Alias: Red Band #1 Review: Jessica Jones Returns Ahead of MCU Comeback

As a huge Jessica Jones fan, I’m so excited about her upcoming appearance in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2! It’s no surprise Marvel’s releasing a new Alias comic to tie into it. This one, called Alias: Red Band, takes place in the main Marvel comic universe (Earth-616), so this Jessica has a slightly different backstory than the one we know from the Netflix show. But don’t worry, even if you’re only familiar with the streaming series, you’ll still be able to jump right in and enjoy it!

At the start of Alias: Red Band #1, Jessica Jones is feeling stuck. She’s married to Luke Cage, who is now the Mayor of New York City, and has children. However, the political establishment disapproves of a former vigilante being in charge, so they’ve forced Jessica to stop working as a private investigator while Luke is in office.

It’s a huge understatement to say she’s struggling with just being the First Lady of New York City. She’s frustrated with being known only as Luke Cage’s wife, and Jessica Jones is particularly annoyed by the paparazzi constantly following her and interfering with her detective work.

Jessica Jones is simply trying to check on her neighbors and stop by her old office to get the mail when she stumbles upon evidence of a serial killer. This discovery sparks a fight with her husband, who thinks she should prioritize public perception over doing what’s right. Ultimately, she forms an unexpected partnership and secretly agrees to investigate the murders.

Alias: Red Band a treat for Jessica Jones fans

Whether you’re new to comics or a Jessica Jones fan wanting a refresher, Alias: Red Band #1 is a great read. Writer Sam Humphries skillfully establishes the current situation without relying on lengthy explanations. He perfectly nails Jessica’s signature sarcastic thoughts and the feel of the original Alias series. Plus, he cleverly introduces Typhoid Mary and makes her and her husband’s decision to help Jessica believable.

Geraldo Borges was an ideal artist for this new Alias story. His artwork is strongly influenced by neo-noir, featuring dramatic shadows and intricate details. He even adds clever visual cues, such as making the edges of the comic panels rough when Jessica Jones is stressed. Colorist Arthur Hesli complements this style with a palette dominated by greys and blues, which makes the vibrant reds of action sequences and the bright pink of Typhoid Mary’s outfit really stand out.

Red Band #1 is a fantastic start to the series, successfully capturing its core essence. It’s both a great entry point for new readers and a helpful reminder for longtime fans. More than that, it’s a heartfelt tribute to everything that makes Jessica Jones such a popular and well-loved character, both in the comics and on screen.

Grade: 10/10

Alias: Red Band #1 is now available in comic shops everywhere.

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2026-03-11 19:08