“Alias: Red Band #3” Review – A Delightful Ball of Chaos

Jessica Jones and Typhoid Mary; the dynamic duo that none of us knew we needed. They’ve now found the Postcard Killer, but where will things go from here? That’s for Megan and I to know and for you, dear readers, to find out! Join the two of us as we review “Alias #3” by writer Sam Humphries.

Writer: Sam Humphries
Artist: Geraldo Borges
Colorist: Arthur Hesli

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Story & Writing

Megan: Jumping into issue three of “Alias: Red Band”, Typhoid Mary is under the trance of one of the postcards and she’s in a blind rage. Typhoid Mary isn’t one to be messed with. When she wants to hurt you, she’s going to hurt you. Jessica see’s the dangers she’s in and it seems hopeless. That is until Typhoid Mary’s alter comes through and puts a stop to the chaotic rage. She can only hold Typhoid Mary back for so long, so Jessica has to act fast. Finally finding the supposed Postcard King, Jessica finds out everything she can on how to switch off the button on Typhoid Mary’s rage. When she pushes for more information, the writer of the postcards proves that this isn’t just a one and done bust. There’s much more sinister hands at play and it’s up to Jessica and Typhoid Mary to put a stop to it all. On their investigation, their only lead seems like a bust, but what they don’t see is that it’s only the beginning of the chaos.

Sam Humphries delivers another phenomenal issue of “Alias: Red Band” that keeps you locked into the story. What I love about how Sam is writing this is that you truly cannot guess what’s around the next corner. There’s no telling what’ll come up in the investigation, but what I do know is that I am sat and I am excited.

Edalyn: I’ve got to say that I’m completely with Megan on this one! For this entire issue, I was sat and on the edge of my seat. Throughout this entire run so far, I’ve loved not ever knowing what was coming next, and that continues here. Not once could I ever have guessed what was going to happen, and that to me is a mark of a truly great mystery. That being said, not a single moment felt wasted either. While the action heavy moments felt exciting, Humphries also really allows us to soak in those small moments and take in all that these characters are, which leads me into my next point.

Something else that I loved about this issue too was getting more of Jessica’s inner monologue. With what she goes through in this issue, the inner monologue acts as a great way to see how she processes everything she sees or feels. There are several instances here that are very much heightened by the usage, and I loved it. The writing from top to bottom was absolutely amazing and I need so much more.

The Art

Megan: What stands out the most in this comic for me is the action. Geraldo Borges brings the action to life in the most detailed ways, leaving little to the imagination. Arthur Heslie works perfectly off of Borges’ drawings and uses the colors to bring in more depth. I really appreciated how the tones of the colors changed when Typhoid Mary was on a terror. The vibrant colors did well showing that she’s in a trance and a completely different headspace than she normally would be in. Cory Petit handles the lettering and perfectly captures the emotions of Same Humphries’ writing through the dialogue. With some well-timed sound effects, Petit gives the comic its voice in a beautiful way.

Edalyn: The art on display here was both Geraldo Borges and Arthur Heslie at the tops of their games. Borges’ use of detail has this almost indescribable edge to it, making you feel the grit of every scene. There’s several panels that look like they’d be right at home in Billie Joe Armstrong’s bedroom, and this is further helped by the colors of Arthur Heslie. the colors are intense and bright when needed, and subdued when the moment calls for it. The two together make everything just feel real, sucking you into the world and making you feel like you’re there.

Final Thoughts

Megan: Sam Humphries isn’t writing this comic specifically for me, but he might as well have. The action, the Jessica Jones style investigation, and the mystery of the story are all 10s in my book. Absolutely phenomenal job by the creative team! – 10/10

Edalyn: I don’t think I can really praise this run enough. It’s so far remained consistently stellar and this installment doesn’t disappoint. I can easily say that you can read all three of these first issues and not at all feel like you’re missing a beat. The creative team is putting in the work and it shows! – 10/10

Overall grade: 10/10

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Comments

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