Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos continued to impress in this third volume of Alias. In it we see Jessica investigate another missing girl, Mattie Franklin the new Spider-Woman, who suddenly appeared strung out in Jessica's apartment before vanishing. Facing threats from Mattie's guardian J. Jonah Jameson, and small-time gang members with superpowers Jessica eventually teams up with fellow P.I. and former Spider-Woman Jessica Drew to get Mattie back to safety. 

The mystery in this volume was as well written as its predecessors. J. Jonah Jameson is perfectly infuriating as a thorn in Jessica's side as she attempts to find Mattie. The ultimate revelation that Mattie was being used to supply mutagenic drugs was a horrific concept vividly rendered on the page. I also liked seeing Jessica team up with another Jessica Drew. While she and Drew had a rocky start their mutual desire to get Mattie home and similar positions as not-quite-civilians and not-quite-superheroes was a cool one to see explored. 

What engaged me most in this volume was seeing more hints of Jessica's backstory. I especially appreciate the way sex is used in this volume. Throughout the series, Jessica utilizes sex as a self-destructive escape but Gaydos never uses those scenes as an opportunity to sexualize Jessica. One of the most pointed moments in this issue only depicts Scott in the nude while Jessica was entirely covered. This respect for Jessica's dignity leaves me hopeful that the themes of sexual violence will continue to be done thoughtfully. 

This volume also introduces some unique art. Issue 10 was entirely rendered full-page watercolour spreads (slightly reminiscent of Alex Ross' gouache style) and it was stunning. I also loved the ways Mark Badgley, Al Vey and Dean White's dream sequences were integrated into the story. Those jarring breaks from the narrative felt even more pointed because of how classically 90s comics they looked. And finally, I have to shout out Matt Hollingsworth's colouring throughout. The way this comic can seamlessly shift from the trippy intensity of a drugged-out nightclub to the cold reality of a back alley is aided by his excellent cohesive colouring work. 

Again I don't have much new to say about Alias other than it's really fucking good. Its dark theming is purposeful and thoughtful, its character writing is excellent, and its art is brilliant. I can't imagine its last volume being anything less than great so I'm excited to get to it.