Review – Jupiter’s Circle Volume 2 #1 (Image Comics)

Title: Jupiter’s Circle Vol. 2 #1 JCvol2
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Wilfredo Torres
Release Date: 25th November 2015

The prequel portion of Mark Millar’s epic superhero saga continues in this second volume, which further explores the backstories of the main characters and the intricacies of their relationships. The focus of this opening issue is Sheldon Sampson’s first marriage, told from the perspective of his then-wife Jane. By way of contrast, we are given an insight into the life of Grace, AKA Lady Liberty, whom we know (SPOILERS!!!) eventually marries The Utopian at some point in the future.

It’s a fairly sedate affair for the most part, and this is perhaps the point, given the trouble-free, picture-perfect nature of Sheldon and Jane’s relationship. Writer Mark Millar adds some much-needed balance and depth via Grace’s struggle to find a suitable partner, and her story hints at an unseen influence orchestrating events. Towards the end of the issue, Millar shakes things up further, with The Utopian discovering a mysterious box in the vicinity of an upside down world located at the core of Jupiter’s moon.

Continuing on art duties for this second volume is Wilfredo Torres, whose unpretentious linework brought to mind images of George Reeves in his Superman heyday, conveying an honesty and authenticity suggestive of seemingly simpler times. Strong lines and sweeping curves really help accentuate the old-time feel, with broad-shouldered, granite-jawed men, and demure, elegant women populating the pages. His style is a perfect fit for this part of the story, and given the hefty marker laid down by Frank Quietly in ‘Legacy’, Torres has done a fine job in making the prequel his own.

Whilst not exactly action-packed, volume two is off to a solid start, and certainly contains enough intrigue to keep you firmly on the hook.

Rating: 3.5/5.

The Writer of this piece was: Martin Doyle
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