JUPITER’S LEGACY: FINALE #3, by Dark Horse Comics on 1/8/25, turns the Finale arc on its head when the heroes race to save two worlds from invasion, but the invasion is not what they thought.
Credits:
- Writer: Mark Millar
- Artist: Matthew Dow Smith
- Colorist: Giovana Niro
- Letterer: John Workman
- Cover Artist: Lee Carter
- Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
- Release Date: January 8, 2025
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of JUPITER’S LEGACY: FINALE #3:
Recap:
When last we left the world’s greatest superhero family in Jupiter’s Legacy: Finale #2, the Utopian’s family learned they were about to be invaded by a race of aliens who is responsible for planting the seeds of humanity. Now, the aliens have returned to collect on their investment.
Plot Analysis:
In Jupiter’s Legacy: Finale #3, the race is on to save the ten billion inhabitants of Palorax from harvesting by the returning aliens in seven days. If something isn’t done, the harvesters will come for Earth seven days after Palorax.
Sophie, Utopian, and every hero they can gather from Earth desperately begin looking for ways to save the people of Palorax. Teleporter heroes gather the citizens in one spot. Sophie begins construction on a series of interplanetary transports to get people off Palorax. Jason, aka Utopian, uses his powers to help with the construction and makes a plea to the Earth world governments to temporarily accept the Palorax refugees while they come up with a permanent solution.
During their frantic rescue efforts, they share brief moments of support and admiration. Chloe is in awe of the greatness Jason and Sophie are displaying in their efforts to save two worlds. Sophie expresses admiration for her brother’s ability to naturally inspire everyone who sees him. Alexandra expresses appreciation for everything the Earth heroes are doing to save her people.
As great as their actions and expressions of feelings are, it’s all for naught when the alien who clued the group into the nature of invaders and the harvest lets it slip that the 7-day window was a teeny, tiny white lie. The issue ends with chaos and hopelessness.
First Impressions:
If nothing else, Jupiter’s Legacy: Finale #3 is another pristine example of writer Mark Millar’s ability to pull the expectation rug out from under you. You don’t just fall on your butt. You fall off a cliff into a bottomless pit. Millar is a master at lulling you into a false sense of security before upending everything you thought you knew, and you’ll love it.
Artwork and Presentation:
Unfortunately, the artwork is this issue’s biggest weak point. Matthew Dow Smith steps in for Tommy Lee Edwards to deliver the planet-shaking visuals as the Utopian and his family race to save two worlds. Dow Smith’s rough, squiggly linework is tough on the eyes, devolving into sloppiness in what should be the “epic” panels. In nearly every respect, the art is a downgrade.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
The scale and the scope of the story are where this issue shines. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Mark Millar takes big swings by blindsiding the reader with big surprises that yank away your assumptions about where this story is headed.
The Negatives:
As noted above, the art is where this issue falls flat. Niro has the right idea concerning layouts and dramatic composition, but the details are sorely lacking.
Final Thoughts:
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JUPITER’S LEGACY: FINALE #3 hits readers with readers with an intergalactic invasion when the impending alien invasion is not what everyone thought. Mark Millar’s talent for rug-yanking surprises will leave you reeling. Unfortunately, the guest art team’s output brings the quality down a big notch.
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