. But at the same time, he doesn't make one title required reading in order to get the full context of the plot in another. The plots are completely distinct and separate; Bendis just makes excellent use of some common characters.
I wish the first dates I've been on were as smooth and as interesting as the one we see in this issue. Bendis's dialogue is sharp, and while it represents an idealized vision of a blind date, one can still see a reflection of one's own experiences in it. That universal tone draws one into the story and enables one to easily relate to the characters, regardless of super-powers.
Bendis approaches Jessica's love life and ability to form connections with other people from two different views, and it makes for an interesting comparison between the first half of the issue and the second. First, we see her dealing with her awkwardness around Luke Cage, whom she had a brief fling in the first issue. But she's not awkward with him; it's herself. And then there's the date she goes on with Scott. One situation involves some raw sexuality, and the other is a far more traditional relationship scenario. In one situation, Jessica was completely exposed, and in the other, she and Scott are just getting to know one another. But for all the differences, there's a similarity between them as well: the other party has to be blunt with Jessica about her problems before she starts to just be herself.
