Essential Painkiller Jane (Paperback)

~ Joe Quesada (Author, Artist), Jimmy Palmiotti (Author, Artist) "CLUB NOIR..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Read the origin of SCIFI Channel's newest star in full color! Jane Vasko was an undercover police officer attempting to infiltrate a major New York City drug ring. After gaining the trust of dealers, her cover was unknowingly blown and she was forced to submit to a drug cocktail that landed her in a coma until one day she awoke to a world where nothing was the same. Somehow infused with strange powers during her fitful sleep, Jane has nothing left to lose and a whole lot of people to make pay for what they've done. Painkiller Jane's story begins here!

About the Author

Featuring the creative team of Joe Quesada, Jimmy Palmiotti, Brain Augustyn, Mark Waid, Amanda Conner, Rick Leonardi and more, this new edition features issues 0-5 of the original Painkiller Jane series from Event Comics along with a classic cover gallery from the original series. Read the origin of SCIFI Channel's newest star!

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment (August 29, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933305975
• ISBN-13: 978-1933305974
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #768,470 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining concept and book!!!, March 29, 2007

By	Patrick C. Wedge (Van Buren, OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars no Pain know Jane, March 28, 2007

By	David Ryan "davidwilliamryan.com" (NJ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Irvin Bomb, March 29, 2007

By	Irwin Baum "Irvin Bomb" (New York, NY.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!