The multiverse is all the rage right now in comics. Multiple versions of a character creating an infinite amount of possibilities, it’s easy to see why. Sometimes it works and lot of time it feels like a cash grab. The Variants #5 wraps up the miniseries focusing Jessica Jones as she meets versions of herself from across the multiverse, and one that’s rather evil. Which one? We get the details here as the two squads of Jessicas wrap up.

The Variants #5 has Jessica facing off against the leader of more variants as we get the reason behind everything. Written by Gail Simone, the issue is interesting as Jessica’s nemesis is everything she isn’t. The motivation is so unlike our Jessica, it’s almost the exact opposite of the character we know. Which makes things interesting. How well do we know our Jessica? She’s taken on so many roles, her variants feel like an extension of the character that has evolved and grown over the years. It’s also a villain that forces our hero to take a look at herself in a way, creating more interesting growth to come.

But, it is the Jessica we know, so we get some great comments as the fists fly and “no fighting” turns into “beat the hell of them”. There’s some things that remain the same it seems like.

The one downside is there are some questions that remain unanswered or left hanging. Nothing is vital but readers might not be totally satisfied in that way. It’s a story in the end you go with the flow and the whole creates a bigger and more satisfying picture than the individual parts.

The art by Phil Noto is fun. With lettering by Cory Petit, the fun in the comic is all of the different versions battling it out. And it works. There’s a lot to soak in with some winks and nods that comic fans will want to dissect. One version in particular is intriguing and should get readers to take notice. Overall, it keeps up the solid and consistent visuals for the comic that have delivered action and emotion with each issue.

The Variants #5 on its own is just ok. The battle is a little anti-climactic. But, there’s an emotional aspect to the ending that feels really nice. This isn’t a comic that’s completely wrapped up by punching as we might expect with Jessica Jones. And in a series that explores her character a bit, it’s a nice change of pace in a lot of ways.

Story: Gail Simone Art: Phil Noto Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Variations of you are popping up from across the multiverse. You’re also afraid you have a hypnosis time-bomb inside of you that’ll force you to hurt your husband and daughter. And there’s the headaches. That’s just some of the issues Jessica Jones is facing. The Variants #3 brings the “team” together as they finally settle down and begin to figure out what’s going on. Sadly, we’ll have to wait for that answers.

Written by Gail Simone, The Variants #3 is another fantastic issue that has some action, some humor, and some sadness. Jewel has shown up, a much younger and “innocent” version of Jessica which finally gets our hero to settle down. With her head more focused, the next best move is bringing the other Jessicas together to try and figure out what’s going on.

Simone delivers a rather heartfelt and sad issue as each hints at their story and and the tragedy almost all of them have experienced. Simone nails the roundtable discussion over coffee with looks and body language that exudes sadness and in one case frustration.

Much of that is delivered by Phil Noto‘s fantastic art. With lettering by Cory Petit, the art in this series helps tell so much of the story. Not only is there the various Jessicas, but each has a lot of tells and “language” from their body. One, you can tell she’s irritated at the current status of our Jessica. The Jewel version looks so much younger and in a way more innocent. It’s all impressive with the art conveying so much about our group and the mystery they represent.

But, there’s also some solid action with a nice fight to keep things rolling and entertaining. Noto and Simone definitely deliver a rollercoaster of emotions in the issue as each punch is thrown and each tragedy revealed. The Variants #3 is another fantastic issue that has us screaming to know what happens next. It’s a fantastic series that takes the rather overused multiverse concept and give us something new, a solid mystery.

Story: Gail Simone Art: Phil Noto Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Two issues. Two fantastic reads. The Variants is top notch comics leaving readers guessing where it’s all going. Jessica Jones might have a ticking time bomb in her head. The Purple Man may have implanted something that after 10 years she’ll be under his control again and hurt those around her, possible killing her family. To add to the problem, variants from across the multiverse have shown up. Why? We’re not quite sure. The Variants #2, though, is a fantastic second issue that dives deeper into the mindfuck that is this series.

Written by Gail Simone, I finished the first issue wondering if the various Jessicas were even real. This issue answers that question and then some as she confronts what’s in front of her. But, beyond the action, we get a person, a mother, a superhero, a woman, who is spiraling. She’s worried for so many reasons. What she has built, the things she cares about the most, are in danger, and she’s scared of what she might do. Could she hurt look and their daughter? Is she guaranteed to bring doom? There’s so much there and the issue feels like the worry I as a parent have had. Will I fail as a father? Will I fail my wife and daughter? The fact Dani is the about the same age and going through the same things as my own, the issue hit a little close as well.

The art by Cory Petit is fantastic as usual. The character look great and the subtle differences between the Jessicas is the chef’s kiss. Add in some really emotional hits as to what may happen and is happening and this a comic that brings it all. There’s action, there’s drama, there’s humor. Petit’s art nails it all to drive the wild rollercoaster that is this issue.

The Variants #2 is another fantastic issue. The series is amazing so far and I have no idea what’s happening next. If you’re a fan of mysteries, drama, or Jessica Jones, this is one that’s not to be missed.

Story: Gail Simone Art: Phil Noto Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle