Jupiter’s Circle #1

By Erik Gonzalez
On 16 March 201516 March 2015
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By Mark Millar & Wilfredo Torres

When it was announced that Mark Millar would be writing not a sequel, but a prequel story in the universe established in Jupiter’s Legacy, I was ecstatic. Readers were given glimpses into the past in a few flashbacks in the miniseries that sent the mind racing about the events that were left untold. Circle opens with the super-powered team already established. They take on an extraterrestrial foe, but a bigger threat looms from within…

The narrative is set in 1958 and this period is very important or at least Millar makes it so. The home base of the team is clearly reminiscent of the Hall of Justice and the creature they confront is eerily similar to Starro, the opponent that the Justice League of America faced in their first appearance (The Brave and the Bold #28) in 1960. These nods to the glory of the Silver Age are great, but it’s the latter half of the book that truly shines and makes the comic become a post-modern work. Mark grounds the story within the social and political contexts of the time period. By placing these “gifted” humans in these precarious situations, he is able to really delve into the identifies and pathologies of the characters, which was a cornerstone in Jupiter’s Legacy.

Wilfredo Torres’ artwork was a bit of an adjustment considering that Frank Quitely magnificently established this world, but it quickly becomes apparent how well suited he is for this story. His simplistic, yet defined style complements both the strange and the ordinary material throughout the issue. This is fully realized with the aid of great color work. The costumes and the creature are realized in very bright, flamboyant colors. In 1958, these characters would surely stand out, so it makes absolute sense for them to be done this way.

Jupiter’s Circle looks to be another strong tale in Millarworld. It is tonally matching Legacy, which is key to making this book work since what takes place influences the events in the previous series. Fans of the Silver Age will also appreciate the content. Out on April 8, this title should be added to the pull-list of any self-respecting comic reader right now. Newcomers should also pick-up the trade of Jupiter’s Legacy.

All-Comic erik gonzalez Image Jupiter's Circle jupiter's legacy Mark Millar Millarworld review Wilfredo Torres

About The Author Erik Gonzalez

I was exposed to comics early on, one of my earliest vivid memories was picking up the entire run of Dark Horse’s Aliens vs. Predator(1990). Odd and perhaps morbid choice for a kid, I know...At the same time, I was immersed in the pop culture of the time which included, but not limited to: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and of course, Batman: The Animated Series. Upon reflection, it’s fairly evident why I’m such a zealous geek. My day job is in television operations, so basically I’m exposed to media at every turn, which is where I want to be! Writing comic book reviews is another outlet to convey my respect and fanaticism for the this graphic medium. I hope what I have to say will resonate with others and also spark heart-felt discussion. Simon Pegg said it best, “Being a geek is extremely liberating.”

Jupiter’s Circle #1