Jessica Jones

Author: Melissa Rosenberg

Netflix is killin' it! They have taken their Marvel properties and made some incredible television out of 'em. From the hard-hitting Luke Cage, to the gritty-as-hell Daredevil, all have delved into the heavier side of the Marvel comic book world, developing ideas that might have come of the darker thoughts of writers like Frank Miller. Jessica Jones is one of the series that made Marvel into a player in the on-demand original series world, and it's also one of the most painfully realistic portrayals of what someone goes through in trauma. The basic story is harsh; Jessica Jones was the only survivor of a car crash that killed her family, and is eventually controlled by Kilgrave to commit murder. She gains super powers, and eventually becomes an alcoholic as a way to deal with her PTSD. That's only the tip of the iceberg, as there are incredible layers to the series that openly explores concepts like rape, repression, abusive relationships, and power dynamics, while also making a smart super hero series. Plus, it's got David Tennant playing the role of Kilgrave in a way that is brutal in every possible dimension., Why it's on the list: The best-written super hero series of all time.