Take a look at Mark Millar’s work and you’ll note the man understands how to make superheroes realistic. It’s not just the brutal violence or drinking and drugs; no, it’s the humanity behind the characters. It’s understanding people are willing to do the worst to save their own. It’s the idea that jealousy – when exhibited by someone with powers – can mean someone’s face will be punched into bits. We review the latest issue from his Jupiter Legacy 2 series this week, but is it good?
Jupiter’s Legacy 2 #4 (Image Comics)
So what’s it about? The Image summary reads:
Archenemies come out of hiding to settle old scores in this action-packed battle of good versus evil. After suffering intense humiliation, Walter is out for blood. He will stop at nothing until the trouble-making superheroes are dead and Skyfox’s bloodline is completely wiped out.
Why does this book matter?
This series has superstar artist Frank Quitely on board, which means we’re in for a treat when it comes to big action and detailed looking characters. Combine his ability with Millar’s keen sense of knowing when to kill off a character or blow your mind with twists and you have a winning combo.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
This story is all about fathers and sons.
Skyfox continues to be the strongest element of this series and Millar writes quite a good bonding scene between he and his son. As they float five miles over the Earth in their invisible craft they discuss what they’ll do when they beat the bad guys. That’s probably the first sign that Millar is going to do anything but let these guys win, but I digress, things get quite crazy soon after this touching scene — which is what much of this book is about, superheroes flying, punching, and using their powers during a chaotic action sequence.
That leaves it to Quitely to make the action sing and I think he does with his incredibly cinematic style. From Skyfox throwing punches to his son masterfully using a magic flightlight to save lives you’re going to be gripped with tension reading this. On top of that, there’s plenty of anguish and drama heaped on top of the action, which makes it even more addictive to read. One of the reasons I love Quitely’s work so much is the detail he puts into panels. Sure, many panels have blank backgrounds to highlight a character, but take a panel where people on an airplane are shaken and jarred. In this single panel you see a cup of water over turn, glasses fly, and a woman’s high heel slip off. These little elements make the scene feel more real and more dramatic.
To cap it all off, Millar ends this issue with quite a cliffhanger. Given the superpowers involved something big has to occur that we aren’t seeing yet. That is good storytelling in the not knowing what could happen, but you know something must happen.
It can’t be perfect can it?
This is a fight comic through and through so if you’re expecting a ton of dialogue or character work you will be sorely disappointed. This does make it a brisk read which reminds you stories like this are best read collected.
Maybe it’s just me, but standing like that seems to forshadow bad things bro!
Is It Good?
Millar and Quitely will tug at your heart strings, blow you away with action, and shake you to your core with big time shocking moments in Jupiter’s Legacy 2 #4. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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