Connect with us
Is It Good? Jupiter's Circle #2 Review

Comic Books

Is It Good? Jupiter’s Circle #2 Review

The second issue in the highly acclaimed Jupiter’s Legacy series is here. To add to the excitement they’re making a movie of the original series, so maybe this book matters even more. Is it good?


Jupiter’s Circle #2 (Image Comics)


Is It Good? Jupiter's Circle #2 Review

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

The funny thing about this issue is you don’t need to read issue #1 to understand what is going on. Mark Millar does his comic book writer’s duty and effectively recaps where we’re at since the last issue. It’s the 50s and the superheroes running the show are relatively new to their powers. The focus is on Blue-Bolt, a stand up guy, doctor by day and hero by night. Oh, he’s also gay. President Hoover has come by some pictures of Blue-Bolt kissing another man and he wants him to spill on the identities of all his teammates. This has put him into crisis mode and he’s not sure what to do. This issue resolves that conflict.

Is It Good? Jupiter's Circle #2 Review
Here we go!

I can’t say writer Mark Millar had the best of plans here. The setup was fantastic last issue, but this issue sort of peters out. We basically rehash the conflict in this issue, see a clever fight scene in a Golden Age style, then it sort of resolves itself. I don’t want to ruin it, but if you’re a history buff you’ll know Hoover was rumored to be gay himself. Don’t get me wrong, there is drama here, but it’s more melodramatic than a satisfying story. Blue-Bolt makes a choice—a stupid one, but doesn’t have to pay for it. Instead he’s shown a world he and we didn’t expect. It feels a bit cheap since we were told in the last issue being openly gay is impossible. That said, maybe this leads somewhere, but as far as this story arc it ends in a “brush it under the rug” sort of way.

The art by Wilfredo Torres is spot on though and he’s a great choice for this era of superheroes. The opening pages show a clever way one of the heroes uses his secret human identity to beat the bad guys. The idea is clever, and the art is equally so, with a glint in their eyes and a smile on their faces. You’d be hard pressed to pick this up and guess it was in the same universe as Jupiter’s Legacy since it’s so cheery and reminiscent of a bygone era. Most likely the point, and Torres nails it.

Is It Good? Jupiter's Circle #2 Review
Hmm, that’s clever.

Is It Good?

While a conclusion is welcome it comes at the price of feeling cheap and lacking. The art and a fun opening sequence almost make up for it. Almost.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Comic Books

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Comic Books

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel reveals Ultimate Gwen Stacy coming in 'Ultimate Spider-Man' #4 Marvel reveals Ultimate Gwen Stacy coming in 'Ultimate Spider-Man' #4

Marvel reveals Ultimate Gwen Stacy coming in ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ #4

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup