Jessica Jones #18
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller: Michael Gaydos
Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 03/28/18
Rating: Parental Advisory
Plot: After her final encounter with the Purple Man, Jessica Jones goes back to business as usual. Although her business is private investigation, some cases are a bit unusual. Jessica’s latest case involves a search for a D-list supervillain called the Armadillo. Also, this is the final issue by Jessica’s creators, Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos.
Story: This issue’s plot is self-contained, which is nice given the length of the previous arc. Returning Jessica to her role as a private investigator is a nice throwback to how readers first met this character, and this one-shot story reminds longtime readers about the good of Bendis and Gaydos’s Jessica Jones run.
Once again, Brian Michael Bendis supplies the characters with excellent dialogue. Bendis’ words provide an easy transition between scenes when Jessica interviews other heroes, and the dialogue’s flow really helps move the overall story as well. Plus Bendis’ words feel very natural for the story’s characters.
Speaking of dialogue, the best part of this story was Jessica’s conversation with the Armadillo. For me, this scene shows why Jessica Jones is a great character. Jessica easily emphasizes with Armadillo after he tells her why he’s in hiding. Also Jessica’s message of “Everyone’s life has shit in it” is a great lesson to take away from this character. Jessica had a real rough patch in her life, but she figured out how to get over it and her life got better. Overall, this one scene reminds readers that Bendis’ work will be a tough act to follow.
Art: The artwork was fantastic. Michael Gaydos does an excellent job with the characters facial expressions. The expressions really match the character’s dialogue tone. This is a great example of why Bendis and Gaydos make a great team. Plus Gaydos’ gritty backgrounds help the clear character designs stand out and keep the readers’ focus. Also it’s clever how Jessica’s photos of previous Armadillo fights are just other panes from other comics.
Verdict: It’s always hard to say goodbye, but Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos manage to craft a perfect farewell to Jessica Jones. If you’re a long time reader (whether you started with Alias, the Pulse, New Avengers, etc.), you’ll appreciate the work this team put into this issue. With one final story, Bendis and Gaydos remind readers why Jessica Jones is an amazing character and why we won’t be seeing the last of her. Overall, this was a perfect issue and a great precursor to the new titles which will begin this Fall.
Rating: 5 out of 5