“Jupiter’s Legacy” has quietly emerged one of the most addictive shows of 2021. The Netflix series about children of superheroes has everything you want in a bingeworthy series. It marks the first collaboration between Netflix and Mark Millar since the streamer acquired Millarworld comics in 2019, and they have plenty more in the pipeline. For those unfamiliar, Millar is one of the most influential comic book writers of the last half century. In addition to creating “Jupiter’s Legacy,” he blazed trails for independent artists by writing series like “Kick-Ass” and distributing them on his own. He also found time to collaborate with Marvel and DC, penning some of the most influential storylines for their flagship characters. His comics have inspired multiple Marvel and DC movies, so you might be familiar with his work without realizing it.
“Jupiter’s Legacy: Volume 1”
“Jupiter’s Legacy” is one of the biggest non-Marvel, non-DC superhero comics in recent memory. The 1950s-set series combines comic book action with family drama, and fans of the Netflix show should love the graphic novels. They’ve been rereleased in a new “Netflix Edition,” and if you like the first one, you’ll love the other volumes as well.
“Superman: Red Son”
Millar’s creative approach to Superman reimagines the iconic hero in the Soviet Union during the 1950s. Rather than a patriotic American figure, he becomes a symbol of Russian solidarity in this critically acclaimed comic.
“Wolverine: Old Man Logan”
If you loved the movie “Logan,” check out the comics that inspired it. Millar’s gritty take on Wolverine featured the hero as an old man in isolation, and Hugh Jackman fell in love with the idea. He spent years campaigning to use “Old Man Logan” as the source material for his final Wolverine movie, and the rest is history. The film was a critical success that never would have been possible without Millar’s vision. For more like this, check out our best graphic novels for Marvel fans.
“Starlight”
Not everything Millar writes is dark! “Starlight” is a tribute to pulpy sci-fi serials from the 1940s, following the hero Duke McQueen as he tries to save the galaxy one last time. The warm, hopeful tone earned it positive reviews from comic lovers, and the six-issue series is still a delightful summer read.
“Huck”
After watching Superman kill someone in Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel,” Millar became fed up with overly violent superhero stories. The experience led him to write “Huck,” an original series about a small town kid with mysterious superpowers. His attempt to create a wholesome superhero for a new generation earned critical acclaim, and “Huck” remains beloved by comic fans. Netflix is adapting the series into a feature film, so be sure to read the comics before it comes out! Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
