Jupiter’s Legacy #4

By Mark Millar, Frank Quitely & Peter Doherty

It must be Millar week at Image, not only does Starlight launch, but Jupiter’s Legacy makes a grand return! This issue presents a phenomenon from the past and then time jumps to events years after the devastating conclusion of #3. Brandon and his Uncle Walter have assumed control and have basically created a totalitarian state. Meanwhile, Chloe and Hutch are raising their son, Jason, to be normal, despite him having superhuman abilities and, evidently, the hero genes. Also, the story flashes back to when Sheldon Sampson and his team found the island where their lives will change forever…

When a title that has a powerhouse creative team like Mark Millar and Frank Quitely, one can expect scope, intensity and heart. This issue hits all three marks! Millar maps out the state of the world after Brandon’s coup, but to counteract the bleakness he presents the new family of Chloe and Hutch. The majority of the issue focuses on them, which allows the reader to build a strong emotional connection. I really enjoyed this heart-warming portion of the book; very reminiscent of the Kent family. Also, this grounds the book because there are some sci-fi elements that push the imagination. Continuing to structure the comic with the flashbacks really adds depth and furthers the mythology of the series. Love it!

Frank Quitely makes even the most humble moments, such as a family telling a bedtime story, feel epic. His depiction of facial expressions in close-up panels is so detailed and emotive. The panel on page 17, where Brandon is shown in profile talking to Walter, is a great example.  The amount of attention paid to the background and setting is amazing. In some of the streets sequences with Hutch and Jason, Quitely could have had just plain concrete buildings, but he instead adds graffiti. Just to add some more texture to the image. Also, Peter Doherty’s work on color is stunning; he really makes Frank and Mark’s work pop on the page. Check out page 14 and even though there are only five simple panels, it shines!

Jupiter’s Legacy is a powerful post-modern look at the superhero genre. Every comic fan should be reading this title! Heck, if you just love a good story, pick it up!