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Jacked
Jacked (2015-2016) Vol. 1: From the Creator of the Hit Show Supernatural
Eric Kripke (creator of the hit TV series SUPERNATURAL) teams up with Vertigo veterans John Higgins (HELLBLAZER) and Glenn Fabry (PREACHER) to bring you a very Vertigo take on the modern superhero in this new graphic novel thriller. Josh Jaffe, a neurotic family man mid-midlife crisis, purchase a "smart pill" to increase his focus and jolt him out of his slump. But to Josh's surprise, the pill gives him incredible strength and power-at the cost of being extremely addictive. This irreverent and brutally realistic story examines both the mighty highs and humiliating lows of being a real-life superhero. Collects JACKED #1-6.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2016
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About the author
Eric Kripke
22 books78 followersEric Kripke is an American television writer, director, and producer. He is best known for creating the television series Supernatural.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 29, 2016
Josh Jaffe is a middle-aged recently laid-off father of two who can’t find employment. What he has got though is a bad knee, bad back, acid reflux, a receding hairline and trouble in the sack. His wife works as a makeup artist on a superhero TV show, just about keeping their heads above water. Josh’s brother sees him stuck in a rut and gives him a special new energy pill, Jacked, to help him out. Except now Josh suddenly has super-strength/hearing/focus. But superheroes aren’t real… are they?
Jacked is Supernatural creator Eric Kripke’s first comic and it’s really good! The tone of the comic is very real - Kripke recently went through a midlife crisis of his own so it feels very honest - and that coupled with the humour is what makes this ordinary-guy-gets-superpowers story really stand out.
This one reminded me of classic ‘90s Vertigo books, partially because it’s drawn by John Higgins (Hellblazer) with covers by Glenn Fabry (Preacher), but also the explicit subject matter - gory violence, sex, drugs, swearing and the sardonic worldview - felt like Garth Ennis’ style (or even Wanted-era Mark Millar). That’s definitely a good thing as the ‘90s was Vertigo’s heyday.
Josh doesn’t go down the usual superhero route of saving the city/world or even many members of the public once he gets his powers. Instead Kripke sends him down a more personal plotline involving his family and neighbours and that smaller scale definitely helps tighten the story and develop the main cast of characters more deeply. That Josh’s main aim is to get his son to look up to him again shows the comic has a lot of heart - I’m sure a lot of dads reading this book will relate.
I wasn’t crazy about it but John Higgins’ art is decent, if looking a bit dated, and I liked the creative hallucination sequences. And Jacked may not have the most original premise - it’s Limitless with a superhero slant - especially with the fight back against the gangsters being done any number of times before, but it’s still a strong telling of a familiar story. It’s always fun seeing a likeable ordinary schlub react in an extraordinary situation.
Jacked is an exciting and entertaining read and one of the few recent Vertigo titles worth seeking out. Get some!
Jacked is Supernatural creator Eric Kripke’s first comic and it’s really good! The tone of the comic is very real - Kripke recently went through a midlife crisis of his own so it feels very honest - and that coupled with the humour is what makes this ordinary-guy-gets-superpowers story really stand out.
This one reminded me of classic ‘90s Vertigo books, partially because it’s drawn by John Higgins (Hellblazer) with covers by Glenn Fabry (Preacher), but also the explicit subject matter - gory violence, sex, drugs, swearing and the sardonic worldview - felt like Garth Ennis’ style (or even Wanted-era Mark Millar). That’s definitely a good thing as the ‘90s was Vertigo’s heyday.
Josh doesn’t go down the usual superhero route of saving the city/world or even many members of the public once he gets his powers. Instead Kripke sends him down a more personal plotline involving his family and neighbours and that smaller scale definitely helps tighten the story and develop the main cast of characters more deeply. That Josh’s main aim is to get his son to look up to him again shows the comic has a lot of heart - I’m sure a lot of dads reading this book will relate.
I wasn’t crazy about it but John Higgins’ art is decent, if looking a bit dated, and I liked the creative hallucination sequences. And Jacked may not have the most original premise - it’s Limitless with a superhero slant - especially with the fight back against the gangsters being done any number of times before, but it’s still a strong telling of a familiar story. It’s always fun seeing a likeable ordinary schlub react in an extraordinary situation.
Jacked is an exciting and entertaining read and one of the few recent Vertigo titles worth seeking out. Get some!
June 24, 2019
I loved this book. Fantastic covers by Glenn Fabry. John Higgins has evolved into a top notch artist. His art in this book is spectacular! Eric Kripke crafts an intriguing story about a middle-aged man going through a midlife crisis. He gets talked into taking these "supplements" which turn out to give him super-strength and also cause hallucinations. He can't control his strength and falls into trouble with some drug dealers. The situation spirals out of control from there.
Received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2017
The message is maybe a bit heavy handed but the story was mostly fun and violent.
April 28, 2016
Eric Kripke, the creator of the popular TV series Supernatural, writes a Vertigo comic book about himself getting superpowers from taking pills. And it's not that bad!
Well, no, I don't actually mean himself, it's just that the main character in Jacked visually resembles Kripke a lot. But the premise is pretty much it: a family guy in a mid-life crisis decides to get some pills online that should make him smarter and more focused or some such, but they end up giving him superpowers. He messes up, saves the girl, gets in a fight with some criminals, shit hits the fan. Then comes the inevitable resolution with a happy ending.
Admittedly, the story is nothing too original. It's a very basic action plot that won't surprise you at any point, but it is executed well. It's obvious that Kripke was inspired a lot by the works of Garth Ennis, most notably Preacher and The Boys. Yeah, this book is brutal. It is action-focused, there is a lot of blood, gore and flesh flying around. If you're not into that kind of stuff, beware. But, to be fair, it doesn't really get up to Garth's usual levels of craziness.
Another thing Kripke picks up from Ennis is the writing style. I can't quite summarise what it is exactly, but every issue reads just perfectly. You pick it up, you start reading, you won't put the issue down until it's finished, and you're enjoying it the whole time. There is just that very good sense of pacing and flow to the story that both of these writers share.
The artwork by John Higgins is fine, I guess. It has this very nineties-ish Vertigo feel, which I am not the biggest fan of, but it does get the job done. The covers by Preacher's own cover artist Glenn Fabry, though, are very cool.
Anyway, Jacked by Eric Kripke. I was really skeptical about this title when it was first announced, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. In fact, this may be the best series to come out of the recent lacklustre Vertigo reboot. Jacked won't rock your world, but you will have fun reading it. And hey, sometimes it's enough.
Well, no, I don't actually mean himself, it's just that the main character in Jacked visually resembles Kripke a lot. But the premise is pretty much it: a family guy in a mid-life crisis decides to get some pills online that should make him smarter and more focused or some such, but they end up giving him superpowers. He messes up, saves the girl, gets in a fight with some criminals, shit hits the fan. Then comes the inevitable resolution with a happy ending.
Admittedly, the story is nothing too original. It's a very basic action plot that won't surprise you at any point, but it is executed well. It's obvious that Kripke was inspired a lot by the works of Garth Ennis, most notably Preacher and The Boys. Yeah, this book is brutal. It is action-focused, there is a lot of blood, gore and flesh flying around. If you're not into that kind of stuff, beware. But, to be fair, it doesn't really get up to Garth's usual levels of craziness.
Another thing Kripke picks up from Ennis is the writing style. I can't quite summarise what it is exactly, but every issue reads just perfectly. You pick it up, you start reading, you won't put the issue down until it's finished, and you're enjoying it the whole time. There is just that very good sense of pacing and flow to the story that both of these writers share.
The artwork by John Higgins is fine, I guess. It has this very nineties-ish Vertigo feel, which I am not the biggest fan of, but it does get the job done. The covers by Preacher's own cover artist Glenn Fabry, though, are very cool.
Anyway, Jacked by Eric Kripke. I was really skeptical about this title when it was first announced, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. In fact, this may be the best series to come out of the recent lacklustre Vertigo reboot. Jacked won't rock your world, but you will have fun reading it. And hey, sometimes it's enough.
November 29, 2025
This was wild to see Kripke essentially writing his audition for showrunning The Boys, years before the gig came to him.
A little raw - at times reads like Kripke was channeling his own self-hatred and maybe even a sense that he’s never lived up to his potential - cause the inner dialogue is a bit more real than what you’d get from someone who’s never lived with this much self-doubt.
And yet - the hero power fantasy is just as paper-thin as is only terrible and warranted. But boy if The Boys (the comic, not the sick gleam in Rogen & Goldberg’s whacko Canadian eyes) might’ve been on his mind while writing this.
Did I enjoy it? All except for the parts where this sad sack felt a little too close to self, yeah. There’s plenty of payoff, though the twists that get us there aren’t the kind of gleeful nonsense we’d probably wish was in a more watered-down fairy tale.
A little raw - at times reads like Kripke was channeling his own self-hatred and maybe even a sense that he’s never lived up to his potential - cause the inner dialogue is a bit more real than what you’d get from someone who’s never lived with this much self-doubt.
And yet - the hero power fantasy is just as paper-thin as is only terrible and warranted. But boy if The Boys (the comic, not the sick gleam in Rogen & Goldberg’s whacko Canadian eyes) might’ve been on his mind while writing this.
Did I enjoy it? All except for the parts where this sad sack felt a little too close to self, yeah. There’s plenty of payoff, though the twists that get us there aren’t the kind of gleeful nonsense we’d probably wish was in a more watered-down fairy tale.
July 12, 2016
*Review in Progress*
Mid-life crisis meets wanna-be superheroes and ultimate drug tripping. Josh is going through a rough point in his life where nothing seems to be going right. He is advised to try enhancement vitamins/drugs (with questionable legality) and soon finds himself with super strength and hearing. However it also gives him wacko hallucinations (from his homeroom teacher starring in a porno with an action figure to finding himself inside his own colon {EWW!!}) Not to mentions getting involved with a major drug ring!
This is for mature audiences. Lots of language, violence and carnal behavior. I liked the more practical, everyday guy use. Art is decent as well. His "side-kick" scares me more than anyone else in this story though.
Mid-life crisis meets wanna-be superheroes and ultimate drug tripping. Josh is going through a rough point in his life where nothing seems to be going right. He is advised to try enhancement vitamins/drugs (with questionable legality) and soon finds himself with super strength and hearing. However it also gives him wacko hallucinations (from his homeroom teacher starring in a porno with an action figure to finding himself inside his own colon {EWW!!}) Not to mentions getting involved with a major drug ring!
This is for mature audiences. Lots of language, violence and carnal behavior. I liked the more practical, everyday guy use. Art is decent as well. His "side-kick" scares me more than anyone else in this story though.
April 29, 2016
Overall a solid series that walks us through the dangers that come along with suddenly acquiring super powers without any formal structure. Superman and Batman have the set of rules but Josh is new to this game so he's making it up as he goes along. That means trouble brews and he must find a way to manage it, which might be different than you would imagine.
I'm a big fan of other types of writers (song writers, screenwriters) as well as Eric Kripke so Jacked is a great opportunity as far as I'm concerned!
I'm a big fan of other types of writers (song writers, screenwriters) as well as Eric Kripke so Jacked is a great opportunity as far as I'm concerned!
April 28, 2017
Do super drugs make the superhero or is there more to it? A terrifying romp into the realistic repercussions of getting jacked up if you are the average Joe.
December 28, 2025
A pudgy, middle-aged suburban loser discovers a drug that gives him super strength and helps him sex his wife properly for the first time in years. But while battling a ring of evil drug smugglers, he learns that the real heroes are the people who love their families.
So, basically Bradley Cooper in Limitless with an It's a Wonderful Life ending and a sprinkling of Garth Ennis shock drops along the way. But even with the happy ending I found this relentlessly depressing. Kripke tells us that everyman protagonist Josh really does have it good, but he doesn't sell it.
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"In real life? People who willingly put themselves in harm's way? They may be narcissists. Or psychotic. Or just plain stupid. But they're not heroes. There is no such thing."
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Note: Jessica (the abused neighbor who'll do anything to break free of her criminal family) is actually a far more interesting character, and I'd have loved to see what she did with the drug in the teased-but-never-realized second volume. Alas.
So, basically Bradley Cooper in Limitless with an It's a Wonderful Life ending and a sprinkling of Garth Ennis shock drops along the way. But even with the happy ending I found this relentlessly depressing. Kripke tells us that everyman protagonist Josh really does have it good, but he doesn't sell it.
---------------------
"In real life? People who willingly put themselves in harm's way? They may be narcissists. Or psychotic. Or just plain stupid. But they're not heroes. There is no such thing."
---------------------
Note: Jessica (the abused neighbor who'll do anything to break free of her criminal family) is actually a far more interesting character, and I'd have loved to see what she did with the drug in the teased-but-never-realized second volume. Alas.
June 13, 2022
A violent, darkly funny, in-your-face take on the male mid-life crisis, with art by Hellblazer artist John Higgins and some wild words by Supernatural creator and showrunner of The Boys, Eric Kripke. Jacked moves at a brisk pace, is anchored in a place of real emotion, and is often quite unhinged. A fast, interesting read for people who like their comics darkly comedic and more than a little violent.
January 4, 2017
JACKED (4.0/5.0)
STORY
JACKED is a twisted love letter to every 40-something adult teetering on the brink of a mid-life crisis. And, as a 40-something adult teetering on the brink of a mid-life crisis, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Eric Kripke expertly depicts the struggle of our literal and figurative hero, Josh Jaffe, as he comes to the realization that life is flying by and he has yet to accomplish “one great thing.” Only three years my junior, Kripke’s semi-autobiographical story struck a chord with me. From his pop culture references (Lou Ferrigno and Ed McKinley!) to the sheer joy experienced by Josh after he rescues a man from a horrific car accident and revels in the fact that his “back feels terrific.” Some of the anti-drug sentiment toward the end of the story is a bit heavy handed and Josh’s revelation about true happiness (he just needs to “worry less about being great, worry more about being good”) and fulfillment seem a bit sappy and apparent (i.e. It’s A Wonderful Life). And yet, it works perfectly in the context of Josh’s fantasy superhero world created by JACKED.
Josh Jaffe is the consummate lovable loser trying desperately to do the right thing while, at the same time, selfishly risking it all. I found myself rooting for Josh throughout and, truth be told, living vicariously through him as he drives a vengeful fist through the smug face of meathead criminals. And the ultimate victory of enjoying a quiet evening on the couch watching movies with his wife and kids gives an old guy like me perspective on what it means to do something great.
ART
John Higgins’ art perfectly captures the fantastical superhero vibe of the story. Higgins’ work is lush, incredibly detailed and colorful, and, for lack of a better term, emotional. Panel after panel captures the bone crunching action and gut wrenching emotion of the story as Josh descends further and further into a world he is ill equipped to deal with. I found myself welling up over the final few pages when the dust settles on Josh’s adventures and he begins to pick up the pieces of his post-superhero life.
CONCLUSION
JACKED is a full frontal kick to the teeth for any “What have I done with my life?” adult contemplating a stroll down Mid-Life Crisis Lane. Greatness is not found at the bottom of a pill bottle or at the end of a fist plowing into a smart-ass bad guy. Just look up. Chances are, greatness is sitting on the sofa across from you right now.
STORY
JACKED is a twisted love letter to every 40-something adult teetering on the brink of a mid-life crisis. And, as a 40-something adult teetering on the brink of a mid-life crisis, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Eric Kripke expertly depicts the struggle of our literal and figurative hero, Josh Jaffe, as he comes to the realization that life is flying by and he has yet to accomplish “one great thing.” Only three years my junior, Kripke’s semi-autobiographical story struck a chord with me. From his pop culture references (Lou Ferrigno and Ed McKinley!) to the sheer joy experienced by Josh after he rescues a man from a horrific car accident and revels in the fact that his “back feels terrific.” Some of the anti-drug sentiment toward the end of the story is a bit heavy handed and Josh’s revelation about true happiness (he just needs to “worry less about being great, worry more about being good”) and fulfillment seem a bit sappy and apparent (i.e. It’s A Wonderful Life). And yet, it works perfectly in the context of Josh’s fantasy superhero world created by JACKED.
Josh Jaffe is the consummate lovable loser trying desperately to do the right thing while, at the same time, selfishly risking it all. I found myself rooting for Josh throughout and, truth be told, living vicariously through him as he drives a vengeful fist through the smug face of meathead criminals. And the ultimate victory of enjoying a quiet evening on the couch watching movies with his wife and kids gives an old guy like me perspective on what it means to do something great.
ART
John Higgins’ art perfectly captures the fantastical superhero vibe of the story. Higgins’ work is lush, incredibly detailed and colorful, and, for lack of a better term, emotional. Panel after panel captures the bone crunching action and gut wrenching emotion of the story as Josh descends further and further into a world he is ill equipped to deal with. I found myself welling up over the final few pages when the dust settles on Josh’s adventures and he begins to pick up the pieces of his post-superhero life.
CONCLUSION
JACKED is a full frontal kick to the teeth for any “What have I done with my life?” adult contemplating a stroll down Mid-Life Crisis Lane. Greatness is not found at the bottom of a pill bottle or at the end of a fist plowing into a smart-ass bad guy. Just look up. Chances are, greatness is sitting on the sofa across from you right now.
March 18, 2018
A 47-second session of intimacy? Well, it's a reference to 47, so I'll take it. And the artwork looks brilliant. Some basic existential issues are discussed in the dialogue, but it's less phylosophical and more practical in nature, sometimes even funny. It ends quite beautifully with a life lesson that we can all follow: 'True greatness isn't the things you do. It's who you are. Who you love and who loves you'.
Josh Jaffe, the main character, is an unemployed, slightly overweight man who is bored of his life in general. His dentist brother Brian tries to help him by giving him some next-gen drugs to enhance brain function. Josh suddenly gets superhuman physical strength that he uses to save a man from a car crash. When he ends up putting his neighbor in the hospital he knows the powers come with a price.
Josh Jaffe, the main character, is an unemployed, slightly overweight man who is bored of his life in general. His dentist brother Brian tries to help him by giving him some next-gen drugs to enhance brain function. Josh suddenly gets superhuman physical strength that he uses to save a man from a car crash. When he ends up putting his neighbor in the hospital he knows the powers come with a price.
March 28, 2020
What happens when you give temporary powers to a person of middling morality? You get this.
Look, I'm a fan of Supernatural, especially when Kripke was driving it, but that appreciation didn't carry over (the introduction pretty much burned any goodwill). This is another one of those 'super heroes in a world without them' where it relies on excessive violence, language and social issues to challenge the character (who is admittedly not someone who can handle much challenge). When Josh has a super-reaction to some pills, he tries to do the right thing, but just keeps getting himself deeper in over his head. We've got themes of drug abuse, domestic violence, low-end mobsters, and low self esteem being the main catalysts for the story, and it didn't grab me at all (there was a brief moment where we see Josh's wife's inner monologue that offered a brief insight, but it disappears after a couple panels). While I appreciate that Josh doesn't go completely off the deep end into the pool of vices, I never sympathized enough with him to care what happened.
The art is serviceable, with a couple inspired moments, and the volume provides closure to the story. But ultimately, this really wasn't for me. It's not bad, just not to my tastes.
Look, I'm a fan of Supernatural, especially when Kripke was driving it, but that appreciation didn't carry over (the introduction pretty much burned any goodwill). This is another one of those 'super heroes in a world without them' where it relies on excessive violence, language and social issues to challenge the character (who is admittedly not someone who can handle much challenge). When Josh has a super-reaction to some pills, he tries to do the right thing, but just keeps getting himself deeper in over his head. We've got themes of drug abuse, domestic violence, low-end mobsters, and low self esteem being the main catalysts for the story, and it didn't grab me at all (there was a brief moment where we see Josh's wife's inner monologue that offered a brief insight, but it disappears after a couple panels). While I appreciate that Josh doesn't go completely off the deep end into the pool of vices, I never sympathized enough with him to care what happened.
The art is serviceable, with a couple inspired moments, and the volume provides closure to the story. But ultimately, this really wasn't for me. It's not bad, just not to my tastes.
February 8, 2025
The highly realistic detailed art of John Higgins serves to enhance this engaging story, complimented by some creative work on the individual cover art by Glenn Fairy and Ryan Brown.
I would recommend this title to anyone suffering from, or mildly affected by, a bout of mid-life crisis. Way back when I turned the (at the time) dreadful age of 40 I went through a period of self-analysis. I sure could have benefitted from reading JACKED at that time - to infuse a healthy dose of humor into my musings.
At its’ heart this is a gentle reflection on aging, the beginning of the decline in middle age, and wishful thinking (example: “Wish I was stronger, healthier, handsomer/prettier, richer, or . . .Wish I was a super-hero”) While JACKED entertains and amuses, it also serves as a fable about the importance of family and responsibility.
I would recommend this title to anyone suffering from, or mildly affected by, a bout of mid-life crisis. Way back when I turned the (at the time) dreadful age of 40 I went through a period of self-analysis. I sure could have benefitted from reading JACKED at that time - to infuse a healthy dose of humor into my musings.
At its’ heart this is a gentle reflection on aging, the beginning of the decline in middle age, and wishful thinking (example: “Wish I was stronger, healthier, handsomer/prettier, richer, or . . .Wish I was a super-hero”) While JACKED entertains and amuses, it also serves as a fable about the importance of family and responsibility.
October 5, 2025
This was basically a violent remake of the limitless movie.
Does crass humor, curse words, excessive gore & violence make up for mediocre storytelling? Apparently so, this is not very original or maybe it is, its been repeated so many time im not sure whose original concept it was. The writing went from cheesy notions from Saturday morning cartoons to smashing bodies with industrial trash cans and transformers sex🤷🏽
Anyway 2.9✨
Does crass humor, curse words, excessive gore & violence make up for mediocre storytelling? Apparently so, this is not very original or maybe it is, its been repeated so many time im not sure whose original concept it was. The writing went from cheesy notions from Saturday morning cartoons to smashing bodies with industrial trash cans and transformers sex🤷🏽
Anyway 2.9✨
October 29, 2016
An ironic look at Superheros, somewhat in the vein of a Watchman or more closely The Boys. The art is above average. Kripke's tale is as much about making it through the world as the complete opposite of a superhero - so all of the rest of us - with all the baggage of a mid-life crisis. I found the ending a little soft, but the door is open to a sequel...
February 16, 2020
Funny and Action-packed!
Great story. Lots of action, blood and gore! It's also funny! I think the illustration is also great. It jumps of the pages. Love the acid trip colors!
Great story. Lots of action, blood and gore! It's also funny! I think the illustration is also great. It jumps of the pages. Love the acid trip colors!
October 22, 2020
Excellent
Another excellent offering from Vertigo! Beautifully illustrated,vivid,visceral colours and a 'super hero' like no other! Well worth a read 5 stars
Another excellent offering from Vertigo! Beautifully illustrated,vivid,visceral colours and a 'super hero' like no other! Well worth a read 5 stars
July 20, 2021
Didn’t feel invested
December 21, 2025
was super good! very impressed with this comic
June 30, 2016
Disclaimer: I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was offered or requested.
Josh Jaffe is hitting a mid-life crisis. His body is beginning to fall apart, he doesn’t really talk to his wife much any more, and his entire job field was rendered obsolete by new technology, so he’s been unemployed for the last six months. Nothing has turned out like he’d imagined it would as a kid, or even as a teenager. Josh’s dentist brother recommends nootropic supplements, “smart drugs” that supposedly improve cognitive function. Sounds kind of shady, but while surfing the web, Josh finds an ad for “Jacked,” which seems to speak to him.
Josh orders a supply of Jacked, and discovers that the ad was perhaps underselling the product. He can think more clearly (other than the hallucinations), has energy to spare (especially in bed), his aches and pains vanish…and he can pull a car door right off the hinges. Josh’s formerly unimpressed son starts looking up to him again! This is the good stuff.
But then Josh discovers that his next door neighbor Damon is a drug dealer that’s been beating his girlfriend Jessica. The outcome of that encounter puts Josh and Jessica on the wrong(er) side of some very bad people. Worse, the nastier side effects of Jacked start coming to the fore, and what if Josh runs out of the drug before the bad guys run out of bullets? And how will this affect Josh’s wife and child?
Eric Kripke is probably best known as the creator of the popular television series Supernatural. According to the introduction of the collected volume, he had his own mid-life crisis a couple of years ago, and his musings on that led to him proposing this comic book series to Vertigo Comics. He mentions that writing for comic books is a whole different kind of hard than writing for television, and gives much credit to John Higgins for making the script actually work on page.
One of the themes of the story is that Josh doesn’t live in a superhero world, so even though he gets some low-level superpowers, things tend not to work out as they would in a traditional superhero story. Even when he dons a costume, it only makes him look ridiculous. In the end, it’s his human abilities and connections that give Josh the ability to resolve the situation. (We do get cameos by a few classic DC heroes, and a reference to obscure series Electric Warrior.)
This is listed as for “mature readers” and has some nudity, non-graphic sex scenes, a lot of gory violence, body function humor and even more vulgar language than is called for by the plot and setting. I suspect Mr. Kripke may have gone overboard on that last one because of having had to work to TV’s broadcast standards.
One of the features I really liked was that most issues’ last pages were flash-forwards to the next issue that weren’t quite the same as the depiction in that later story. Also, all the points that were important at the climax were properly set up earlier in the series.
Josh does a fair bit of self-absorbed whining at the beginning of the series, and it takes a while for him to get his head out of his own funk. I do like that while Josh and Jessica do team up against the drug gang, it’s all about survival (and revenge on Jessica’s part) with no attraction between them at all. Josh loves his wife, and much of his motivation is being a better husband for her, even if he doesn’t understand the best way to do that.
The main villain is Damon’s brother Ray, who has a rather narrowly defined sense of morality. He takes care of family, but everyone else is fair game.
Recommended for fans of the “ordinary schlub gets superpowers and screws up big time” type of plot.
Josh Jaffe is hitting a mid-life crisis. His body is beginning to fall apart, he doesn’t really talk to his wife much any more, and his entire job field was rendered obsolete by new technology, so he’s been unemployed for the last six months. Nothing has turned out like he’d imagined it would as a kid, or even as a teenager. Josh’s dentist brother recommends nootropic supplements, “smart drugs” that supposedly improve cognitive function. Sounds kind of shady, but while surfing the web, Josh finds an ad for “Jacked,” which seems to speak to him.
Josh orders a supply of Jacked, and discovers that the ad was perhaps underselling the product. He can think more clearly (other than the hallucinations), has energy to spare (especially in bed), his aches and pains vanish…and he can pull a car door right off the hinges. Josh’s formerly unimpressed son starts looking up to him again! This is the good stuff.
But then Josh discovers that his next door neighbor Damon is a drug dealer that’s been beating his girlfriend Jessica. The outcome of that encounter puts Josh and Jessica on the wrong(er) side of some very bad people. Worse, the nastier side effects of Jacked start coming to the fore, and what if Josh runs out of the drug before the bad guys run out of bullets? And how will this affect Josh’s wife and child?
Eric Kripke is probably best known as the creator of the popular television series Supernatural. According to the introduction of the collected volume, he had his own mid-life crisis a couple of years ago, and his musings on that led to him proposing this comic book series to Vertigo Comics. He mentions that writing for comic books is a whole different kind of hard than writing for television, and gives much credit to John Higgins for making the script actually work on page.
One of the themes of the story is that Josh doesn’t live in a superhero world, so even though he gets some low-level superpowers, things tend not to work out as they would in a traditional superhero story. Even when he dons a costume, it only makes him look ridiculous. In the end, it’s his human abilities and connections that give Josh the ability to resolve the situation. (We do get cameos by a few classic DC heroes, and a reference to obscure series Electric Warrior.)
This is listed as for “mature readers” and has some nudity, non-graphic sex scenes, a lot of gory violence, body function humor and even more vulgar language than is called for by the plot and setting. I suspect Mr. Kripke may have gone overboard on that last one because of having had to work to TV’s broadcast standards.
One of the features I really liked was that most issues’ last pages were flash-forwards to the next issue that weren’t quite the same as the depiction in that later story. Also, all the points that were important at the climax were properly set up earlier in the series.
Josh does a fair bit of self-absorbed whining at the beginning of the series, and it takes a while for him to get his head out of his own funk. I do like that while Josh and Jessica do team up against the drug gang, it’s all about survival (and revenge on Jessica’s part) with no attraction between them at all. Josh loves his wife, and much of his motivation is being a better husband for her, even if he doesn’t understand the best way to do that.
The main villain is Damon’s brother Ray, who has a rather narrowly defined sense of morality. He takes care of family, but everyone else is fair game.
Recommended for fans of the “ordinary schlub gets superpowers and screws up big time” type of plot.
July 29, 2016
Jacked by Eric Kripke is an adult graphic novel about Josh Jaffe, a man deep in his own mid-life crisis. Feeling like no one respects him, he takes the advise of his brother and tries out a pill that is supposed to help him be more focused and help him break out of a slump. However, while the pill certainly makes him feel healthier- it also gives him super strength and some crazy hallucinations and are highly addictive. This brutally honest story is from Eric Kripke (creator of the hit TV series Supernatural), Vertigo veterans John Higgins (HELLBLAZER), and Glenn Fabry (PREACHER) with a on the modern superhero in this new graphic novel thriller.
Jacked collects the entire current run of the story, issues one through six. It is a realistic look at life today, at least for some, and a different angle of becoming a superhero. I liked that the book was gritty and real. It showed the more depressing side of middle age, and how some people feel or cope. It also takes a look a society, and how looking for respect and trying to be better can lead down dangerous paths. There are graphic moments, and the trippy hallucinations were bright and bold. It came together very well and most adults will be able to relate to at least some of the emotions or situations that run through the story.
Jacked is a solid and well executed graphic novel. It was timely and realistic. However, while I liked it, I did not adore it.
Jacked collects the entire current run of the story, issues one through six. It is a realistic look at life today, at least for some, and a different angle of becoming a superhero. I liked that the book was gritty and real. It showed the more depressing side of middle age, and how some people feel or cope. It also takes a look a society, and how looking for respect and trying to be better can lead down dangerous paths. There are graphic moments, and the trippy hallucinations were bright and bold. It came together very well and most adults will be able to relate to at least some of the emotions or situations that run through the story.
Jacked is a solid and well executed graphic novel. It was timely and realistic. However, while I liked it, I did not adore it.
June 28, 2016
A strong four for what Vertigo should be doing – subverting comics but giving us a title that can stand on its own merits despite its reaction to what's come before. There's no end of stories about unlikely superheroes taken from the population of Average Joes out there, but this feels throughout like a superior example, with the nebbish mid-life crisis bringing in gang and drug crimes, and no end of meaty pages. There's a bit of ultra-violence here, a strong woman character there (who may or may not be pulling more strings than the hero realises) and all the time a strong sense of dramatic fun. I don't think all the hallucinatory scenes worked for me, but the twist that builds up the last issue was just one brilliant piece of comic book storytelling. Easily worth a recommendation.
December 28, 2016
Surprisingly fun twist that displays the endless malleability of superheroes as both modern myth and useful metaphor, this time for a man's midlife crisis and the addiction that spirals from it when he discovers an off-market mystery drug that grants him enormous strength, stamina and healing powers, with the attendant handful of extremely unpleasant side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Don't know whether Kripke is someone who's wrestled with addiction himself, but I'll be damned if he doesn't have a finger on the trigger of why some of us who do turn out this way. In the right hands, this could make a great dark indie action comedy.
June 23, 2016
*3 and a half stars.*
I actually quite liked this. It did get a bit too crude in some moments. The basic plot is a guy is having a midlife crisis, he's depressed, trouble in his marriage, he's out of work. so he tries this drug, it gives him powers of a superhero. his problems all seem solved. he feels better, his wife and him, I'll say make up, but his ego of rushing into a situation puts every in danger.
Solid book overall.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.com and the publisher.
I actually quite liked this. It did get a bit too crude in some moments. The basic plot is a guy is having a midlife crisis, he's depressed, trouble in his marriage, he's out of work. so he tries this drug, it gives him powers of a superhero. his problems all seem solved. he feels better, his wife and him, I'll say make up, but his ego of rushing into a situation puts every in danger.
Solid book overall.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.com and the publisher.
June 12, 2016
Most of us are just regular, insecure assholes.
There’s a lot of truth in this book.
And it’s quite a different take on the superhero story.
I liked it – but didn’t love it. Its story wasn’t as compelling as it could have been and it wasn’t necessarily to my taste. But it had some interesting lessons and there was some good creativity throughout. I guess it kind of made me think of what it would look like if Tarantino did a superhero film.
Make of that what you will.
Thanks to NetGalley and DC Comics for a copy in return for an honest review.
There’s a lot of truth in this book.
And it’s quite a different take on the superhero story.
I liked it – but didn’t love it. Its story wasn’t as compelling as it could have been and it wasn’t necessarily to my taste. But it had some interesting lessons and there was some good creativity throughout. I guess it kind of made me think of what it would look like if Tarantino did a superhero film.
Make of that what you will.
Thanks to NetGalley and DC Comics for a copy in return for an honest review.
August 3, 2016
Jacked was a super-fun read, pun intended. I'll make this short because if I go on too long, I'm sure I'll spoil something.
The main character's life is in a rut and he decides to try something new to change his fortune. His choice: nootropics. He orders some online and, boom, he's a new man. Hilarity and tragedy ensue.
This was a really enjoyable read. It reminded me of the Luther Strode series so if you enjoyed that, you will probably want to check out this GN.
Thanks, Goodreads! And Mr. Kripke! Great work!
The main character's life is in a rut and he decides to try something new to change his fortune. His choice: nootropics. He orders some online and, boom, he's a new man. Hilarity and tragedy ensue.
This was a really enjoyable read. It reminded me of the Luther Strode series so if you enjoyed that, you will probably want to check out this GN.
Thanks, Goodreads! And Mr. Kripke! Great work!
May 21, 2017
A violent modern take on the 'careful what you wish for' theme that has a few smart barbs at consumerist culture, middle age dread, superhero aspirations and the glamourisation of violence. The story overall is a little too straight to video to make the most of its premise, the art style is pretty dated although technically strong and the whole thing has a slightly sub Garth Ennis feel to it.
May 11, 2016
Supernatural creator Eric Kripke gives us a violent and intense story about Josh,a man entering middle age who discovers new vitality through the nootropic "Jacked". Of course things go off the rails and he finds himself immersed in a world of criminals and psychopaths.
May 28, 2016
Only read the first couple of issues, but I can't go further with this. The description of it being Crumb-esque fits the bill. But also means it's not my cup of tea since I have no appreciation for Crumb and his style.
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