Since I talked a little about the Fantastic Four Trailer and the Daredevil trailer, I thought I might as well drop a few words about Alias. I mean AKA Jessica Jones. Which is a much longer type, but will make it easier to differentiate the comic (Alias) and the show (AKAJJ).
First off, let me say that I picked up every single issue of Alias as it was coming out. For college-aged me it was unlike any other Marvel comic I had read. I haven’t read the series in over decade, so I can’t say if it holds up, but I remember it as being some of the better Bendis work. He really shines in street level in a way I never felt in his later Avengers, X-Men or Guardians of the Galaxy work.
One of the things that I really enjoyed about that comic was, of course, the character and mystery of who Jessica Jones is/was. I am not going to go into that because it spoils pretty much the whole series and perhaps the Netflix show. But I will say that Jessica is average at best while living in a world of superheroes is very important to the series. While I could be mis-remembering, I do want to say that the sense of average extends to the physical as well. Jessica feels inferior because she is normal in a world of superheroes who also look like supermodels.
(Yes, there are other reasons, but, hey, being succinct here.)
Which brings me to Krysten Ritter. I really only know Ritter from Breaking Bad, from which I really only know two things: she is very talented and very attractive. Of course I am thrilled that someone as talented as she is will be Jessica Jones. But I also have worries due to how attractive she is.
Don’t get me wrong, acting chops wise I have no doubt she can do the role justice and I also know how slim (nigh impossible) the chance was of a “plain” actress being cast in the role. But will if they stick to the comics and play Jessica Jones as average will it be believable? Will it even be a part of the show? Will her appearance based insecurity not make the cut? I have a slight fear that this will be a version of the “frumpy” girl in glasses and a sweater in the teen rom-com whose appearance is saved by magically… being very pretty from the start but being in a movie world that says you must dress like the popular kids to be attractive.
I don’t know. Maybe this is just me. I’m sure Ritter will do a fantastic job. I just wish she weren’t so pretty.
Deadly Troubadour 