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Common Grounds, Volume 1
You've read the five-star reviews, now read the book! Writer Troy Hickman (City Of Heroes) welcomes you to Common Grounds, a chain of doughnut and coffee shops where both heroes and villains kick back in their off-hours. Hickman delivers a total of 13 tales of triumph and tragedy putting a true-to-life view on archetypes. The stories are lavishly illustrated by a galaxy of star artists, including George Perez (JLA/Avengers), Sam Kieth (The Maxx), Dan Jurgens (52) and Chris Bachalo (Ultimate X-Men)!
244 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 8, 2020
"There are no 'little stories.' Every great romance starts with a single gesture of love. Every tale of war has its roots in some small, seemingly insignificant insult or slight. The world may change in epic ways, but not without an infinite mosaic that makes up that grand scheme." -- the author's introduction
In author Hickman's fictional world, when the superhuman / super-powered crowd want to 'take five' from all of the action they head into 'Common Grounds,' a coffee & doughnut shop that caters to their ilk. It's one of those places that's open 24/7, where the countertops are Formica and the waitresses - known on a first-name basis - write the orders on a green-and-white guest check.
In thirteen episodes he occasionally takes the route of an Aesop fable or an O. Henry short story, showing superheroes and supervillains kicking back for a few moments and talking about real-world concerns. Some of the characters are thinly-disguised versions of DC and Marvel stalwarts, and some are completely original inventions such as 'The Acidic Jew' (who, despite the name, is treated solemnly and not as a joke). More often than not there is a lot of poignancy in the segments, and the book unashamedly wears its heart on its sleeve, so to speak. Some of the stand-out parts include:
'Beyond the Speed of Life' - the ultra-quick hero called Speeding Bullet vents to a reporter about his worst day on the job, when he (understandably) could not save a person who was in grave danger
'Glory Days' - at a senior-citizen reunion of teammates from a group like Justice League or Avengers, a retired superhero eagerly awaits to reunite with his similarly-aged former superheroine partner
'This'll Be the Day' - Miss American Pi, a young African-American heroine, faces cynicism and hostility from a crowd after she sincerely defends her belief in truth, justice and . . . well, you know
'Lovelife' - fire-powered Eternal Flame saves a despondent young man from committing suicide; the two then have a therapeutic man-to-man chat over coffee, and this non-aging superhero - who has lived for centuries - delivers a great line about long ago meeting a certain young man in Nazareth ("Nicest guy you'd ever want to meet - really looking forward to seeing him again someday.")
The stories were usually more 'hit' than 'miss' - I found this volume to be quite the pleasant surprise.
In author Hickman's fictional world, when the superhuman / super-powered crowd want to 'take five' from all of the action they head into 'Common Grounds,' a coffee & doughnut shop that caters to their ilk. It's one of those places that's open 24/7, where the countertops are Formica and the waitresses - known on a first-name basis - write the orders on a green-and-white guest check.
In thirteen episodes he occasionally takes the route of an Aesop fable or an O. Henry short story, showing superheroes and supervillains kicking back for a few moments and talking about real-world concerns. Some of the characters are thinly-disguised versions of DC and Marvel stalwarts, and some are completely original inventions such as 'The Acidic Jew' (who, despite the name, is treated solemnly and not as a joke). More often than not there is a lot of poignancy in the segments, and the book unashamedly wears its heart on its sleeve, so to speak. Some of the stand-out parts include:
'Beyond the Speed of Life' - the ultra-quick hero called Speeding Bullet vents to a reporter about his worst day on the job, when he (understandably) could not save a person who was in grave danger
'Glory Days' - at a senior-citizen reunion of teammates from a group like Justice League or Avengers, a retired superhero eagerly awaits to reunite with his similarly-aged former superheroine partner
'This'll Be the Day' - Miss American Pi, a young African-American heroine, faces cynicism and hostility from a crowd after she sincerely defends her belief in truth, justice and . . . well, you know
'Lovelife' - fire-powered Eternal Flame saves a despondent young man from committing suicide; the two then have a therapeutic man-to-man chat over coffee, and this non-aging superhero - who has lived for centuries - delivers a great line about long ago meeting a certain young man in Nazareth ("Nicest guy you'd ever want to meet - really looking forward to seeing him again someday.")
The stories were usually more 'hit' than 'miss' - I found this volume to be quite the pleasant surprise.
December 24, 2017
This was quite an enjoyable title. The premise is simple: Common Grounds is a chain of coffee shops that caters to superpowered folk, both heroes and villains. The stories are less about action and more about conversation and reflection. People are caught in relaxed, unguarded moments. The fastest man alive reveals some of the downsides of his powers to a reporter. A hero encounters one of his foes on the way to the john. A quartet of giant monsters reminisce about their attempts to take over the world …
Comparisons to Astro City are probably inevitable. Like Astro City, Common Grounds is interested in finding different approaches to the superhero genre that have more emotional resonance and generally feel more like the real world than superhero comics generally do. Common Grounds is perhaps more willing to be farcical (“July, 1993 -- Heinrich von Kartoffelsalat builds a supercar, becomes the costumed Volks-Wagner.”) Unlike Astro City, Common Grounds features the work of many different artists, George Pérez, Sam Keith, and Dan Jurgens among others. Of the two books, I think I prefer Astro City, but Common Grounds is worth checking out too.
Comparisons to Astro City are probably inevitable. Like Astro City, Common Grounds is interested in finding different approaches to the superhero genre that have more emotional resonance and generally feel more like the real world than superhero comics generally do. Common Grounds is perhaps more willing to be farcical (“July, 1993 -- Heinrich von Kartoffelsalat builds a supercar, becomes the costumed Volks-Wagner.”) Unlike Astro City, Common Grounds features the work of many different artists, George Pérez, Sam Keith, and Dan Jurgens among others. Of the two books, I think I prefer Astro City, but Common Grounds is worth checking out too.
June 24, 2014
My first real exposure to Common Grounds was through Tumblr, of all things. Somebody had posted the story "Time of Their Lives". I was struck with the apparent ease Hickman had in combing superheroes and a normal, human story. It didn't hurt that the art was really good. After that introduction, of course I had to hunt down the trade, and I'm very happy that I did.
This belongs to the same sub-sub-genre as Astro City, putting familiar superhero archetypes in decidedly normal, human contexts, without losing sight of the central fact that somebody who chooses to risk his life on a regular basis to help others probably has at least a little good to him. Maybe that's more like a sub-sub-sub-genre, I don't know. The short story format allows for many different characters, which is good. Hickman has created very memorable characters, and he gives them great stories. Yes, even when they're just talking, like Moshe in "Sanctuary". Even when they're not superheroes at all, like Jenny in "Roles".
The stories range in quality from good to amazing, and the various artists all bring great work to the party. I only wish there'd been more to Common Grounds.
This belongs to the same sub-sub-genre as Astro City, putting familiar superhero archetypes in decidedly normal, human contexts, without losing sight of the central fact that somebody who chooses to risk his life on a regular basis to help others probably has at least a little good to him. Maybe that's more like a sub-sub-sub-genre, I don't know. The short story format allows for many different characters, which is good. Hickman has created very memorable characters, and he gives them great stories. Yes, even when they're just talking, like Moshe in "Sanctuary". Even when they're not superheroes at all, like Jenny in "Roles".
The stories range in quality from good to amazing, and the various artists all bring great work to the party. I only wish there'd been more to Common Grounds.
February 2, 2023
An appropriate "tag" for this collection could be "the superhero comic for readers who are tired of superhero comics". I'm not tired of superhero comics, but after decades of doing so I'm a bit jaded so I read less in this genre.
COMMON GROUNDS was unexpected and fresh - - - thirteen short stories lean on action and heavy on content/dialogue, albeit in a light-hearted and often funny vein. I didn't laugh out loud at anything here, but I smiled in appreciation quite often. The action centers around a chain of coffee-and-donut shops where superheroes and supervillains are equally welcome. It's a place to chill out, put your feet up and discuss everyday issues, such as the limitations of a high metabolism for a speedster - - equally high need for bowel movements. House rules - - no on premises combat or take-downs.
The over-all art quality is a step above, with several prominent creators participating: Dan Jurgens, Chris Bachalo, Carlos Pacheco and George Perez to name a few. Troy Hickman scripts them all.
Among my favorites are "Beyond The Speed Of Life" (funny and sad); "Roles" (hats off to the savvy waitress); "Heir Of Truth" (a brother-sister team learn of their legacy and reevaluate family issues); "Time of Their Lives" (can't judge the book by the cover) and "Glory Days" (high school reunion for super-heroes).
COMMON GROUNDS was unexpected and fresh - - - thirteen short stories lean on action and heavy on content/dialogue, albeit in a light-hearted and often funny vein. I didn't laugh out loud at anything here, but I smiled in appreciation quite often. The action centers around a chain of coffee-and-donut shops where superheroes and supervillains are equally welcome. It's a place to chill out, put your feet up and discuss everyday issues, such as the limitations of a high metabolism for a speedster - - equally high need for bowel movements. House rules - - no on premises combat or take-downs.
The over-all art quality is a step above, with several prominent creators participating: Dan Jurgens, Chris Bachalo, Carlos Pacheco and George Perez to name a few. Troy Hickman scripts them all.
Among my favorites are "Beyond The Speed Of Life" (funny and sad); "Roles" (hats off to the savvy waitress); "Heir Of Truth" (a brother-sister team learn of their legacy and reevaluate family issues); "Time of Their Lives" (can't judge the book by the cover) and "Glory Days" (high school reunion for super-heroes).
March 6, 2012
Common Grounds was my very first experience with graphic novels. A few years ago, I read about it on a message board I used to frequent.
I decided to give it a shot. I took my very first trip to a comic shop and luckily, they had one copy on hand.
I bought it, read it, cried my eyes out, then read it again.
Since I'm not a regular comic reader, I don't feel qualified to write about this book AS a comic.
I don't know anything about artwork or drawing or ink or pencilling. I CAN tell you that the pictures are pretty. I liked looking at them and they did enhance the experience.
Instead, I'm going to talk about the stories.
I love to read, I love books, I love words, and I love stories. That's what I know and that's what I feel comfortable talking about here.
Written by two-time Eisner nominee Troy Hickman, Common Grounds (Top Cow) contains 13 stand-alone stories--although there is a bit of intertwining between some of them.
Each and every one is a delight to read. There are NO weak stories in this book. The characters come alive and the humour will make you laugh out loud.
I especially loved the character names. How Hickman comes up with so many great superhero/supervillain names is beyond me!
This is truly a side of superheroes and supervillains we never get to see. Their innermost thoughts, their weaknesses, their personal lives....Who knew that superheroes deal with the same issues WE do?
The four that I enjoyed the most were 'Elsewhere', 'Glory Days', 'Time Of Their Lives' and 'Loose Ends'.
These stories touched me. Some are heartwarming and some are heartbreaking...but all are wonderfully written and they'll make even the toughest comic book geek tear up.
And the twist in 'Time Of Their Lives' is just brilliant. Well done, Mr. Hickman!
The only complaint I have is that there aren't enough stories, and the stories we do get aren't long enough!
I decided to give it a shot. I took my very first trip to a comic shop and luckily, they had one copy on hand.
I bought it, read it, cried my eyes out, then read it again.
Since I'm not a regular comic reader, I don't feel qualified to write about this book AS a comic.
I don't know anything about artwork or drawing or ink or pencilling. I CAN tell you that the pictures are pretty. I liked looking at them and they did enhance the experience.
Instead, I'm going to talk about the stories.
I love to read, I love books, I love words, and I love stories. That's what I know and that's what I feel comfortable talking about here.
Written by two-time Eisner nominee Troy Hickman, Common Grounds (Top Cow) contains 13 stand-alone stories--although there is a bit of intertwining between some of them.
Each and every one is a delight to read. There are NO weak stories in this book. The characters come alive and the humour will make you laugh out loud.
I especially loved the character names. How Hickman comes up with so many great superhero/supervillain names is beyond me!
This is truly a side of superheroes and supervillains we never get to see. Their innermost thoughts, their weaknesses, their personal lives....Who knew that superheroes deal with the same issues WE do?
The four that I enjoyed the most were 'Elsewhere', 'Glory Days', 'Time Of Their Lives' and 'Loose Ends'.
These stories touched me. Some are heartwarming and some are heartbreaking...but all are wonderfully written and they'll make even the toughest comic book geek tear up.
And the twist in 'Time Of Their Lives' is just brilliant. Well done, Mr. Hickman!
The only complaint I have is that there aren't enough stories, and the stories we do get aren't long enough!
October 18, 2020
Quite enjoyable but it lost steam for me halfway through. Interesting premise that these superhero’s have problems just like you and me, although as these stories are short, they seemed to end abruptly at times.
November 23, 2008
Ever since I discovered that my library had a good selection of graphic novels, I've been reading lots of them. And I've learned a few things:
Anything from Marvel or DC is likely to be surprisingly bad, unless they're written by Alan Moore or Neil Gaiman. There are a couple of other writers who can turn out decent work too, but the vast majority of stuff published by the Big Two is just awful.
This can't be a coincidence. I can't believe that DC and Marvel simply keep having bad luck finding decent writers. No, the blame must lie with the editorial staff and management; they must want bad writing. Perhaps they've become overprotective of their big-name characters, who are now such huge media properties. It's ironic, because putrid writing is now killing those characters - at least in my own estimation.
Another thing I've learned from the library: there's still good work being done out there, and almost all of it is being published by smaller companies. Common Grounds is an excellent example of this. It's a series of stories based around a chain of coffee shops that cater to superheroes. It's an original world-setting, of course, but many of the heroes are reminiscent of some of the classic major-company characters. In fact, there are a number of references to that very point (for example, one high-speed "Flash"-like character is called "Speeding Bullet", and when asked about his name replies "as in faster than a - "). It's clearly implied (if you were wondering) that the world of Common Grounds includes comic books, the same ones that are published in the real world.
The stories are generally unrelated to each other; this isn't your typical never-ending serial, but rather a series of stand-alone short stories set in a common universe. There's also virtually no overlap of characters between stories. Each one focuses on a different character or set of characters.
And they're incredibly refreshing. There's almost none of the tired old cliches; instead, it takes a more real-world approach to the interaction of the characters, with a nice touch of humor. For example, how often are you going to read a story which takes place almost entirely as conversation between a superhero and supervillain in adjoining stalls of a coffee shop bathroom? There's a love story, stories about...well, I don't want to spoil it. All I'll say is that while every story in the book is related to superheroes (of course), none of them use the cliched plots that have been inflicted on the comic-book-reading public for so many decades.
All in all, the stories are very well-written. There are some slightly awkward spots, I'll admit, and the author gets a tiny bit preachy at times. He also has a small tendency to be cute (particularly with puns), and there's a slightly juvenile feeling to his work when compared to the works of Moore and Gaiman (although it's still far more mature and less insulting to the intelligence than anything that's normally put out by Marvel or DC). But these are very minor flaws indeed.
Just to be clear, I really like this book quite a lot. Enough so that I've now taken it out twice from the library, and I plan to buy a copy as soon as I get the chance. Whoops, almost forgot to mention: the art is very nicely done as well.
It's just a pity that the series didn't continue. I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for Troy Hickman in the future.
Anything from Marvel or DC is likely to be surprisingly bad, unless they're written by Alan Moore or Neil Gaiman. There are a couple of other writers who can turn out decent work too, but the vast majority of stuff published by the Big Two is just awful.
This can't be a coincidence. I can't believe that DC and Marvel simply keep having bad luck finding decent writers. No, the blame must lie with the editorial staff and management; they must want bad writing. Perhaps they've become overprotective of their big-name characters, who are now such huge media properties. It's ironic, because putrid writing is now killing those characters - at least in my own estimation.
Another thing I've learned from the library: there's still good work being done out there, and almost all of it is being published by smaller companies. Common Grounds is an excellent example of this. It's a series of stories based around a chain of coffee shops that cater to superheroes. It's an original world-setting, of course, but many of the heroes are reminiscent of some of the classic major-company characters. In fact, there are a number of references to that very point (for example, one high-speed "Flash"-like character is called "Speeding Bullet", and when asked about his name replies "as in faster than a - "). It's clearly implied (if you were wondering) that the world of Common Grounds includes comic books, the same ones that are published in the real world.
The stories are generally unrelated to each other; this isn't your typical never-ending serial, but rather a series of stand-alone short stories set in a common universe. There's also virtually no overlap of characters between stories. Each one focuses on a different character or set of characters.
And they're incredibly refreshing. There's almost none of the tired old cliches; instead, it takes a more real-world approach to the interaction of the characters, with a nice touch of humor. For example, how often are you going to read a story which takes place almost entirely as conversation between a superhero and supervillain in adjoining stalls of a coffee shop bathroom? There's a love story, stories about...well, I don't want to spoil it. All I'll say is that while every story in the book is related to superheroes (of course), none of them use the cliched plots that have been inflicted on the comic-book-reading public for so many decades.
All in all, the stories are very well-written. There are some slightly awkward spots, I'll admit, and the author gets a tiny bit preachy at times. He also has a small tendency to be cute (particularly with puns), and there's a slightly juvenile feeling to his work when compared to the works of Moore and Gaiman (although it's still far more mature and less insulting to the intelligence than anything that's normally put out by Marvel or DC). But these are very minor flaws indeed.
Just to be clear, I really like this book quite a lot. Enough so that I've now taken it out twice from the library, and I plan to buy a copy as soon as I get the chance. Whoops, almost forgot to mention: the art is very nicely done as well.
It's just a pity that the series didn't continue. I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for Troy Hickman in the future.
July 31, 2015
Well, what a pleasant surprise this was. Picked it up purely by chance, it features a series of short stories looking at the superheroes and super villains of this world in their down time, at a chain of coffee stores called Common Grounds. Featuring great art by a series of top artists ( Perez, Ordway, Jurgens) some of the stories are beautifully written, some are funny, some thought provoking. The comics medium doesn't get much better than this.
I would rate 4.5 by the way. Highly, highly recommended.
I would rate 4.5 by the way. Highly, highly recommended.
December 24, 2021
A Blogger buddy of mine has been posting about this series and it sounded really interesting. Like Astro City it's about superheroes, but not in the traditional sense. These tales all involve Common Grounds, a coffee shop chain that caters to superheroes and supervillains. It's neutral ground where fighting isn't allowed.
In the first story a speedster admits to a reporter that his life is not all it's cracked up to be. In another a waitress uses her acting talent to fool a creep into thinking she has flame powers. There's even an homage to those terrible 50s monster stories Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, etc did between the Golden Age of comics and the birth of Marvel Comics. The last story wraps everything up with a focus on the tragic story of the chain's founder; just about all the characters from the previous stories are shown or mentioned.
Overall I really enjoyed it. Some of the dialogue was a little clunky and with a variety of artists the styles were somewhat varied from one story to another. My biggest problem is I couldn't find an online version so I had to buy an old paperback that had some water damage and pages that would stick together.
In the first story a speedster admits to a reporter that his life is not all it's cracked up to be. In another a waitress uses her acting talent to fool a creep into thinking she has flame powers. There's even an homage to those terrible 50s monster stories Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, etc did between the Golden Age of comics and the birth of Marvel Comics. The last story wraps everything up with a focus on the tragic story of the chain's founder; just about all the characters from the previous stories are shown or mentioned.
Overall I really enjoyed it. Some of the dialogue was a little clunky and with a variety of artists the styles were somewhat varied from one story to another. My biggest problem is I couldn't find an online version so I had to buy an old paperback that had some water damage and pages that would stick together.
June 2, 2018
This collection of six comics written by fan favorite Troy Hickman and illustrated by a who's who of modern comic talent, showcases the quiet times between battles, when superheroes are being human and stopping by their local Common Grounds donut shop for a bite to eat and a coffee.
These stories have a lot of heart. I think Marvel and DC have locked down the epic, universe-spanning, all or nothing fight to save existence from the tyranny of [insert name here] but these Common Grounds tales are the quieter but no less important stories of heroes being people. There were two stories per issue (one had three) each one featuring a new character. Sometimes the heroes help others, sometimes they're trying to figure life out themselves, in what is essentially a slice-of-life comic. That is, if your life was filled with heroes and villains. For readers like me who have enjoyed comics for many years it is a missing piece that doesn't often get a showcase in the mainstream books. Good stuff. I wish there were more.
These stories have a lot of heart. I think Marvel and DC have locked down the epic, universe-spanning, all or nothing fight to save existence from the tyranny of [insert name here] but these Common Grounds tales are the quieter but no less important stories of heroes being people. There were two stories per issue (one had three) each one featuring a new character. Sometimes the heroes help others, sometimes they're trying to figure life out themselves, in what is essentially a slice-of-life comic. That is, if your life was filled with heroes and villains. For readers like me who have enjoyed comics for many years it is a missing piece that doesn't often get a showcase in the mainstream books. Good stuff. I wish there were more.
July 14, 2021
*Lots of reading + no time review = Knee-jerk reactions!*
I ADORED this book. Insanely clever from concept to execution, I loved getting this "quiet moment" stories. Some were funny, some were heartwarming, some were even sad. And I loved how they all tied together--whether directly, because something from the plot of a different story would sneak its way into a different one, or indirectly when you would see, in the background, one of the characters you'd previously met getting a donut or chatting at the counter. My favorite stories were either the one with the "monster" or the one with one "super" meeting another that had fallen on hard times and was homeless. (I particularly loved the message of the first one and the twist of the second.) I'm not sure if there are more "Common Grounds" stories, but if so... they are must-reads!
I ADORED this book. Insanely clever from concept to execution, I loved getting this "quiet moment" stories. Some were funny, some were heartwarming, some were even sad. And I loved how they all tied together--whether directly, because something from the plot of a different story would sneak its way into a different one, or indirectly when you would see, in the background, one of the characters you'd previously met getting a donut or chatting at the counter. My favorite stories were either the one with the "monster" or the one with one "super" meeting another that had fallen on hard times and was homeless. (I particularly loved the message of the first one and the twist of the second.) I'm not sure if there are more "Common Grounds" stories, but if so... they are must-reads!
December 7, 2025
A one-off collection of different stories around heroes, villains and civilians sitting down and having a chat over a coffee and/or doughnuts, it provides a deeply human glimpse on personal dynamics between sets of characters historically plagued with cliches and white&black interpretations of good and evil, showcasing them as what they are: humans that by luck, fate or effort gained extra abilities but continued being human...even the aliens and anthropomorphic entities.
September 21, 2019
2.5
I liked the sentiments behind all of these short comics, and the Common Grounds cafe itself, but they did tend towards the maudlin and sentimental; not to mention the lack of a larger storyline. Even moments that seemed to be meant as inspiring and uplifting were kind of downers for me. Also I found the women unrelatable in both art and character. Not a bad comic, just not for me.
I liked the sentiments behind all of these short comics, and the Common Grounds cafe itself, but they did tend towards the maudlin and sentimental; not to mention the lack of a larger storyline. Even moments that seemed to be meant as inspiring and uplifting were kind of downers for me. Also I found the women unrelatable in both art and character. Not a bad comic, just not for me.
May 14, 2020
Troy Hickman, aided by a variety of top-notch illustrators, give us some Astro City-style tales of the secret lives of the super-powered, all the tales connected (sometimes tenuously) to a chain of coffee shops that are neutral ground for super-heroes and -villains alike. Good fun, and well deserving of its Eisner nominations.
Read
September 12, 2021It was alright. I expected better and more with the premise that it has but all the stories were just...fine. I get that there were messages to most of the stories and I liked that, like how having powers is not all it seems and its pros and cons in people's lives. However, there wasn't anything special or even super entertaining about any of the stories.
December 7, 2018
I suppose this teaches me not to buy off the comic shop sale rack. There was one enjoyable story ("Time of Their Lives"), but otherwise this was a steaming cesspool of women in peril, gratuitous boob/butt shots, casual misogyny, and fatphobia. Ugh, the worst.
June 12, 2020
It's all very mushy and at the same time borderline satirical, this mixture I disapprove of tone-wise. Either do one or the other, dammit. I was expecting more of "hey, guys, let's grab a beer and tell some stories" like Warren Ellis, for example, does sometimes.
February 28, 2019
Great premise put to a great use.
December 30, 2016
The biggest problem (atop a rather large list) I have with modern Marvel and DC superhero comics is simply that they've lost their heart: once upon a time, in between the epic event storylines you occasionally got the quiet, poignant character-driven moments that were always far more memorable than the latest 27-part Civil Infinite Secret Crisis Wars that only seem to exist as springboard to launch new series from.
It was Spider-Man revealing his secret identity to a terminally ill boy to fulfill his dying wish to know who his favorite hero really was, not an army of alternate Spider-Folk from alternate realities that only the most hardcore amateur fan fiction writers could really embrace.
Common Grounds examines the human side of supermen and wonder women with a unique hook: the stories all center around a nationwide chain of coffee shops in which heroes and villains are both welcome and not allowed to bring their conflicts into. Definitely cut from the same 'backstage' look at superheroes as Kurt Busiek's classic Astro City, writer Troy Hickman nails it in every story in this collection, aided and abetted by a roster of A-list artists.
Offbeat is a good term to use here, as we bounce between more serious traditional scenarios that range from an immortal hero preventing a suicide and taking the time to actually talk to the troubled young man who almost threw his short life away, or a retired hero helping a down-on-his-luck homeless supervillain, to the ridiculously sublime sort of thing only Deadpool would love: a hero finds himself in the men's room with his arch-enemy in the next stall, or a giant-sized coffee and donut delivery to the kaiju-sized 50s sci-fi monsters who went out of vogue decades ago. The comedy-driven stories are actually the most effective: there's always a moment you don't see coming that shifts the tone in a completely different direction.
If you're suffering from event fatigue and had enough of the army of multi-hued Hulks, Lanterns, Bat and Spider derivatives that pass for fresh and new concepts, this trade is well-worth a spin.
It was Spider-Man revealing his secret identity to a terminally ill boy to fulfill his dying wish to know who his favorite hero really was, not an army of alternate Spider-Folk from alternate realities that only the most hardcore amateur fan fiction writers could really embrace.
Common Grounds examines the human side of supermen and wonder women with a unique hook: the stories all center around a nationwide chain of coffee shops in which heroes and villains are both welcome and not allowed to bring their conflicts into. Definitely cut from the same 'backstage' look at superheroes as Kurt Busiek's classic Astro City, writer Troy Hickman nails it in every story in this collection, aided and abetted by a roster of A-list artists.
Offbeat is a good term to use here, as we bounce between more serious traditional scenarios that range from an immortal hero preventing a suicide and taking the time to actually talk to the troubled young man who almost threw his short life away, or a retired hero helping a down-on-his-luck homeless supervillain, to the ridiculously sublime sort of thing only Deadpool would love: a hero finds himself in the men's room with his arch-enemy in the next stall, or a giant-sized coffee and donut delivery to the kaiju-sized 50s sci-fi monsters who went out of vogue decades ago. The comedy-driven stories are actually the most effective: there's always a moment you don't see coming that shifts the tone in a completely different direction.
If you're suffering from event fatigue and had enough of the army of multi-hued Hulks, Lanterns, Bat and Spider derivatives that pass for fresh and new concepts, this trade is well-worth a spin.
February 24, 2011
This is one of the very best graphic novels that I have ever read. Each story is a stand alone story but they all tie together to paint a picture of the world of “Common Grounds” a coffee and doughnut shop that is neutral ground for superheroes and super villains. If you pay close attention you will see that the stories are connected but in a very subtle way. I found the story “Where Monsters Dine” to be the best of the bunch. The tale revolves around four super large monsters that discuss just who the real monsters are. I give this book five stars!
July 27, 2011
A loosely related collection of human interest stories about superheroes. Not all of them were good -- the one about the superheavyweights was rather infuriating -- but a lot of them managed to go past the obvious "oh, my powers make my life so sad" and "ha ha, here I am in spandex, silly me" parody cliches to get at exactly the sort of things that I like about superhero comics: the interactions between people who are larger than life but still want friends, comfy chairs, and a pot of tea. (The art was a bit of a mixed bag, nothing spectacular but mostly pretty nice.)
June 8, 2014
I pretty much gave up on American comics. Since so many independent publishers died out, it's just been the same super hero plot over and over again. Then I spotted this collection of twelve stories. The basic idea is that there are coffee shops where the good guys and the bad guys can drop in for coffee and doughnuts, and nobody gets hurt. Great idea. Great stories.Well worth reading.
January 20, 2014
Why can't all superhero comics be like this? This series manages to get more out of its characters in its mini-stories than other series have in their entire run. I came for "Glory Days" and I stayed for everything else. Well done.
October 6, 2017
Can't believe I didn't review this.
Buy this. 'nuff said. Heh. A little more? Ok, the short stories in this comic novella are well crafted, interesting, and beautifully drawn (for the most part). I enjoyed reading it thoroughly, and heartily recommend it for comic fans.
Buy this. 'nuff said. Heh. A little more? Ok, the short stories in this comic novella are well crafted, interesting, and beautifully drawn (for the most part). I enjoyed reading it thoroughly, and heartily recommend it for comic fans.
April 3, 2008
Seems a little reminiscent of Astro City, but the stories are unique, even if the manner of storytelling isn't. I found this to be a fun read nonetheless.
try-again-later
April 24, 2015Amusing anecdotal chapters about Super Heroes and Villains visiting a coffee shop (and taking poops together apparently), but nothing really compelled me to finish. The art was unremarkable.
August 3, 2017
This is gem of a book. If u find a copy pick it up. Great writing.
December 17, 2024
It is a heartwarming comic book outlining everyday humanity in an otherwise fantastic universe.
December 29, 2015
Very human.
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