Jenny Sparks #2: Oh Captain, My Captain

Jenny Sparks #2 picks up with Captain Atom holding five seemingly disconnected individuals hostage within a bar. Whereas the first issue focused on setting up the threat of Atom and Jenny Sparks’ role in this new universe, Jenny Sparks #2 starts delving into the history of Sparks’ unexpected return from the dead. As is typical with many of the DC Black Label series that Tom King has written, there is clearly a mystery afoot here, with Atom’s fall to madness creating an excellent subject for Sparks to explore as her role within the DC universe is redefined.

While Jenny Sparks #1 showcased the odd relationship that Batman has with Sparks, Jenny Sparks #2 jumps over to the other head of the DC zeitgeist, Superman. King’s use of these cornerstone characters helps solidify what Sparks’ role in this universe is, while also picking up many of the themes from The Authority, which is where Jenny Sparks’ character really got a chance to shine. Superman and the Justice League’s plan really is indicative of the mindset that led to the creation of The Authority in the first place, with the idea that the League will show up upon The Flash’s return from some sort of solo adventure. When Sparks questions the delayed response and full frontal assault that Superman plans, Superman indicates that it will just be like any routine Justice League adventure, showcasing that mindset of the 1990’s where superheroes existed to look cool and were composed of little substance. This is an excellent way to callback to old themes that still hold true today.

One odd aspect of Superman’s appearance here (that is definitely going to be a major headline in comic book news) is that he and Jenny Sparks had some sort of romantic fling when he was in college. This is a bizarre retcon that recalls the time in which Clark dated a mermaid. King is no stranger to very specific DC lore, so this kind of callback is definitely in his nature. There is also something ominously interesting about Sparks having some sort of relationship with DC’s heavy hitters. As the series goes on, this may be something that is indicative of Sparks’ true purpose within this world; however, it may only be part of King’s way to pay tribute to DC history.

The majority of the plot here revolves around Atom’s quest to become God, something that he repeatedly mentioned within the first issue. In Jenny Sparks #2, Atom actually starts to perform some miraculous feats that may actually indicate that he holds some semblance of divinity. While it is still not clear why Atom is seeking the world’s acceptance as their god, seeing him mentally snap into this new persona is fascinating. At this point in the series, it is unclear how this is going to tie into the larger theme of the book, but clearly Atom has some business with these seemingly unconnected five individuals, all who are bound to reap the benefits or wrath of Atom’s quest. Nonetheless, seeing Sparks match wits with him is almost as entertaining as the action and displays of power. This is not to say that Jeff Spokes’ art is not gorgeous, but the way that these characters interact is amazing.

The final piece in Jenny Sparks #2 is the reveal about her return to life, following her death at the beginning of the century. King has not been hiding this reveal, with Jenny Sparks #2 showing her wake up inside of her grave on September 11th, 2001 as the planes strike the Twin Towers. This issue coming out the week after 9/11 is no coincidence, with King clearly indicating that this event proved that the world was lying to itself when it was assumed that the 21st century marked a change in world violence. The biggest mystery here from an analysis perspective is how this plotline ties into the actions of Captain Atom. Atom’s goal of being accepted as God must be in relation to the way that the world never really changed. While this is mostly conjecture, there could be some connection here to the way that the five hostages in the bar represent individuals who have been failed by their professions, their bodies, or even their own minds. Regardless of how much the world changes, people will still succumb to their own humanity, even if some “God” believes that they can change things.