Customer Reviews

Essential Painkiller Jane

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I picked up this book in the original format of single issues when it came out because Event Comics had a pretty diverse lineup as far as creators and concepts. The trade was just a bonus to have it on the bookshelf where it deserves to be for more read time. Painkiller Jane (along with the now departed 22 Brides) caught my attention not just for the well drawn and designed look but because the concept was steering away from the over hyped "bad girl" phase that was taking over the comic industry. Everyone was busy putting out books that had overly endowed women with no story depth. Painkiller Jane seemed to break that mold for me. The concept was original as could be but the delivery of the subsequent storylines really added to that seperation of the "bad girl" craze.

Jane Vasko finds herself with powers beyond what she had imagined after trying to do what was right, protect lives. With a new focus in life, she sets out to make those who wronged her pay. The story isn't just about revenge but rather a confused, strong woman trying to find herself on the way to righting those wrongs. Amanda Conner, Lee Moder and Rick Leonardi provide the artwork and if you don't think they can deliver, you're missing out. The all provide their own twist on the character and provide the much needed punch that the character deserves.

Each of the writing teams on the stories provide Jane with a unique challenge for the story and help the character battle personal demons along with the opposing characters. With the upcoming TV series, this is a great chance to get a little history on the characters before the show drops or just to enjoy a great read.

This is an incredible collection of great writing and awesome artwork.
The character of Jane is an interesting one for comic books. While there is no shortage of female superheroes, women warriors, or magic wielders, there are very few female characters in the hard-edged vigilante mold. Jane is more than willing to kill those she considers undeserving of breathing even the polluted air of New York. Jimmy Palmiotti handles the scripting duty and he does a good job of focusing on Jane as a person rather than a type. The dialogue is loaded with black and blood-red humor. The stories themselves do a very good job at setting up a mystery to be solved and there are many dangling clues that hint to the sense of danger that swirls around Jane.

Coming in to this title cold I found that Joe Quesada, Jimmy Palmiotti, Brian Augustyn, Mark Waid, Amanda Conner and Rick Leonardi have managed to make the character of Painkiller accessible to new readers. Enough basic facts and information are given to avoid confusion while still leaving room for more of the character's background to be explored. Jane is a tough woman whose entire life is balanced on a trip wire. One false move and the whole thing will explode. Want to know what happens next? Pick up the book.

This book is a must own for any comics enthusiast.
The artwork & stories are all of the highest level. My favorite interpretation of Painkiller Jane are from the hands of Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti.
Go witness the Painkiller in action!

i missed the single issues when they were orginally out. so the trade was a great find. i totaly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down till i finished teh last page.quesada and palmiotti are a great team together and amanda conners contribution is a extra bonus. i have already got a few of my friends to read it that don't even read comics and they loved it also

Painkiller Jane used to be a cop. Then she was recruited by the Feds to go undercover to help nail a dangerous drug lord. As a result, Jane was given drugs that wound up not killing her, but made her heal super fast. Now she lives in an abandoned hospital wing and fights bad guys. Or so it seems. I say that because her thoughts and dialogue make it seem like she doesn't really care about saving people but then she does anyway.

Jane goes up against drug lords, kidnappers, serial killers and child molesters. She is not particularly intelligent and solves problems by allowing herself to get hurt badly and still being able to hit back. She is aided by a former coworker cop and a doctor who keeps patching her up. As a result, Jane is usually seen running around scantily clad with bandages wound around her.

The creators claimed they were trying for a heroine that did not have a D-cup build but apparently the art staff was unaware of this goal. Overall this was just an odd series that seemed based more on the look than on the story. I am sure there will be many who will love this one due to the look but I can't imagine many falling for it due to the story.