In a world where superheroes dominate our screens and comic book pages, it’s refreshing to see a take on these larger-than-life characters that brings them down to earth—or rather, down to the grimy streets of Hell’s Kitchen. Lisa Jewell’s “Breaking the Dark,” the inaugural novel in Marvel’s new Crime series, does just that. It strips away the shiny veneer of superheroism and presents us with a Jessica Jones who’s all too human, all too flawed, and all the more compelling for it.
A Reluctant Hero in a World of Shadows
Jewell, best known for her psychological thrillers like “Then She Was Gone” and “None of This is True,” might seem an unlikely choice to kick off a Marvel series. But from the opening pages, it’s clear she’s tapped into something special here. Her Jessica Jones isn’t just a superhero having a bad day; she’s a woman grappling with trauma, addiction, and a deep-seated mistrust of the world around her.
The story kicks off with Jessica nursing yet another hangover (a recurring theme) when Amber Randall bursts into her office, convinced something’s happened to her teenage twins during a visit to their father in the UK. It’s a classic noir setup, but Jewell quickly subverts our expectations. The twins aren’t missing; they’re right there in New York. But they’re… different. Perfect. And that’s where things start to get weird.
A Mystery That Defies Logic
As Jessica reluctantly takes on the case (because, let’s face it, she needs the money), we’re drawn into a mystery that blends the supernatural with good old-fashioned detective work. Jewell’s prose crackles with tension as Jessica travels to the quaint English village of Barton Wallop, a place that seems to have stepped out of an Agatha Christie novel—if Christie had a penchant for the occult.
The author’s talent for crafting atmosphere really shines here. You can practically feel the damp chill in the air, smell the musty odor of secrets long buried. It’s in this setting that we meet Belle, a teenager living an isolated life with her “guardian” in an old farmhouse. Is Belle responsible for the Randall twins’ transformation? And what’s with the strange energy permeating the village?
Characters That Leap Off the Page
One of Jewell’s strengths has always been her ability to create complex, nuanced characters, and that skill is on full display here. Her Jessica Jones feels lived-in, a woman whose superpowers are as much a burden as a gift. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, from the enigmatic Belle to the various villagers, each hiding their own secrets.
But it’s in the relationship between Jessica and Luke Cage that Jewell really flexes her character-building muscles. Their on-again, off-again dynamic crackles with unresolved tension and genuine affection. It’s messy, it’s complicated, and it feels real in a way that superhero romances often don’t.
A Grittier Marvel Universe
What sets “Breaking the Dark” apart from typical superhero fare is its unflinching look at the darker side of having powers. Jewell doesn’t shy away from exploring the trauma Jessica’s experienced, or the toll that being “special” has taken on her psyche. There’s a moment where Jessica reflects on her failed attempts at being a “shiny spandex crimefighter” that’s both darkly funny and deeply sad.
This isn’t a story about saving the world. It’s about saving yourself, about finding a way to keep going when the weight of your past threatens to crush you. And in that sense, it’s a story that resonates far beyond the confines of the Marvel Universe.
Prose That Packs a Punch
Jewell’s writing style adapts beautifully to this new genre. Her prose is lean and muscular, with bursts of lyrical description that bring the grime and grit of Hell’s Kitchen to life. She has a knack for snappy dialogue that captures Jessica’s world-weary sarcasm perfectly.
A Mystery That Keeps You Guessing
At its core, “Breaking the Dark” is a mystery novel, and Jewell proves she’s more than up to the task of crafting a compelling whodunit (or in this case, a what-the-hell-is-going-on-it). The pacing is relentless, with each revelation leading to new questions. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on what’s happening, Jewell throws another curveball your way.
The supernatural elements are woven in skillfully, never overwhelming the grounded detective story at the heart of the novel. It’s a delicate balance, but Jewell walks that tightrope with confidence.
A New Direction for Marvel
“Breaking the Dark” marks an exciting new direction for Marvel, one that explores the grittier, more adult side of its universe. By focusing on street-level heroes and noir-tinged mysteries, they’re opening up a whole new storytelling palette.
Jewell’s take on Jessica Jones feels fresh and vital, even for readers familiar with the character from comics or Netflix. She brings her own sensibilities to the Marvel sandbox, creating something that feels both familiar and entirely new.
Comparisons and Context
While “Breaking the Dark” stands on its own merits, it does invite some interesting comparisons. Fans of Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London series will appreciate the blend of detective work and the supernatural. There’s also a touch of Gillian Flynn’s sharp-edged character studies in Jewell’s portrayal of Jessica.
Within the Marvel context, this feels like a spiritual successor to Brian Michael Bendis’s original Alias comics, which introduced Jessica Jones. Jewell captures that same world-weary tone while bringing her own unique voice to the character.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Start to a New Series
“Breaking the Dark” is a bold, confident start to the Marvel Crime series. Lisa Jewell proves she’s more than up to the task of bringing these larger-than-life characters down to street level, crafting a story that’s as much about internal struggles as external threats.
Is it perfect? No. There are moments where the pacing lags slightly, and some readers might find the bleakness a bit overwhelming at times. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a gripping, emotionally resonant novel.
For fans of Jewell’s previous work, this might be a departure, but it’s one that showcases her versatility as a writer. And for Marvel fans, it’s a thrilling new take on a beloved character, one that opens up exciting possibilities for future installments in the series.
“Breaking the Dark” reminds us that sometimes the most heroic act isn’t saving the world—it’s simply getting up and facing another day, no matter how dark things seem. And in Jessica Jones, Jewell has given us a hero for our times: flawed, frustrated, but ultimately unbreakable.