“Alias: Red Band #5” Review – The Devil’s In The Details

The Run Down

The marvelous investigative misadventure of Jessica Jones & Typhoid Mary sadly comes to a close this week in a spellbinding finale. In the issues leading up, we’ve seen mind control, demons and plenty of Jessica’s favorite brown water. We also got to witness arguably one of the best buddy cop pairings we ever could’ve asked for. So now, just as you have before, join Megan and I as we take a look at “Alias: Red Band #5”!

Writer: Sam Humphries Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Artist: Geraldo Borges
Colors: Arthur Hesli

The Writing

Megan: This finale had to have been one of the most satisfying endings to a mini series that I’ve seen in a really long time. Sam Humphries kept the energy at an all-time high throughout the story. We got to see dynamics expand, Jessica Jones out of her element, and surprises that I really didn’t see coming.

In Alias: Red Band #5, Mary and Jessica are at the end of their ropes trying to figure out this mystery when they’re taken to the darkest depths they possibly could reach. Together, Jessica and Mary fight their way out of an impossible situation just to come to the realization that there’s one more piece missing to the puzzle. When it’s all said and done, everything is wrapped in a perfect bow. The conclusion of the series is emotional, it’s dark, and we get to see Mary and Jessica truly come together as friends and colleagues. There was so much to love about this issue and it’s all thanks to Sam Humphries.

Eda: Dear lord was this finale better than I ever could’ve imagined. A part of me has always wondered how some characters in comics can accept that superheroes exist but not monsters. It genuinely made me belly laugh when Jessica commented on exactly that. This issue continued to prove that the humor throughout this run acted as the perfect balance to the tension and horror.

Sam Humphries expertly executed this entire run. He continued to show a deep level of understanding on who Jessica and Mary are as characters, creating a fantastic buddy cop dynamic throughout. The stakes felt real and he never let off the gas. As for the twists, my jaw stayed on the floor. When you see the very first one, you’ll sit and think “how did I not come to that conclusion” just like I did. Humphries showed up and showed out from the first issue to the last.

The Art

Megan: The artwork of Alias: Red Band #5 had no right to be as good as it was. Geraldo Borges, Arthur Hesli, and Cory Petit all used their talents to create an excellent and satisfying ending that had a nice juxtaposition of street-level grittiness and mystical darkness. There was a haunting few pages with Jessica and Mary in the depths of hell, decorated with demons wherever they look, and it’s handled beautifully by Borges. Borges has top tier linework along with excellent detailing that contrasts with abstract elements. Hesli works brilliantly off of Borges’ work, with warmer colors working against the darker tones, which really makes you feel the darkness of the settings. Cory Petit is able to make the reader feel the intensity of the tones through the dialogue expertly.

Eda: What’s there to say here that I haven’t already said before? As with all of the previous issues, the art, coloring and panel work here were all entirely excellent. Both Borges and Hesli did far more than stick the landing. When it comes to Borges’ work, every detail felt meticulous and brutal. That darkness and edginess carried throughout the entire run, bolstered by the fitting yet unique paneling.

Perfectly coupling this were the colors from Hesli. I don’t know how he did it, but his palette perfectly created this grimy, noir aesthetic that I absolutely loved. The blending of browns, greens, blues and reds truly made for something dirty yet stunning.

Final Thoughts

Megan: Alias: Red Band #5 gave us a perfect ending to what’s been a phenomenal run. The creative team stuck the landing in a big way and I would love to see this team continue with Jessica Jones in the future. With a beautifully written story and artwork that’s nothing short of stunning, Alias: Red Band #5 is a memorable ending and one that’ll be used as an example of high quality for years to come.

Eda: “Alias: Red Band” from Sam Humphries was more than worth the years of waiting. This new story for Jess perfectly captures what makes her feel so enigmatic and engaging to read. Coupled with some truly amazing art, this entire run is perfect from start to finish. Your jaw will be on the floor as the team delivered truly stunning work.

Megan’s Grade: 10/10
Eda’s Grade: 10/10

Overall Grade – 10/10

Read more from Megan here and check out Vigilante Vibes Podcast!

Be sure to also read more from me, Eda, here and check out my socials!

Comments

Have you been reading “Alias: Red Band”? What’re your thoughts? Let’s discuss in the comments below!