I may like this second volume of Alias even more than the first. Brian Michael Bendis' grounded superhero storytelling continues to be compelling and Michael Gaydos's dark inky illustrations are equally as stunning in these issues. What stood out to me about this volume in particular was how tight its story was. In this volume, we see Jessica investigate the disappearance of a teen girl from her small town. Jessica works with the local sheriff and newspaper editor to unravel the messy combination of bullying, bigotry, and toxic home life that could have led to Rebecca's disappearance. 

What I love about Alias is how it explores its mature subject matter. I'll be the first to say I find most superhero comics that pride themselves on their "dark" and "gritty" tone tedious. But here, the darker fair feels grounded and purposeful rather than tacked on. The dark tone aids in telling stories about diving into the muck of human relationships. Where Bendis shines on this front is in his character work. He has a knack for crafting revealing character interactions. There's an honesty to his portrayals of not only Jessica but the bevy side characters that flit in and out of the series that's dynamic to see play out. 

The confluence of solid character writing was at its most rewarding in this volume during Jessica's date with Scott Lang. Here we get to see Jessica slowly lower her defences. Their back and forth was so charming and their connection felt genuine. 

Alias might be becoming a favourite comic book series. I haven't felt this genuinely impressed and surprised by ongoing comic book storytelling in a while and I'm excited to see where Bendis and Gaydos take this story in the next two volumes.