Author: Juliane Blank, Deutsches Seminar (Department of German Studies), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (University of Freiburg) - ResearchGate

Abstract: »Among the numerous comic books adapted for the screen is the lesser-known Jessica Jones: Alias (Marvel’s Max imprint, 2001–2004). In the context of the Marvel Studios’ marginalisation of female characters, Netfix’ decision for a show focusing on the struggles of a female protagonist is complementary to the dominating narrative of the male superhero. Furthermore, show-runner Melissa Rosenberg chose to adapt only one of the comic books’ story arc, albeit expanded over thirteen episodes of the frst series of Marvel’s Jessica Jones (2015). The result was a ‘dark’ and ‘real’ Netfix show that, in a very ‘grounded’ tone, addresses the issue of rape, psychological abuse and its survival. By visualising the objectifcation, abuse and silencing of women in today’s culture, the Netfix show provides an ‘update’ of the comic book series that connects the (potentially fantastic) superhero narrative to the real world. Furthermore, the ‘update’ introduces the issue of both gendered violence as well as disempowerment into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, thus contributing to overcoming the trope of the female victim in the superhero genre. But instead of just unmasking systematic misogyny and the rhetoric of abuse, the Netfix show also explores strategies of re-empowerment by addressing the question of who controls the narrative and enabling the protagonist to become the heroine of her own story—even if she struggles with that label.« (Source: Article)

Contents:

	Abstract (p. 17)
	Jessica Jones as an Adaptation of the Comic Book Serial Alias (p. 19)
	Representation of Abuse in Jessica Jones and Alias (p. 23)
	Disempowerment and Reclaiming the Narrative in Jessica Jones (p. 26)
	Conclusion (p. 30)
	Bibliography (p. 31)

Wikipedia: History of the Americas: History of the United States | Comics: Brian Michael Bendis / Alias (comics) | Fiction: Fictional rapists / Purple Man | Television: Netflix television dramas / Jessica Jones (TV series) | Sex and the law: Rape / Rape in the United States