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The Authority #SE1
La historia secreta de authority: Jenny Sparks
El guionista de Wanted nos cuenta la historia secreta del legendario personaje de The Authority. The Authority es el grupo de posthumanos más duro del multiverso, pero alguien más duro que ellos los reclutó, alguien que sabe qué es lo que la Tierra necesita: la carismática Jenny Sparks, el espíritu del siglo XX. Mark Millar, guionista de Wanted y The Ultimates, y John McCrea (Dicks, Hitman) nos desvelan los secretos jamás contados de la líder de The Authority. Próximamente: La historia secreta de The Authority: Jack Hawksmoor.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 13, 2021
Despite Mark Millar's writing and the interesting concept of going behind the scenes and back into the past too see the Authority's foundations and origins, I found this all a bit overwritten, when compared to the high bar set by the main series. 6 out of 12
December 16, 2015
Ever ask yourself...
[1] "What happened between Stormwatch and The Authority?"
or [2] "How did Jenny Sparks first meet the other characters of The Authority?"
or even [3] "What were some of Jenny Sparks' adventures in the 20th century?"
No? Neither did I, actually, but this is exactly what this 5-part mini-series covers. Each issue focuses on Jenny Sparks' first meeting with one other member of The Authority, with the exception of issue #2, which includes Midnighter as well as Apollo.
I'm a big fan of The Authority, especially of Mark Millar's run. While this mini-series was pretty tame in Millar standards (in regards to action and language), it was fun to get some backstory on these characters.
My favourite part was in issue #4, when
By no means essential reading, it remains however the only story with Jenny Sparks written by Mark Millar.
[1] "What happened between Stormwatch and The Authority?"
or [2] "How did Jenny Sparks first meet the other characters of The Authority?"
or even [3] "What were some of Jenny Sparks' adventures in the 20th century?"
No? Neither did I, actually, but this is exactly what this 5-part mini-series covers. Each issue focuses on Jenny Sparks' first meeting with one other member of The Authority, with the exception of issue #2, which includes Midnighter as well as Apollo.
I'm a big fan of The Authority, especially of Mark Millar's run. While this mini-series was pretty tame in Millar standards (in regards to action and language), it was fun to get some backstory on these characters.
My favourite part was in issue #4, when
By no means essential reading, it remains however the only story with Jenny Sparks written by Mark Millar.
May 1, 2023
Interesting take on superhumans
January 29, 2022
I’d honestly give this two stars if it wasn’t for John McCrea’s art. Following up on the best part of Warren Ellis’ horrible Authority run, Mark Millar and John McCrea team up for a pretty okay Jenny Sparks mini series that is mainly here to bridge the gap between Warren Ellis’s and Mark Millar’s runs. It’s perfectly fine but it’s not like I’d recommend this to anyone.
July 24, 2018
I love the authority. I love Jenny sparks. 5 stars but probably 4 stars would have been more appropriate. 5 stars.
January 8, 2026
Jenny Sparks se tiró a Hitler?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
Nota 6.
Ok, só. É basicamente umas desventuras da personagem e algumas pitadas de origem pros outros membros, mas bem de leve. Tem bastante xingamento q o Authority normal, só que menos ação e menos substância infelizmente. Mas acho q serve como uma leitura prévia na próxima vez que eu for ler a fase do Warren Ellis.
Ok, só. É basicamente umas desventuras da personagem e algumas pitadas de origem pros outros membros, mas bem de leve. Tem bastante xingamento q o Authority normal, só que menos ação e menos substância infelizmente. Mas acho q serve como uma leitura prévia na próxima vez que eu for ler a fase do Warren Ellis.
April 17, 2019
El típico origen de un grupo de superhéroes, pero sin nada especial.
December 7, 2024
Jenny Sparks: The Secret History of the Authority is a classic that does not disappoint. This book is a tightly constructed origin story that can serve as either an introduction to the classic "The Authority" books or as a prequel.
The primary focus of this book and the primary reason for reading it is the character of Jenny Sparks. The character was introduced in the late nineties by Warren Ellis and subsequently killed off with the turn of the millennium. The character latter served as inspiration for other characters such as Jenny Quantum and the Jenny Mei Sparks in Warren Ellis' much latter "The Wild Storm" series. However, there are far too few stories with the classic Jenny Sparks character due to the character's limited "longevity" in mainstream continuity. This is unfortunate especially in light of Jenny's status as a Wildstorm "century baby", whose life time spans the entire twentieth century. This book takes a good step at rectifying this unfortunate state of affairs as it depicts Jenny as an unstoppable force of nature engaged in multiple fantastic adventures as she smokes, drinks and shags her way across the twentieth century.
The primary focus of this book and the primary reason for reading it is the character of Jenny Sparks. The character was introduced in the late nineties by Warren Ellis and subsequently killed off with the turn of the millennium. The character latter served as inspiration for other characters such as Jenny Quantum and the Jenny Mei Sparks in Warren Ellis' much latter "The Wild Storm" series. However, there are far too few stories with the classic Jenny Sparks character due to the character's limited "longevity" in mainstream continuity. This is unfortunate especially in light of Jenny's status as a Wildstorm "century baby", whose life time spans the entire twentieth century. This book takes a good step at rectifying this unfortunate state of affairs as it depicts Jenny as an unstoppable force of nature engaged in multiple fantastic adventures as she smokes, drinks and shags her way across the twentieth century.
October 29, 2010
I can't quite peg my opinion of Mark Millar's work. I love the balls-out writing and stories of The Ultimates, and I *thought* I liked his Authority stuff, but now that I've re-read every Millar/Authority book, I'm not as impressed as my memory alluded. This book has some interesting ideas, concepts and imaginative throwaways, but the writing itself isn't gripping, groundbreaking. I don't feel moved, tickled by it, though at times I'm entertained.
I love that he was able to shoehorn in some backstory on our favourite other characters, so this was more like Jenny's tour through the Authority universe. And the arc is tied loosely together with a weak subplot, but then the theme isn't so hard to believe would occur.
I love that he was able to shoehorn in some backstory on our favourite other characters, so this was more like Jenny's tour through the Authority universe. And the arc is tied loosely together with a weak subplot, but then the theme isn't so hard to believe would occur.
June 11, 2012
It pisses me off that this book kind of sucked, because Jenny Sparks is one of my favorite Authority characters. I love that she subverts gender roles even improbably in the past, because Jenny is just that brassy. But it wouldn't be a Millar book without a rape reference, and the background of this book wasn't solid enough to provide a reading experience that had, you know, continuity. Or consistency.
Technically, you're getting some origin stories, but it's like someone tried to tape all the issues together and say "See! It's a book!" when it's really not. It should have been better.
Technically, you're getting some origin stories, but it's like someone tried to tape all the issues together and say "See! It's a book!" when it's really not. It should have been better.
July 18, 2009
This one seemed a bit rushed to me with many small plots connected by an overall plot that had to do with time travel (which I can't stand). Guest appearances from the Authority (both old and new) were nice but overall Jenny's not a very lovable character and since this is a prequel you kind of know the the end result so there were no big surprises. Midnighter showing fear was kind of jarring too - just seemed out of character for him.
April 22, 2010
Millar gives us the 'secret history' of various members of the Authority with mixed results. He has a solid handle on Jenny, but everybody else comes across as flat or Millar trying too hard to make them cool.
The story set during World War 2 was clever, the others were pretty bland with the occasional over the top bit as he tries to present the same kind of big ideas Warren Ellis wrote so much better.
The story set during World War 2 was clever, the others were pretty bland with the occasional over the top bit as he tries to present the same kind of big ideas Warren Ellis wrote so much better.
March 16, 2015
This was good, but not much better than that. Getting Jenny's history seems like it should yield a better story than this. There are some clever bits, but it's all just flat somehow. Maybe I was expecting too much?
June 18, 2023
This was good and had it’s moment, but it was definitely over the top. The Doctor story is probably the one I liked the most.
October 21, 2025
Aprovechando la particularidad del personaje de poder llevar prácticamente un siglo de existencia vagabundenando por el Siglo XX (llegando a definirlo más de lo que quisiera) y el agriar con alcohol y otros malos vicios su personalidad de heroína disfuncional, según golpeé más las décadas. El tener una miniserie extendida de The Authority centrada en Jenny Sparks es algo comprensible. Estos cinco números pasan de momentos colindantes a las entregas troncales del cómic de estos superhéroes a indagar en pasajes del pasado de Jenny. Siempre siendo sobrevolados por la presencia y protección futura de Angela Spica, quien llega a promover la escritura de un diario personal por parte de Jenny de la que se enmarca toda esta miniserie.
Nos topamos a Mark Millar en uno de sus ejercicios de cinismo superheroíco no tan exagerado y verbenero. Por supuesto, el perfil de Jenny, asentado por otros autores previos al británico, deja las puertas abiertas para que el guionista de sus particulares rapapolvos a la narrativa superheroíca. Eso sí, valiéndose todo lo posible de su idiosincrasia.
Creo que incluso de forma foránea a The Authority, se puede llegar a disfrutar de forma independiente esta miniserie que adelanta a su manera mucho del Universo (participación constante de varios miembtos de The Authority y de demás cabeceras). En parte también es por un estilo bastante monocorde en una propuesta más "pijamera" de lo que Millar puede creerse.
Nos topamos a Mark Millar en uno de sus ejercicios de cinismo superheroíco no tan exagerado y verbenero. Por supuesto, el perfil de Jenny, asentado por otros autores previos al británico, deja las puertas abiertas para que el guionista de sus particulares rapapolvos a la narrativa superheroíca. Eso sí, valiéndose todo lo posible de su idiosincrasia.
Creo que incluso de forma foránea a The Authority, se puede llegar a disfrutar de forma independiente esta miniserie que adelanta a su manera mucho del Universo (participación constante de varios miembtos de The Authority y de demás cabeceras). En parte también es por un estilo bastante monocorde en una propuesta más "pijamera" de lo que Millar puede creerse.
April 6, 2021
This … is… a waste of time and money. ‘nuff said.
May 2, 2023
3.75 stars
October 2, 2025
A great look back at how things all began!
May 17, 2014
Jenny Sparks: The Secret history of the Authority
Author: Millar, McCrea, Hodgkins, Hannin
Publisher: Wildstorm Productions
Published In: La Jolla, CA, USA
Date: 2001
Pgs: 128
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
Jenny Sparks is the spirit of the century. This is her hundred years.
Genre:
Adventure
Comics and graphic novels
Fantasy
Fiction
Science fiction
Superheroes
Why this book:
I love The Authority, Stormwatch, et al. While Sparks was never my favorite character, she travels in company with many who are favs.
This Stories are About:
courage, doing the right thing, friends, history, duty, honor
Story title is short story collection:
Favorite Character:
Midniter. He’s just such a unrepentant head breaker, knee capper, good guy in bad guys clothes.
Least Favorite Character:
The Doctor. No...not that The Doctor, he’s a different doctor. These Doctors are a line of people extending back to the dawn of humanity who have been chosen as the Earth’s shaman, granted mystic abilites based on the Earth and biosphere. He’s so “Wah, I’ve got superpowers. Woe is me” that he grates on the nerves every time he appears on the page.
Character I Most Identified With:
Jenny on her sweep through history.
The Feel:
Jenny angst and malaise as she faces the 20th century.
Favorite Scene:
The time-traveling Engineer gossiped to Jack Hawksmoor about their future relationship blowing his mind.
When young Jack Hawksmoor, the King of Cities, leads an anthropomorphic Tokyo against a genocidal Kansas City from 50 centuries in the future bent on the destruction of mankind.
Pacing:
The story is paced well.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
Hmm Moments:
Jenny laying in bed in her Union Jack panties surrounded by litter, with ashtrays full of cigarettes, and a fat guy in his underwear sleeping next to her. I half expected heroin needles and condoms to be amongst the stuff. She’s a rough character, gruff in the extreme.
Jenny planting the idea in the head of one of her friends that maybe his artwork isn’t his future, because it isn’t very good. Maybe he needs to look at using his other skills, maybe look at getting into local government. HIs name...Adolf Hitler.
Why isn’t there a screenplay?
Probably not a popular opinion, but I’d love to see the people who did The Watchmen movie bring The Authority to the big screen. The Watchmen was a better movie than NerdHate and NerdRage gave it credit for being.
Casting call:
Not sure about her acting ability, but Chelsea Handler could be the gruff Spirit of the Twentieth Century, without a doubt.
Last Page Sound:
Sadness
Author Assessment:
Millar has always been hit or miss with me. This was a hit.
Editorial Assessment:
The edit could have been a bit tighter. But, overall, it was well done.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
instant classic
Disposition of Book:
Irving Public Library, Irving, TX
Would recommend to:
genre fans
Author: Millar, McCrea, Hodgkins, Hannin
Publisher: Wildstorm Productions
Published In: La Jolla, CA, USA
Date: 2001
Pgs: 128
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
Jenny Sparks is the spirit of the century. This is her hundred years.
Genre:
Adventure
Comics and graphic novels
Fantasy
Fiction
Science fiction
Superheroes
Why this book:
I love The Authority, Stormwatch, et al. While Sparks was never my favorite character, she travels in company with many who are favs.
This Stories are About:
courage, doing the right thing, friends, history, duty, honor
Story title is short story collection:
Favorite Character:
Midniter. He’s just such a unrepentant head breaker, knee capper, good guy in bad guys clothes.
Least Favorite Character:
The Doctor. No...not that The Doctor, he’s a different doctor. These Doctors are a line of people extending back to the dawn of humanity who have been chosen as the Earth’s shaman, granted mystic abilites based on the Earth and biosphere. He’s so “Wah, I’ve got superpowers. Woe is me” that he grates on the nerves every time he appears on the page.
Character I Most Identified With:
Jenny on her sweep through history.
The Feel:
Jenny angst and malaise as she faces the 20th century.
Favorite Scene:
The time-traveling Engineer gossiped to Jack Hawksmoor about their future relationship blowing his mind.
When young Jack Hawksmoor, the King of Cities, leads an anthropomorphic Tokyo against a genocidal Kansas City from 50 centuries in the future bent on the destruction of mankind.
Pacing:
The story is paced well.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
Hmm Moments:
Jenny laying in bed in her Union Jack panties surrounded by litter, with ashtrays full of cigarettes, and a fat guy in his underwear sleeping next to her. I half expected heroin needles and condoms to be amongst the stuff. She’s a rough character, gruff in the extreme.
Jenny planting the idea in the head of one of her friends that maybe his artwork isn’t his future, because it isn’t very good. Maybe he needs to look at using his other skills, maybe look at getting into local government. HIs name...Adolf Hitler.
Why isn’t there a screenplay?
Probably not a popular opinion, but I’d love to see the people who did The Watchmen movie bring The Authority to the big screen. The Watchmen was a better movie than NerdHate and NerdRage gave it credit for being.
Casting call:
Not sure about her acting ability, but Chelsea Handler could be the gruff Spirit of the Twentieth Century, without a doubt.
Last Page Sound:
Sadness
Author Assessment:
Millar has always been hit or miss with me. This was a hit.
Editorial Assessment:
The edit could have been a bit tighter. But, overall, it was well done.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
instant classic
Disposition of Book:
Irving Public Library, Irving, TX
Would recommend to:
genre fans
May 20, 2015
The pacing was fast and scattered, leaving me wanting to know more about the character Jenny Sparks, spirit of the 20th century. How did she get her abilities? What exactly are her abilities? How does her story end?
Time travel stories are not my favorite for validated reasons I shall not begin to explain now but this one was okay. The author even pokes fun at the concept of paradoxes. Th eidea that this one woman had encounters with the most infamous and intellectual and imaginative names/minds of the century is a tale in itself worth telling (thi would be the life she had before becoming a full-fledged "superhero" in the nineties).
Time travel stories are not my favorite for validated reasons I shall not begin to explain now but this one was okay. The author even pokes fun at the concept of paradoxes. Th eidea that this one woman had encounters with the most infamous and intellectual and imaginative names/minds of the century is a tale in itself worth telling (thi would be the life she had before becoming a full-fledged "superhero" in the nineties).
August 5, 2016
Entretenida, ingeniosa, oportuna. Y poco más. Se podrían haber laburado más la biografía de un personaje que representa "El Espíritu del Siglo XX", ya que peca de un poco de trivial en varias (casi todas) las escenas. Particularmente gracioso -aunque facilón- el capítulo en el que te muestran la antigua amistad entre Jenny Sparks y un Adolf Hitler joven y desencaminado, junto con sus obvias consecuencias. Ahora no sé si ponerme con el "Absolute Authority 3" o con "La historia secreta de The Authority: Jack Hawksmoor". Tiraré una moneda cuando los tenga a mano.
February 19, 2008
Jenny Sparks is a pretty cool character and she definitely deserves her own book. However, this book was surprisingly boring/unengaging coming from Mark Millar. I think the problem was that it's a bit piecemeal, and the only running thread is her encounters with the other members of the Authority. Not a bad story really, just nothing special.
December 26, 2012
Millar gets Spark's chronology wrong at least once, and stress disbelief with her pre-meetings with the Authority, but still is still a fun march through the 20th century and a great look at a great character.
October 12, 2013
Not quite the breezy fun of the Ellis/Hitch Authority issues, these are still a good look at the members of that run of Authority. We don't get much background in those stories, so this is the best chance we have to really get to know these characters.
November 20, 2012
Fun little jaunt through alternate history. The vacation reading continues.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews