Jupiter’s Legacy #3

By Mark Millar, Frank Quitely & Peter Doherty

Jupiter’s Legacy seems to have reached its climax with this plot-altering book. Issue #2 ended with Brandon and Walter Sampson plotting to overthrow The Utopian, Sheldon Sampson, and usher America into a new age. This entire issue is spent  showing how the plot unfolds in an epic and graphic fashion.

Mark Millar once again implements postmodern elements in his writing. Superheroes have been shown in comics to preserve the status quo and not overstep their boundaries. Millar makes this concept the  central conflict in this title. Allies of The Utopian, his own family, feel they should step in and help the government and mold the U.S. to what they believe is best. Seeing this conflict come to such an effective high point is intensely gratifying. Some of the best writing harks back to classical literature and plays, but also elevates it and makes its own statement and issue #3 is a great example! Mark creates new conflicts and repercussions due the actions taken in this issue, which keeps the reader wanting and begging for more.

Visually, this was a fantastic issue. Frank Quitely and colorist Peter Doherty make each and every panel count. Quitely expertly shows the transitions of actions from panel to panel. When the reader sees Chloe and her mother ambushed in their house, they will no doubt have a double take. There are two full-page shots in this issue and they encapsulate the gravity and intense nature of the events that are transpiring. Simply beautiful work! Frank’s depiction of facial features and emotion allow for a real conveyance to the reader. At the end of the book, I was choked up and left in awe.

Mark Millar and his team are still on track with this spectacular book and, mark my words, could make it a seminal work in the genre. It goes without saying, but people need to be reading this!