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Astro City Metrobook #2
Astro City: Metrobook, Vol. 2
A super-powered convict must turn detective to protect his community. A young lawyer becomes entangled with a chilling avenger. A television actor finds himself playing superhero for real. A living cartoon reflects on his strange life. And much more, including a guide to Astro City’s heroes, history and neighborhoods illustrated by an all-star roster of artists.
Star creators Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson, Alex Ross and friends bring you more stories that changed how we think about superheroes.
Collects ASTRO CITY vol 2 #13-22, ASTRO CITY: LOCAL HEROES #1-5, ASTRO CITY SPECIAL #1, portions of 9-11 - THE WORLD’S FINEST COMIC BOOK WRITERS & ARTISTS TELL STORIES TO REMEMBER #2 and ASTRO CITY: A VISITOR’S GUIDE
Star creators Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson, Alex Ross and friends bring you more stories that changed how we think about superheroes.
Collects ASTRO CITY vol 2 #13-22, ASTRO CITY: LOCAL HEROES #1-5, ASTRO CITY SPECIAL #1, portions of 9-11 - THE WORLD’S FINEST COMIC BOOK WRITERS & ARTISTS TELL STORIES TO REMEMBER #2 and ASTRO CITY: A VISITOR’S GUIDE
512 pages, Paperback
Published September 6, 2022
10 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Kurt Busiek
1,859 books627 followersKurt Busiek is an American comic book writer notable for his work on the Marvels limited series, his own title Astro City, and his four-year run on Avengers.
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 7, 2023
The Steeljack arc was so good.
The gist is that he's an almost reluctant villain who really wanted to be a hero but life just didn't work out for him. After a long stint in prison, he gets recruited to look into the murders of local henchmen by the families of low-level criminals. His story intertwines with a Great Value Zorro and things just go from there. I was rooting for him so hard!
The rest of the stories are ok, but none of them sucked me in the way that one did.
There were a lot more slice-of-superhero-life tales in this, and while they were somewhat interconnected, they could all be read pretty much one at a time.
I wasn't as in love with all of them but they weren't bad.
I am looking forward to finishing out Book 3, but I don't know if this sort of thing is for everyone.
The gist is that he's an almost reluctant villain who really wanted to be a hero but life just didn't work out for him. After a long stint in prison, he gets recruited to look into the murders of local henchmen by the families of low-level criminals. His story intertwines with a Great Value Zorro and things just go from there. I was rooting for him so hard!
The rest of the stories are ok, but none of them sucked me in the way that one did.
There were a lot more slice-of-superhero-life tales in this, and while they were somewhat interconnected, they could all be read pretty much one at a time.
I wasn't as in love with all of them but they weren't bad.
I am looking forward to finishing out Book 3, but I don't know if this sort of thing is for everyone.
March 5, 2023
Astro City Metrobook Volume 2 collects Astro City Volume 2 #13-22, Astro City Local Heroes #1-5, Astro City Special #1, and the Astro City visitor's guide.
Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson's look at the human side of living in a city of super heroes continues. We get Steeljack's tale, a steel skinned former super villain trying to go legit, plus a doorman, a lawyer, an Astro City girl visiting some country cousins, a super hero coming out of retirement, and a few other stories.
Like I said before, this stuff just gets better with age. I caught a lot more references that blew by me last time and have more appreciation for the more human stories in the collection.
Five out of five stars. I'm glad I have the next volume on deck because it contains a lot of material I've never read before.
Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson's look at the human side of living in a city of super heroes continues. We get Steeljack's tale, a steel skinned former super villain trying to go legit, plus a doorman, a lawyer, an Astro City girl visiting some country cousins, a super hero coming out of retirement, and a few other stories.
Like I said before, this stuff just gets better with age. I caught a lot more references that blew by me last time and have more appreciation for the more human stories in the collection.
Five out of five stars. I'm glad I have the next volume on deck because it contains a lot of material I've never read before.
November 27, 2022
3.5 stars. Finished this back on Thanksgiving morning and have been dragging my feet on getting this review done. So finally, here we go. This book was about the same quality as vol 1. Here, the ongoing stories that covered multiple issues were the best. My favorite was about the Steel Jacketed Man who later just went by Steel Jack. He was a super powered guy with steel skin who ran with the criminal circles back in the day going in and out of jail. He eventually went down for 20 years I think and the story picks up with him getting released. So we follow him living in the part of town where all the ex cons live as he tries to not violate his parole while still looking for ways to make money. Busiek did a really good job on this and I found myself invested in what was going to happen to Ol Steel Jack. My next fav was the other story that went more than one issue. Here, we find a defense attorney representing the son of the leader of a crime family for murder. Everything is stacked against him and there is no way he is supposed to win the case. He is getting pressure from the crime boss and threats to his family if he doesn’t win this case. Another well told story with a nice ending I didn’t see coming. The good thing about the rest of the issues that were one shot styled stories is none of them were wack. Most were just ok with a few actually being pretty good. Vol 3 drops in February and I’m sure I’ll check it out.
Read
March 3, 2025In the Spotlight (v2 #13). The story of Looney Leo is one of Busiek's best pieces of deconstructive storytelling. The idea of a cartoon lion suddenly becoming real is pure silver-age. But the consequences are pure dark age, as he is trapped in a world he never made. But it's not just darkness; that's not what Busiek is about. Instead we get a story that's melancholy and perhaps even hopeful. One of the best remembered stories [5/5]
Tarnished Angel (v2 #14-20). Steeljack is probably my favorite character in the Astro City universe, for his deep desire to be an angel, tied with his earthy reality. Unsurprisingly, this was also my favorite Astro City arc to date. The mystery is great and the many characters of the area are interesting, but it's Steeljack that really makes it all terrific. I've always wanted to see more of him, but of course this was nearly the end of the original Astro City run. The two one-offs that followed before the abrupt end of the comic weren't even collected until after the five-year hiatus, which was largely the result of Busiek fighting against mercury poisoning(!). [5/5]
Bulldog Comics (v2 #21). One wonders if Busiek was planning a whole series of stories about the interaction of superheroes and the media, because that's where the last two stories of v2 fell, before everything abruptly went on hiatus. This is the lesser of them: a story of comic book publishers ripping off the heroes. It's intriguing seeing the interaction, but too much is built around the "twist" ending [3/5]
Crimson Cougar (v2 #22). Here instead we get an actor playing a hero on TV who becomes one in real life. It's a neat progression and it nicely highlights the real heroes (and villains) as being a dimension apart [4/5].
Newcomers (LH #1). Another new volume of Astro City, another Welcome to Astro City story. And, another story that reminds us the point of view of the average person is important. It's a fair story that highlights how different the city is, but not much beyond that [3/5].
Shining Armor (LH #2). First, it was a pleasure having a story set in the 60s. Visiting different time periods was one of the best features of Local Heroes. But this is also another wonderful deconstruction: an alternative Superman and Lois Lanes, with real repercussions for "Lois'" 1960s antics. And the theming of her costing the world a hero, and how that's resolved in the end, was wonderful [5/5].
Pastoral (LH #3). A nice, rare look outside of Astro City. Seeing they have their own heroes and their own way of life just gives more veracity to the entire setting [4/5].
Justice Systems (LH #4-5). And here we get a story set in the 70s, which foreshadows the darkness that we were soon going to enjoy in The Dark Age. It's pretty wonderful, especially when mixed with the stories of the mob, their lawyer, and the mysterious Blue Knight. It all really feels of a piece, and we all get the wonderful deconstruction of superhero law [5/5].
Old Times (Special 1). A Melancholy story of how time passes us all by. Good to learn a bit more about Supersonic's disappearance, as tales like that continue to make Astro City a rich. lived-in world [4/5].
Tarnished Angel (v2 #14-20). Steeljack is probably my favorite character in the Astro City universe, for his deep desire to be an angel, tied with his earthy reality. Unsurprisingly, this was also my favorite Astro City arc to date. The mystery is great and the many characters of the area are interesting, but it's Steeljack that really makes it all terrific. I've always wanted to see more of him, but of course this was nearly the end of the original Astro City run. The two one-offs that followed before the abrupt end of the comic weren't even collected until after the five-year hiatus, which was largely the result of Busiek fighting against mercury poisoning(!). [5/5]
Bulldog Comics (v2 #21). One wonders if Busiek was planning a whole series of stories about the interaction of superheroes and the media, because that's where the last two stories of v2 fell, before everything abruptly went on hiatus. This is the lesser of them: a story of comic book publishers ripping off the heroes. It's intriguing seeing the interaction, but too much is built around the "twist" ending [3/5]
Crimson Cougar (v2 #22). Here instead we get an actor playing a hero on TV who becomes one in real life. It's a neat progression and it nicely highlights the real heroes (and villains) as being a dimension apart [4/5].
Newcomers (LH #1). Another new volume of Astro City, another Welcome to Astro City story. And, another story that reminds us the point of view of the average person is important. It's a fair story that highlights how different the city is, but not much beyond that [3/5].
Shining Armor (LH #2). First, it was a pleasure having a story set in the 60s. Visiting different time periods was one of the best features of Local Heroes. But this is also another wonderful deconstruction: an alternative Superman and Lois Lanes, with real repercussions for "Lois'" 1960s antics. And the theming of her costing the world a hero, and how that's resolved in the end, was wonderful [5/5].
Pastoral (LH #3). A nice, rare look outside of Astro City. Seeing they have their own heroes and their own way of life just gives more veracity to the entire setting [4/5].
Justice Systems (LH #4-5). And here we get a story set in the 70s, which foreshadows the darkness that we were soon going to enjoy in The Dark Age. It's pretty wonderful, especially when mixed with the stories of the mob, their lawyer, and the mysterious Blue Knight. It all really feels of a piece, and we all get the wonderful deconstruction of superhero law [5/5].
Old Times (Special 1). A Melancholy story of how time passes us all by. Good to learn a bit more about Supersonic's disappearance, as tales like that continue to make Astro City a rich. lived-in world [4/5].
November 6, 2023
Same as book 1's review.
October 22, 2022
Beautiful art, deep stories and just as entertaining as Volume 1.
I can't say anything other than that I absolutely love everything about Astro City! The writing is awesome and multilayered, the art is well done, expressive and easy to read, but most of all. The world of Astro City feels like a complete world. It has history, deep characterization and so much character as a world on its own. And for once in 'superhero-comicbook-land' it feels hopeful. Dark events happen, but those are just the events that happen, not the narrative message.
If you ever feel down, or have enough of the grimdark, 'what would Hero's really be like' (Read: Awful, horrible egomaniac people), then Astro City is a colorful fresh breath of air.
Full marks, and I cant wait for the third volume.
I can't say anything other than that I absolutely love everything about Astro City! The writing is awesome and multilayered, the art is well done, expressive and easy to read, but most of all. The world of Astro City feels like a complete world. It has history, deep characterization and so much character as a world on its own. And for once in 'superhero-comicbook-land' it feels hopeful. Dark events happen, but those are just the events that happen, not the narrative message.
If you ever feel down, or have enough of the grimdark, 'what would Hero's really be like' (Read: Awful, horrible egomaniac people), then Astro City is a colorful fresh breath of air.
Full marks, and I cant wait for the third volume.
June 28, 2024
Contains one of the absolute best Astro City longer stories, about an aging superhuman small-time criminal who decides to turn a new leaft after yet again getting out of jail, but both the system and life work against him. First time I've truly hated the heroes and seen them for the part they play in keeping up the elitist class system. Other stuff is good too. :P
July 7, 2025
This is my second time reading these stories, I bought them as individual issues over 20 years ago. These stories still hold up incredibly well, both in terms of story and art. Busiek’s scripts, Anderson’s art, and Alex Ross’s covers are all top notch.
You get a variety of stories here, one multi part story following an old time supervillain suddenly forced to be the good guy, and several single issue stories looking at different aspects of Astro City and its inhabitants. Obscure heroes and villains, ordinary people, city history…it’s all here.
My only slight criticism would be the multi part epic ran a little too long for me, though overall I enjoyed it.
Another great entry in Astro City.
You get a variety of stories here, one multi part story following an old time supervillain suddenly forced to be the good guy, and several single issue stories looking at different aspects of Astro City and its inhabitants. Obscure heroes and villains, ordinary people, city history…it’s all here.
My only slight criticism would be the multi part epic ran a little too long for me, though overall I enjoyed it.
Another great entry in Astro City.
November 1, 2023
An Astro City collection that contains a lot of the earlier, but after first wave, Astro City stories. At this point, Busiek is starting to move past the archetypes to explore some aspects of the city in more detail and tell little one off stories or arcs about particular characters. In particular, it has the noir detective story Tarnished Angel, which is about a former low level supercrook trying to do good by figuring out who is executing other low level crooks. This is probably my favorite longform Astro City story, and for that alone, it gets 5 out of 5 for me.
March 14, 2023
Is Astro City a superhero comic? Well it has superheroes in it but it isnt them that makes this so incredibly enjoyable to read. Stories about the people who live in the city, about a villain, about old superheroes... well in fact anything except the traditional type of superhero story.
If you want the action and the fights then this is not your book, if you want superb storytelling then this is exactly the book you want.
If you want the action and the fights then this is not your book, if you want superb storytelling then this is exactly the book you want.
February 11, 2024
Reread. I’d read the Tarnished Angel stuff a few times but everything after that is only read once. So I was curious how it would hold up.
No surprise - it’s great. Tarnished Angel is the longer story and is the highlight of the collection, but the one about the stunt man is great (Great Expectations), the silver age Lois Lane homage is wonderful (Shining Armor), and the retired supersonic one is nice too.
No surprise - it’s great. Tarnished Angel is the longer story and is the highlight of the collection, but the one about the stunt man is great (Great Expectations), the silver age Lois Lane homage is wonderful (Shining Armor), and the retired supersonic one is nice too.
August 24, 2025
It took me much too long to get around to reading this after thoroughly enjoying the first. And I am certainly glad to have the third already on my shelf and ready to read.
The longer story at the beginning of the book was a fascinating look at criminality and morality, and the stories that follow are no less incredible (both in terms of actual story and the art, oh my god the art!) because of it.
The longer story at the beginning of the book was a fascinating look at criminality and morality, and the stories that follow are no less incredible (both in terms of actual story and the art, oh my god the art!) because of it.
July 11, 2024
The first series I've read in ages that I would describe as "impeccable", probably? Just gorgeously, brightly, expressively drawn characters with deeply thoughtful and emotional stories. The tales in and around a world where superheroes exists but so do real, normal people. What a fun anthology series I can't wait to keep digging into.
September 27, 2024
More great stuff. This collection has the storyline "the tarnished angel", which tells a pretty damn decent noir story. It also has a childhood favourite - the one where a cartoon lion is resurrected by a supervillain and then left to his own devices; he eventually starts a kitchy theme restaurant. We're also starting to get into stuff I've never read, I'm having a blast!
January 22, 2023
Astro City might be the best comic book series the 90s has to offer, and I’m so happy to have it released in these bumper trade paperbacks. Whip smart in the way it skews the times in which it was published, Busiek was firing on all cylinders. A true delight to finally read.
September 17, 2023
Recent Reads: Astro City Metrobook 2. More of Kurt Busiek's superhero series. Here we see life as a villain trying to make good, as a lawyer aiming to make a name, as a cartoon lion born from dreams and belief, and much more. Busiek's love for the graphic form tells new stories.
September 12, 2022
It's the one-shot / single issue stories that really stand out as some of the best ever written. Worth the price of admission for those alone.
October 2, 2022
I’m very happy to finally have a way to read everything Astro City. Can’t wait for the next.
October 16, 2022
With clever writing and gorgeous world building, the trip to Astro City is beyond expectations. Marvelous!
November 6, 2022
Gorgeous, well written and unique.
August 11, 2023
Another ~500 pages of Astro City collected here including the legendary story of Steeljack plus more. Finally some bad guys getting some shine.
December 29, 2023
Possibly better than the first volume. I can't recall a single bad story here. The 9/11 memorial story was particularly touching.
January 22, 2024
The legal drama was a fun story. Not quite as good as volume one.
January 26, 2024
Fractionally more content centering women this time, but still not enough! Overall, though, very intelligently put together.
July 11, 2024
Even better than Vol 1
August 23, 2024
One of the best of the Astro City stories, The Tarnished Angel, and a whole bunch of solo stories. Just great stuff.
September 16, 2024
Cada vez estoy más seguro que Busiek fue el único faro de luz en los cómics de aquella década.
Astro City es una obra rotunda.
Astro City es una obra rotunda.
September 15, 2025
Astro City es una oda al potencial del género superheroico para contar historias humanas y cercanas. Brillante. Cada número es un regalo en lo visual y en su maravilloso guión.
June 12, 2024
This second wave of Astro City stories continue to build upon this comic-book-logic world, but in this volume we have longer, more complete stories. The opening story explores the concept of being a supervillain in a world of superheroes from many perspectives, and is the strongest of many good stories here. I also very much liked the sort of guide in the back of the volume that provides a little more detail on the mysteries of this world and its heroes without giving too much away. I like that this is a comic book world that slowly reveals itself, rather than explaining everything outright.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews