What do you think?
Rate this book
Astro City #3
Astro City, Vol. 3: Family Album
Snapshots. They let us capture moments of truth, fragments of time -- and that's as true in Astro City, a city of heroes, villains, monsters and more, as it is anywhere. You're invited, in the Family Album, to share some of the city's greatest memories -- from the wonder and terror experienced by a family new in town, to a world-famous superhero's first day at school, a crimefighter and his wife facing momentous decisions about the future, and more.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1997
25 people are currently reading
486 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,
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
May 18, 2023
This 3rd volume looks at two families, and also loner Leo, who has no family at all! First we get a newcomers view of Astro City and why people stay in such, what would appear to be a dangerous city - and this is pure Astro City gold :) Astro City's 'Fantastic Four' the First Family is seen through the eyes of 10 year old super powered Astra and how she's losing touch with her childhood by being in the team - a gimmicky, but neat way of showcasing the Family.
Next we have the gifted toy engineer and African American superhero, Jack-In-The-Box, who despite having it all, his still concerned about his legacy. This is a great Black character breaking all the clichés and being interesting :) The most touching story is that of a 2D cartoon character coming to life, as he looks back on his short superhero career and what he did next. Just more unique and innovative ways of seeing often replicated super hero stories. A well deserved Four Star, 8 out of 12.
2019 read
You are now leaving Astro City, please drive carefully.
Next we have the gifted toy engineer and African American superhero, Jack-In-The-Box, who despite having it all, his still concerned about his legacy. This is a great Black character breaking all the clichés and being interesting :) The most touching story is that of a 2D cartoon character coming to life, as he looks back on his short superhero career and what he did next. Just more unique and innovative ways of seeing often replicated super hero stories. A well deserved Four Star, 8 out of 12.
2019 read
You are now leaving Astro City, please drive carefully.
July 15, 2018
The Junkman wants to prove he's still a good criminal even though he's old. Astra Furst wants a chance to be an ordinary kid. Jack in the Box meets versions of his future son. And Loony Leo, the cartoon come to life, is down on his luck. All of this and more in Family Album, the third Astro City collection!
Here we are, the third Astro City volume. It's real and it's spectacular. Busiek continues to focus on the human aspects of life in Astro City. The first tale is about a family that moves to Astro City to start a new life and gets a good look at what that entails. It was a nice slice of life tale.
The second story was my favorite of the collection. Astra Furst, third generation member of the First Family, decides she wants to try out being an ordinary kid. It nearly brought a tear to my eye and made me wish Kurt Busiek would be given free reign on the Fantastic Four. The First Family is what the Fantastic Four could be if they were ever allowed to progress, multiple generations of super heroes.
The fourth story featured a criminal called The Junkman and was about getting older in Astro City. I'm amazed at how easily Busiek made me a fan of The Junkman, who will probably never be featured in another story.
The fifth tale was of The Jack in the Box, Astro City's Batman/Daredevil hero. Super heroing his hard but what about having kids? I would gladly read more about Jack in the Box. And the First Family, for that matter.
I wasn't crazy about the sixth tale when I realized it was about a cartoon lion brought to life but it wound up being really good. Poor Loony Leo.
Kurt Busiek's love for the super hero genre shines through in each story. As with the last two volumes, Astro City feels like it has decades of history prior to this book that I haven't read yet. Brent Anderson and Will Blyberg did a great job bringing his vision to life. Once again, I'm irritated that it took me two decades to get interested in Astro City. I'm not sure I'd put it in the same league as Starman just yet but it's really great. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Here we are, the third Astro City volume. It's real and it's spectacular. Busiek continues to focus on the human aspects of life in Astro City. The first tale is about a family that moves to Astro City to start a new life and gets a good look at what that entails. It was a nice slice of life tale.
The second story was my favorite of the collection. Astra Furst, third generation member of the First Family, decides she wants to try out being an ordinary kid. It nearly brought a tear to my eye and made me wish Kurt Busiek would be given free reign on the Fantastic Four. The First Family is what the Fantastic Four could be if they were ever allowed to progress, multiple generations of super heroes.
The fourth story featured a criminal called The Junkman and was about getting older in Astro City. I'm amazed at how easily Busiek made me a fan of The Junkman, who will probably never be featured in another story.
The fifth tale was of The Jack in the Box, Astro City's Batman/Daredevil hero. Super heroing his hard but what about having kids? I would gladly read more about Jack in the Box. And the First Family, for that matter.
I wasn't crazy about the sixth tale when I realized it was about a cartoon lion brought to life but it wound up being really good. Poor Loony Leo.
Kurt Busiek's love for the super hero genre shines through in each story. As with the last two volumes, Astro City feels like it has decades of history prior to this book that I haven't read yet. Brent Anderson and Will Blyberg did a great job bringing his vision to life. Once again, I'm irritated that it took me two decades to get interested in Astro City. I'm not sure I'd put it in the same league as Starman just yet but it's really great. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
September 5, 2013
Family Album continues Busiek and Ross' exploration of their marvelous creation, Astro City. a dream city set in a dream America set in a dream world, and a loving ode to the classic Golden and Silver Ages of comics. this graphic novel continues the everyman's ground-eye view of a city full of heroes while also spending even more time delving into the inner lives of a couple of those heroes.
for the ground eye view, we see a family's arrival and a father's concern that it all just may be a bit too much for him and his family. his initial perspective certainly makes sense. the city may be wondrous and it may have a lion's share of costumed protectors, but it is also a place where a storm god will visit to wreak havoc and destruction. sort of a mixed bag, from a non-super powered point of view. Busiek takes this first story and uses it as an opportunity to provide those panoramas that he seems to adore - vast spectacles of celebrity super-heroes fighting in the sky and on the ground, with mortal men and women only able to catch glimpses of these heroes and the battles surrounding them. he has an expert touch with this sort of thing and really knows how to capture both the wonder and the fear, explosions in the distance, the shaking of walls, a flash of color speeding by in the air. personally, I wouldn't think twice about moving there. someone find me a job in Astro City.
following that we have two 2-part stories detailing the private lives of the child hero Astra and the mysterious Batman-like hero known as Jack-in-the-Box.
poor little Astra is brilliant and incredibly powerful, but she's also a little girl who wants to play hopscotch - and beat the pants off of other little girls playing hopscotch. she's sweet but Busiek doesn't shy away from the competitive and sometimes destructive abilities of Astra and her Fantastic Four-like family. they are gods who play amongst mortals, whether these gods realize it or not.
poor Jack-in-the-Box is confronted with two nightmare versions of his sons, come from the future to wreak justice and death on modern Astro City. a vivid and surprisingly dark tale, at times, but with the same hopefulness that characterizes all of the Astro City stories. and I am always in favor of superheroes who aren't white. not that I have anything against white people, of course. er, some of my best friends are white people. cough?
these three tales place Family at the center of their narratives. hey, title tie-in! Busiek doesn't challenge the idea of family, which is something I always enjoy, but that would have felt quite out of place in these stories.
there are two additional stories that are equally excellent. one details the rise and fall and perhaps rise again of a cartoon character come to life. sounds silly but it was actually pretty moving. poor Leo the Lion! and another, my favorite story, is all about the senior citizen known as the Junkman. he's a villain supreme and he's pretty awesome. Busiek really outdoes himself here with the conception, reach, and motivations of this character. plus he has a really cool look.
all in all, a wonderful book.
for the ground eye view, we see a family's arrival and a father's concern that it all just may be a bit too much for him and his family. his initial perspective certainly makes sense. the city may be wondrous and it may have a lion's share of costumed protectors, but it is also a place where a storm god will visit to wreak havoc and destruction. sort of a mixed bag, from a non-super powered point of view. Busiek takes this first story and uses it as an opportunity to provide those panoramas that he seems to adore - vast spectacles of celebrity super-heroes fighting in the sky and on the ground, with mortal men and women only able to catch glimpses of these heroes and the battles surrounding them. he has an expert touch with this sort of thing and really knows how to capture both the wonder and the fear, explosions in the distance, the shaking of walls, a flash of color speeding by in the air. personally, I wouldn't think twice about moving there. someone find me a job in Astro City.
following that we have two 2-part stories detailing the private lives of the child hero Astra and the mysterious Batman-like hero known as Jack-in-the-Box.
poor little Astra is brilliant and incredibly powerful, but she's also a little girl who wants to play hopscotch - and beat the pants off of other little girls playing hopscotch. she's sweet but Busiek doesn't shy away from the competitive and sometimes destructive abilities of Astra and her Fantastic Four-like family. they are gods who play amongst mortals, whether these gods realize it or not.
poor Jack-in-the-Box is confronted with two nightmare versions of his sons, come from the future to wreak justice and death on modern Astro City. a vivid and surprisingly dark tale, at times, but with the same hopefulness that characterizes all of the Astro City stories. and I am always in favor of superheroes who aren't white. not that I have anything against white people, of course. er, some of my best friends are white people. cough?
these three tales place Family at the center of their narratives. hey, title tie-in! Busiek doesn't challenge the idea of family, which is something I always enjoy, but that would have felt quite out of place in these stories.
there are two additional stories that are equally excellent. one details the rise and fall and perhaps rise again of a cartoon character come to life. sounds silly but it was actually pretty moving. poor Leo the Lion! and another, my favorite story, is all about the senior citizen known as the Junkman. he's a villain supreme and he's pretty awesome. Busiek really outdoes himself here with the conception, reach, and motivations of this character. plus he has a really cool look.
all in all, a wonderful book.
December 18, 2019
This volume switches back to an anthology title with some one and two issue stories. I like how Busiek focuses on the humanity in his stories whether it be a cartoon lion come to life or a new family moving to Astro City. I really enjoyed the Jack in the Box story where he's presented with future corrupted versions of his adult son who hasn't even been born yet. The story focusing on the little girl Astra of the Fantastic Four analogue, the First Family, was sweet. The creative team shows no sign of slowing down.
June 9, 2022
#ThrowbackThursday - Back in the '90s, I used to write comic book reviews for the website of a now-defunct comic book retailer called Rockem Sockem Comics. (Collect them all!)
From the January 1999 edition with a theme of "Worst of '98 and a Gem for All Time":
INTRODUCTION
Howdy, and welcome to the second entry in a new annual tradition.
Since I tend to write about the comics I like and mostly give middling to positive reviews all year long, I use New Year's Day as an opportunity to reflect on the comics I didn't review -- the dregs of the comic book industry.
Yes, it's the LWYBM Worst of '98!
Huzzah!
Note: For balance, you'll find a glowing review of one of the best superhero books of the 'Nineties -- ASTRO CITY -- after all the dreck.
Disclaimer: Keep in mind, many more awful comics exist than you'll find listed here; these are only the ones I had the misfortune of reading this year.
FROM THE BACKLIST
ASTRO CITY Volume 1 #1-6 (Image Comics)
ASTRO CITY Volume 2 #1/2-15 (Homage Comics/Image Comics)
DC Comics helped redefine superhero comic books in the 80s with the publication of WATCHMEN and BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS. These two limited series crystallized the grim-'n'-gritty and apocalyptic movements. They began a tradition of deconstructing the role of the superhero in a real society -- taking the consequences of superpowers to logical extremes in futuristic settings or alternate realities-- that has lasted well into the 90s. It's my hope that Image Comics' (soon to be DC Comics') ASTRO CITY represents the next wave in superhero comics: thoughtful tales of hope and wonder that respect the long history of comics.
ASTRO CITY is a labor of love for writer Kurt Busiek (AVENGERS, IRON MAN, THUNDERBOLTS, MARVELS), interior artists Brent Anderson (STRIKEFORCE: MORITURI) and Will Blyberg (DNAGENTS), and cover artist Alex Ross (MARVELS, UNCLE SAM, KINGDOM COME). Indeed, ASTRO CITY is blessed to have such outstanding covers by painter-without-peer Ross and the fine interior artwork by Anderson and Blyberg. But while they are all collaborators in the creation, ASTRO CITY's greatness is almost entirely attributable to Busiek.
Busiek's wonderful stories change viewpoint for each issue or story arc. As in MARVELS, many stories are told from the perspective of ordinary mortals who look on with respect, fear, and awe as the superheroes struggle with world-threatening menaces in the skies above Astro City. Most stories are told from the perspective of the heroes or villains of Astro City, putting a fresh spin on the hoary old icons of comics. Astro City has its own versions of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman & Robin, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Captain America, and so on. Busiek reinvents these archetypes, giving them depth and character that make the clones superior to the originals. (Take that, Spider-Man!)
Busiek also varies the way his stories are presented. Each issue of the first volume of ASTRO CITY (collected as ASTRO CITY: LIFE IN THE BIG CITY) is a self-contained story focusing on a single character while giving tantalizing glimpses of the complex world Busiek has created and the dozens of heroes with which he has peopled it. With the second volume, Busiek begins to give deeper insights into his heroes by interspersing continued sagas with the single-issue stories. Issues #4-9 tell the saga of the Confessor and Altar Boy -- Roman Catholic doppelgangers of Batman and Robin -- and their fight against shapechanging alien invaders (Skrulls, anyone?). Issues #11-12 examine the serious repercussions superheroics have on fatherhood through the jesting hero known as Jack-in-the-Box. And issue #13 begins the saga of the villain known as Steeljack, who is trying to reform himself by becoming a detective. His only credential as a private investigator is that he looks like Robert Mitchum in "The Big Sleep," but his desire for reform is strong and my interest in his tale is high.
The single issue stories are the best, however, and my favorite ASTRO CITY story remains the one from the first issue of the first series. In it, Samaritan -- the equivalent of Superman in Astro City -- counts the seconds of flight he is allowed to enjoy as he zips from crisis to crisis. With supreme power comes supreme responsibility, Busiek shows us, as Samaritan's greatest joy in life totals up to mere minutes in the course of twenty-four hours. "In Dreams" is the best Superman story never published by DC Comics.
I could rave forever about ASTRO CITY, but suffice it to say, ASTRO CITY is the best superhero comic of the '90s. Buy it today and hope that its influence is felt for years to come.
Grade: A+
From the January 1999 edition with a theme of "Worst of '98 and a Gem for All Time":
INTRODUCTION
Howdy, and welcome to the second entry in a new annual tradition.
Since I tend to write about the comics I like and mostly give middling to positive reviews all year long, I use New Year's Day as an opportunity to reflect on the comics I didn't review -- the dregs of the comic book industry.
Yes, it's the LWYBM Worst of '98!
Huzzah!
Note: For balance, you'll find a glowing review of one of the best superhero books of the 'Nineties -- ASTRO CITY -- after all the dreck.
Disclaimer: Keep in mind, many more awful comics exist than you'll find listed here; these are only the ones I had the misfortune of reading this year.
FROM THE BACKLIST
ASTRO CITY Volume 1 #1-6 (Image Comics)
ASTRO CITY Volume 2 #1/2-15 (Homage Comics/Image Comics)
DC Comics helped redefine superhero comic books in the 80s with the publication of WATCHMEN and BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS. These two limited series crystallized the grim-'n'-gritty and apocalyptic movements. They began a tradition of deconstructing the role of the superhero in a real society -- taking the consequences of superpowers to logical extremes in futuristic settings or alternate realities-- that has lasted well into the 90s. It's my hope that Image Comics' (soon to be DC Comics') ASTRO CITY represents the next wave in superhero comics: thoughtful tales of hope and wonder that respect the long history of comics.
ASTRO CITY is a labor of love for writer Kurt Busiek (AVENGERS, IRON MAN, THUNDERBOLTS, MARVELS), interior artists Brent Anderson (STRIKEFORCE: MORITURI) and Will Blyberg (DNAGENTS), and cover artist Alex Ross (MARVELS, UNCLE SAM, KINGDOM COME). Indeed, ASTRO CITY is blessed to have such outstanding covers by painter-without-peer Ross and the fine interior artwork by Anderson and Blyberg. But while they are all collaborators in the creation, ASTRO CITY's greatness is almost entirely attributable to Busiek.
Busiek's wonderful stories change viewpoint for each issue or story arc. As in MARVELS, many stories are told from the perspective of ordinary mortals who look on with respect, fear, and awe as the superheroes struggle with world-threatening menaces in the skies above Astro City. Most stories are told from the perspective of the heroes or villains of Astro City, putting a fresh spin on the hoary old icons of comics. Astro City has its own versions of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman & Robin, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Captain America, and so on. Busiek reinvents these archetypes, giving them depth and character that make the clones superior to the originals. (Take that, Spider-Man!)
Busiek also varies the way his stories are presented. Each issue of the first volume of ASTRO CITY (collected as ASTRO CITY: LIFE IN THE BIG CITY) is a self-contained story focusing on a single character while giving tantalizing glimpses of the complex world Busiek has created and the dozens of heroes with which he has peopled it. With the second volume, Busiek begins to give deeper insights into his heroes by interspersing continued sagas with the single-issue stories. Issues #4-9 tell the saga of the Confessor and Altar Boy -- Roman Catholic doppelgangers of Batman and Robin -- and their fight against shapechanging alien invaders (Skrulls, anyone?). Issues #11-12 examine the serious repercussions superheroics have on fatherhood through the jesting hero known as Jack-in-the-Box. And issue #13 begins the saga of the villain known as Steeljack, who is trying to reform himself by becoming a detective. His only credential as a private investigator is that he looks like Robert Mitchum in "The Big Sleep," but his desire for reform is strong and my interest in his tale is high.
The single issue stories are the best, however, and my favorite ASTRO CITY story remains the one from the first issue of the first series. In it, Samaritan -- the equivalent of Superman in Astro City -- counts the seconds of flight he is allowed to enjoy as he zips from crisis to crisis. With supreme power comes supreme responsibility, Busiek shows us, as Samaritan's greatest joy in life totals up to mere minutes in the course of twenty-four hours. "In Dreams" is the best Superman story never published by DC Comics.
I could rave forever about ASTRO CITY, but suffice it to say, ASTRO CITY is the best superhero comic of the '90s. Buy it today and hope that its influence is felt for years to come.
Grade: A+
November 26, 2013
Whether this is the second or third volume of Astro City depends on your perspective and, in the end, doesn't really matter. About half of the issues collected here were published before the ones in Astro City Vol. 2: Confession, and half after. But since they're all short, stand alone stories, it doesn't matter when you read it.
On to the actual book itself. The seven issues represent five different stories, most of them related to family in some way (hence the title). The first story, about a family newly arrived in Astro City, reminded me of Marvels in some ways. Average people watching superheroics from the sidelines. Then there's ten-year-old hero Astra, who wants to learn how to play hopscotch. And then there's Jack-in-the-Box, the clown-themed hero on the cover, and his potential future sons. All three stories are very good, especially the first one. The other two stories don't fit the theme of the collection, but they're still good. An aging villain with a point to prove, and a cartoon lion brought to less than happy life.
What Busiek is doing here is, essentially, filling out the world that he created, which is very much an homage to comics before grim and gritty became a necessity. And while I don't necessarily have a problem with grim and gritty, it's nice to see superheroes be superheroic now and then, and human at the same time.
On to the actual book itself. The seven issues represent five different stories, most of them related to family in some way (hence the title). The first story, about a family newly arrived in Astro City, reminded me of Marvels in some ways. Average people watching superheroics from the sidelines. Then there's ten-year-old hero Astra, who wants to learn how to play hopscotch. And then there's Jack-in-the-Box, the clown-themed hero on the cover, and his potential future sons. All three stories are very good, especially the first one. The other two stories don't fit the theme of the collection, but they're still good. An aging villain with a point to prove, and a cartoon lion brought to less than happy life.
What Busiek is doing here is, essentially, filling out the world that he created, which is very much an homage to comics before grim and gritty became a necessity. And while I don't necessarily have a problem with grim and gritty, it's nice to see superheroes be superheroic now and then, and human at the same time.
March 7, 2018
Really dug some of this, some not so much.
This is a bunch of one shots mixed in with a two part about a little girl going on an adventure to fit in with other kids and then Jack in the box guy's story and what he's dealing with. The main themes here is finding your place, and instead of being a regular outside look into superheroes these focus on the superheroes themselves and their internal mindset.
Good: The jack in the box stuff was great, interesting, and felt very mature for a superhero story without relying on darkness or death. I also thought the stuff with the kid going out on her own and trying to just be happy was nice and a good reflection to the fantastic four characters.
Bad: The other side stories in here were either dull or not interesting enough to remember. Sadly I can't remember any of them.
Overall a solid volume, some really great stuff, but uneven. I'd go with a 3 out of 5 because still very interesting at points, but it needs to find a main story per volume and stick to it.
This is a bunch of one shots mixed in with a two part about a little girl going on an adventure to fit in with other kids and then Jack in the box guy's story and what he's dealing with. The main themes here is finding your place, and instead of being a regular outside look into superheroes these focus on the superheroes themselves and their internal mindset.
Good: The jack in the box stuff was great, interesting, and felt very mature for a superhero story without relying on darkness or death. I also thought the stuff with the kid going out on her own and trying to just be happy was nice and a good reflection to the fantastic four characters.
Bad: The other side stories in here were either dull or not interesting enough to remember. Sadly I can't remember any of them.
Overall a solid volume, some really great stuff, but uneven. I'd go with a 3 out of 5 because still very interesting at points, but it needs to find a main story per volume and stick to it.
July 31, 2019
The last story about the cartoon come to life is what raised it to a 4 star rating for me, as well as some terrific artwork (though the pointillism causes a terrible visual glitch when reading on a screen that makes it hard to look at, unfortunately). It was like an existentialist reimagining of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?', exploring the idea of artificial intelligence in the vein of 'Blade Runner', 'Solaris', 'A.I.', but with a cartoon character come to life. The hopscotch story was quite engaging too, with the new girl having to overcome the more experienced, haughty, bullying player. These stories provide a nice change of pace from the superhero stories, and make a good balance.
January 25, 2016
Astro city is a very human look at superheroes and villains. Here we see they have much of the same problems we have. Highly recommended
August 13, 2019
Astro City is very well done and always entertaining. In this one we got a look at a few different heroes at different points in their life.
First off we have a little girl who's a member of a superhero team (think Fantastic Four) who really wants nothing more than to be a regular little kid for a while.
Then we have an aging criminal who finally "wins", but decides he wanted recognition more than anything else.
Jack in the Box meets his possible children from alternate futures (it's not as complicated as it sounds) at the same time his wife gets pregnant. He is faced with how to handle this, along with the usual anxiety of being a first time father.
Finally, what would life be like for an actual cartoon character that comes to life?
It's pretty amazing how Busiek can take problems and fears everyone has and then apply them to superheroes, showing how they would have even more to worry about. It adds another level to things most of us can relate to.
As always, the art from Brent Anderson and Alex Ross is top notch. If I have any complaints at all, it's the stories can be a little dense (as in wordy.) But otherwise he may not be able to relate the story as well, so that's a minor complaint.
Astro City is different, so it may not be for everyone. However, I would suggest any comic fan at least read one volume just to see if you'll like it or not.
First off we have a little girl who's a member of a superhero team (think Fantastic Four) who really wants nothing more than to be a regular little kid for a while.
Then we have an aging criminal who finally "wins", but decides he wanted recognition more than anything else.
Jack in the Box meets his possible children from alternate futures (it's not as complicated as it sounds) at the same time his wife gets pregnant. He is faced with how to handle this, along with the usual anxiety of being a first time father.
Finally, what would life be like for an actual cartoon character that comes to life?
It's pretty amazing how Busiek can take problems and fears everyone has and then apply them to superheroes, showing how they would have even more to worry about. It adds another level to things most of us can relate to.
As always, the art from Brent Anderson and Alex Ross is top notch. If I have any complaints at all, it's the stories can be a little dense (as in wordy.) But otherwise he may not be able to relate the story as well, so that's a minor complaint.
Astro City is different, so it may not be for everyone. However, I would suggest any comic fan at least read one volume just to see if you'll like it or not.
August 13, 2025
I hate the clown story- I couldn’t even finish it, really creeped me out and it’s not supposed to be a creepy story!
The FF riff and being super-powered but wanting a little normalcy was a great story- nice and simple idea, colorful characters and a solid execution.
New family in Astro city sees a giant superhuman battle and decides what the hell, this IS pretty cool!
An old time cartoon becomes a Tulpa and lives on- a real cool cat.
Villains often have to get the credit and the fame, sometimes even more than the loot.
Overall a fine reading experience I just had clowns!
The FF riff and being super-powered but wanting a little normalcy was a great story- nice and simple idea, colorful characters and a solid execution.
New family in Astro city sees a giant superhuman battle and decides what the hell, this IS pretty cool!
An old time cartoon becomes a Tulpa and lives on- a real cool cat.
Villains often have to get the credit and the fame, sometimes even more than the loot.
Overall a fine reading experience I just had clowns!
February 22, 2020
I continue reading this series. Very good superhero stories!
November 27, 2013
Well, I must admit I thought this was the second volume in the Astro City series, but that is okay. It so happens I have the second and fourth volumes anyway. And the great thing about Astro City volumes? They stand alone excellently, each attempting to address a different idea.
In this volume the idea of family and superheroics is addressed. You have the lone man Jack-In-The-Box who finds out that his wife is pregnant and worries about the possibilities of what could happen to his son. It doesn't help that he faces future versions (twisted versions) of that child. The superhero squad, The First Family, also face an interesting challenge when the young daughter Astra leaves to go to school and be a normal child.
The points raised by this volume basically point out that superheroes cannot live normal lives as such. Or that if they do they must put their heroics behind them, for in saving others can they save themselves so easily? Or are they haunted by the burdens?
Astro City stands as a fascinating superhero place, where fantasy and sci-fi come together as one. If you are into superhero comic books or graphic novels I recommend picking up the first volume and reading it. It tackles superhero ideas in ways few other comics or graphic novels are able.
October 13, 2014
This volume starts off shockingly slow. "Welcome to Astro City" really doesn't say anything interesting, but was presumably an attempt to get new readers into the series [5/10]. The Astra two-parter similarly starts off really slow, though it's got a great last couple of pages, highlighting Astra's first adventure. Still, it's about one issue's worth of story spread out over two issues [6/10]. The Junkman story is fun, but the whole psychology-of-a-villain thing has been done so many times since that it no longer feels very fresh; it was probably moreso when it was published [6/10]. The Jack-in-the-Box two-parter is what always sticks with me from this book because of its inventive use of travelers from the future; the plot line is OK too [7/10]. Finally, the story of Loony Leo is the best, just for the sheer weirdness and pathos of his life story; it's another case of Astro City showing the story of what happens to superhero comics off stage [7+/10].
Overal, though, this volume of Astro City is a bit of a disappointment. Though Busiek recovers his footing by the end, the start is pretty mediocre. Sad to see that in the shorts which have often been Busiek's strength.
Overal, though, this volume of Astro City is a bit of a disappointment. Though Busiek recovers his footing by the end, the start is pretty mediocre. Sad to see that in the shorts which have often been Busiek's strength.
February 14, 2015
Astro City isn't really super hero comics - it's human comics that feature costumed characters. This volume highlights what that difference means ably; with one and two-issue stories that are thought-provoking and touching even as they have action and adventure too. All of them are strong in their own way - from the view of civilians in the midst of possible destruction, to the sad biography of a cartoon come to life, to the criminal who has everything but recognition, to the very touching story of a hero who faces down the demons of what his children may grow up to be. The stories are self contained, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated. And it's rare that an introduction requires mention, but Harlan Ellison's introduction to this book is almost worth the price of admission in itself. All told, this is a very strong volume of a very strong series.
October 19, 2020
A re-read. I definitely preferred the longer story of volume 2. But this definitely still works. The little kid art was perhaps a bit off.
Wow. This series just keeps on getting better and better as I read more of it. This book is all disconnected short stories but all set in the superhero community in some way of Astro City. And the pacing and the range is just really good. The characters are all different but believable, even the cartoon lion brought to life (as a cartoon). Sure others have played in this space, the famous kid who just wants to be a kid, the scary clown. But the old smart guy criminal who just wants respect for his brilliance and maybe even pulls it off. Maybe I'm just getting old.
Wow. This series just keeps on getting better and better as I read more of it. This book is all disconnected short stories but all set in the superhero community in some way of Astro City. And the pacing and the range is just really good. The characters are all different but believable, even the cartoon lion brought to life (as a cartoon). Sure others have played in this space, the famous kid who just wants to be a kid, the scary clown. But the old smart guy criminal who just wants respect for his brilliance and maybe even pulls it off. Maybe I'm just getting old.
October 13, 2019
I’m loving this series more with each book and appreciate how willingly it seems to change its status quo and grapple with believable consequences for the stories it chooses to tell instead of inventing an excuse to escape them. Vol3 goes back to the short story format but gives a couple of stories two issues to develop. The Junkman and JackInTheBox stories were my favorites here, but all of them offered distinct and emotionally engaging views into this world.
Junkman’s story is a sort of proto-Breaking Bad, about a brilliant inventor deciding late in life that it’s worth breaking the rules to get what he wants. Financial security is his supposed desire, but it’s really dignity and respect he’s after in the face of ageism and corporate dehumanization. Also, the “Oldster Eludes Speedster” headline in one panel is hilarious.
Jack In The Box’s two-issue story wonders how a hero balances their obligations to society and to their families. The imaginative “twisted mirror” villains that make an appearance reminded me of a better version of Dark Nights Metal’s evil Batmen; their edgy 90s character designs were an interesting break from Astro City’s generally more throwback heroes.
Loony Leo’s issue is an interesting take on the ravenous amorality of the entertainment industry and how it can devour one-time stars. Astra’s issues are cute in depicting a super-adolescence; I love how Busiek sidelines her parents’ world-spanning battles (that could be a whole event series in a typical comic book) while Astra tries to find out what a “normal” life is like. Ben Pullam’s opening issue offers interesting insight on civilian life in Astro City, where your everyday stresses are intermittently overruled by apocalyptic threats and fantastical sights.
Junkman’s story is a sort of proto-Breaking Bad, about a brilliant inventor deciding late in life that it’s worth breaking the rules to get what he wants. Financial security is his supposed desire, but it’s really dignity and respect he’s after in the face of ageism and corporate dehumanization. Also, the “Oldster Eludes Speedster” headline in one panel is hilarious.
Jack In The Box’s two-issue story wonders how a hero balances their obligations to society and to their families. The imaginative “twisted mirror” villains that make an appearance reminded me of a better version of Dark Nights Metal’s evil Batmen; their edgy 90s character designs were an interesting break from Astro City’s generally more throwback heroes.
Loony Leo’s issue is an interesting take on the ravenous amorality of the entertainment industry and how it can devour one-time stars. Astra’s issues are cute in depicting a super-adolescence; I love how Busiek sidelines her parents’ world-spanning battles (that could be a whole event series in a typical comic book) while Astra tries to find out what a “normal” life is like. Ben Pullam’s opening issue offers interesting insight on civilian life in Astro City, where your everyday stresses are intermittently overruled by apocalyptic threats and fantastical sights.
August 9, 2015
One of the distinct pleasures of ASTRO CITY is never knowing where the story will take you. This collection is loosely grouped around the theme of family (except for the strange Junkman issue), and Busiek delivers again, using superheroes to get at universal themes. The fatherhood stuff here is the best, with the time-travelling murderous sons of Jack-in-the-Box standing out for me. What a great use of genre to get at the uncertainty any parent feels about how their children will turn out! In another issue, an anthropomorphic lion will move you to tears with an existentialist tragedy that has to be read to be believed.
May 24, 2016
Tercer tomo que me leo de esta serie y ya me declaro fan incondicional. Me han encantado todas las historias, especialmente la de Astra y la de Jack Caja de Sorpresas. Es fascinante ver cómo el autor ahonda en la vida diaria de los superhéroes, en sus preocupaciones, en todo eso que les falta y que el mundo es incapaz de ver porque no ven más allá de lo que son, de lo que hacen, de su fachada como héroes. 100% recomendado.
July 5, 2016
I liked this one much more than volume 2. I really enjoyed these character studies of some of Astro City's citizens. There's something so engaging about these stories, I don't know what it is but I really like it.
April 10, 2019
As always, Astro City shows some sides to being a superhero/living in a world of superheroes that you might not think about. My favorite story in this book was about Loony Leo, a cartoon lion accidentally brought to life.
December 26, 2025
So glad I picked this up from a local used book store. The cover and retro-future stylings caught my eye. It's from the 90s! If I'd known about it then, I would have... cried because I couldn't afford comics back then.
This is an anthology, and the strongest stories by far are the two-issue ones: "Everyday Life" and "Adventures in Other Worlds" stars an 11-year-old superhero seeking a normal life. "Serpent's Teeth" and "Father's Day" follow a superhero struggling with the odds that he will leave his child to grow up fatherless, as his father, also a costumed vigilante, did to him.
The first story in the collection, "Welcome to Astro City" is a great stand-alone and the only one that meets the promised premise of being about ordinary people outside of the supers. The plot is great, the characters a little flat.
This is an anthology, and the strongest stories by far are the two-issue ones: "Everyday Life" and "Adventures in Other Worlds" stars an 11-year-old superhero seeking a normal life. "Serpent's Teeth" and "Father's Day" follow a superhero struggling with the odds that he will leave his child to grow up fatherless, as his father, also a costumed vigilante, did to him.
The first story in the collection, "Welcome to Astro City" is a great stand-alone and the only one that meets the promised premise of being about ordinary people outside of the supers. The plot is great, the characters a little flat.
July 23, 2022
Bunch of great self-contained stories. Really like the Junkman and Jack-in-the-box, cartoon lion stories. Jack-in-the-box got slightly corny at the end. I noticed this time that these Astro City books take a lot more time to read than most others. The stories are deceptively complex. The artwork makes you think you are reading a Marvel superhero book and hides that. It probably has the added benefit of not trying to be "edgy" which would have dated this horribly, now it's just the stories that matter.
January 19, 2018
Solid storytelling, just like the first Astro City collection I read.
December 6, 2024
For my introduction to this series read here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
One of the weird things about trade paperbacks before the mid-2000s was that they really did not adhere to chronology or any type of order. The publisher just took a series had a bunch of random storylines put in and shipped them off as volume 1, 2, 3, etc. This is the case for Astro City until Astro City, Vol. 6: The Dark Age, Book One: Brothers and Other Strangers. So I will try my best to review the trade paperbacks by the comic's chronology, but it will be difficult especially since this book includes storylines that happened before AND after Astro City Vol. II: Confession.
This book continues right from where Astro City, Vol. 1: Life in the Big City left off and the characters are, unlike elsewhere in comics, aging little by little. We are introduced to AC's Fantastic Four stand-in and its youngest member as well as One of the city's two or three Batman stand-ins who is facing a dilemma that Bruce Wayne is only now having to consider in the mainstream comics...who will replace him when the time comes? We also have included a short-story line that serves to flesh-out the Astro City universe and shows what goes on with other characters who may interact with superheroes, but are not in "the game" themselves. Astro City is a place that really tries to walk the tightrope of idealism vs. realism, but make no mistake, Busiek is always on the side of idealism (though as volume 2 and volumes 6 and 7 show, he can dance with gritty realism when he wants). This book is an excellent starting point if you some-how are crazy enough to not read volume 1.
One of the weird things about trade paperbacks before the mid-2000s was that they really did not adhere to chronology or any type of order. The publisher just took a series had a bunch of random storylines put in and shipped them off as volume 1, 2, 3, etc. This is the case for Astro City until Astro City, Vol. 6: The Dark Age, Book One: Brothers and Other Strangers. So I will try my best to review the trade paperbacks by the comic's chronology, but it will be difficult especially since this book includes storylines that happened before AND after Astro City Vol. II: Confession.
This book continues right from where Astro City, Vol. 1: Life in the Big City left off and the characters are, unlike elsewhere in comics, aging little by little. We are introduced to AC's Fantastic Four stand-in and its youngest member as well as One of the city's two or three Batman stand-ins who is facing a dilemma that Bruce Wayne is only now having to consider in the mainstream comics...who will replace him when the time comes? We also have included a short-story line that serves to flesh-out the Astro City universe and shows what goes on with other characters who may interact with superheroes, but are not in "the game" themselves. Astro City is a place that really tries to walk the tightrope of idealism vs. realism, but make no mistake, Busiek is always on the side of idealism (though as volume 2 and volumes 6 and 7 show, he can dance with gritty realism when he wants). This book is an excellent starting point if you some-how are crazy enough to not read volume 1.
January 4, 2014
Astro City is one of those series that comes up fairly often in discussions I have with other comic book ner... ahem... friends, and is usually touted as one of the best superhero series around. But so far, I'm pretty unimpressed. I've now read three volumes, and only one of them really blew me away. Volume 2 is incredible for sure, but it's a standalone story arc that perfectly fits in the new world Busiek has created. My problem with volumes 1 and 3 (the latter of which tells several short stories all set in this world), is that all the plots and characters essentially just feel like existing superhero stuff "done a little different."
For instance, you've got a guy who's essentially Superman and a family team that's essentially the Fantastic Four. You've got a guy who fights like Batman but dresses like the Joker. We get "human, relatable" plots like "how will this late-night crime fighter handle being a father," a plot that's been done 800 million times in mainstream comics, or "how does a super kid relate to normal kids" (same). Nothing really feels new to me, especially not in this volume. In fact, the only story in this whole book that feels fresh and like it's coming from a completely original world is BONKERS. It essentially tells the story of how a cartoon lion came to life and now has to deal with his apparent depression and immortality. For some reason, this felt completely out of place to me, like some kind of last-ditch effort to make the series deal with something new, only it's SO fantastical and crazy that it doesn't fit in a world Busiek seemed to be setting up as a fairly realistic take on the existence of superheroes.
All of that said, I can't in good faith give this book less than 3 stars, solely because Busiek is such a good technical writer. Everything is paced very well, the art is superb, and Busiek's embracement of Silver and Bronze Age comics archetypes is pretty enjoyable to experience. So, while I feel like there's really nothing new to be found here, what's there is very sharp.
For instance, you've got a guy who's essentially Superman and a family team that's essentially the Fantastic Four. You've got a guy who fights like Batman but dresses like the Joker. We get "human, relatable" plots like "how will this late-night crime fighter handle being a father," a plot that's been done 800 million times in mainstream comics, or "how does a super kid relate to normal kids" (same). Nothing really feels new to me, especially not in this volume. In fact, the only story in this whole book that feels fresh and like it's coming from a completely original world is BONKERS. It essentially tells the story of how a cartoon lion came to life and now has to deal with his apparent depression and immortality. For some reason, this felt completely out of place to me, like some kind of last-ditch effort to make the series deal with something new, only it's SO fantastical and crazy that it doesn't fit in a world Busiek seemed to be setting up as a fairly realistic take on the existence of superheroes.
All of that said, I can't in good faith give this book less than 3 stars, solely because Busiek is such a good technical writer. Everything is paced very well, the art is superb, and Busiek's embracement of Silver and Bronze Age comics archetypes is pretty enjoyable to experience. So, while I feel like there's really nothing new to be found here, what's there is very sharp.
Read
June 28, 2019This is the second or third Astro City volume, depending on the order you’ve been reading – the first three issues here were published before the six-issue story in Vol. 2: Confession, while the other four were published after. It doesn’t really matter, though, because these are all short stand-alones that can be read in any sequence.
As the title suggests, most of the stories in this book deal with family. We have a divorced father and his two daughters moving to Astro City; Astra, the Furst family daughter, going on a solo adventure; and Jack-in-the-Box coming to a decision with his wife. These are great, great stories, offering pathos while fleshing out the world from different angles. Elsewhere, Junkman takes the spotlight in a funny romp that’s the first Astro City issue told from the perspective of a full-fledged villain.
My favorite, though, is the Loony Leo story. I love it for is kookiness, and because it's so endearing. Leo is a washed-up Hollywood actor who also happens to be a cartoon lion. I’ll let you discover the rest.
On balance, this volume isn't as strong as the first two, but it’s still great. I love how Astro City builds across every issue, and these ones do a nice job of that. It’s a bonus that they’re full of compelling human (and cartoon) drama.
As the title suggests, most of the stories in this book deal with family. We have a divorced father and his two daughters moving to Astro City; Astra, the Furst family daughter, going on a solo adventure; and Jack-in-the-Box coming to a decision with his wife. These are great, great stories, offering pathos while fleshing out the world from different angles. Elsewhere, Junkman takes the spotlight in a funny romp that’s the first Astro City issue told from the perspective of a full-fledged villain.
My favorite, though, is the Loony Leo story. I love it for is kookiness, and because it's so endearing. Leo is a washed-up Hollywood actor who also happens to be a cartoon lion. I’ll let you discover the rest.
On balance, this volume isn't as strong as the first two, but it’s still great. I love how Astro City builds across every issue, and these ones do a nice job of that. It’s a bonus that they’re full of compelling human (and cartoon) drama.
September 24, 2018
Family Album is the third collected edition of the Astro City line, although apparently some of the stories came before the "Confession" arc. Most of the stories in this collection are about family dynamics, except two which ironically are the best (The Junkman and Looney Leo). The best story of the "Family Dynamics" type of stories is the first one of the family recently moved to Astro City.
Kurt might prove me wrong in subsequent stories but so far I just can't find the heroes that interesting to carry out stories(Jack-In-The-Box being the exception), the regular folks and villains are more insteresting. I would have rated this 3 stars if it wasn't for the Looney Leo story which kind of reminded me a little of "Coyote Gospel" from Animal Man, another book that gets boring everytime it does "Super hero stories".
Kurt might prove me wrong in subsequent stories but so far I just can't find the heroes that interesting to carry out stories(Jack-In-The-Box being the exception), the regular folks and villains are more insteresting. I would have rated this 3 stars if it wasn't for the Looney Leo story which kind of reminded me a little of "Coyote Gospel" from Animal Man, another book that gets boring everytime it does "Super hero stories".
May 4, 2014
Being incidents in the life of Astro City -- what superhero universes would really be like -- emotional, not practically. Short tales. I don't think any are more than two issues.
Despite the title, not all of them revolve about families, though some do. A man newly arrived, with daughters, gets to see how much superhero action the city sees. A little girl superhero goes on an adventure to be less superhero and more little girl. An elderly supervillain aims for some credit. A superhero whose wife is pregnant wrestles with the conflict between the need for heroes and the baby's need for a father. And a cartoon brought to life recounts his sad life.
High drama and emotional matters.
Despite the title, not all of them revolve about families, though some do. A man newly arrived, with daughters, gets to see how much superhero action the city sees. A little girl superhero goes on an adventure to be less superhero and more little girl. An elderly supervillain aims for some credit. A superhero whose wife is pregnant wrestles with the conflict between the need for heroes and the baby's need for a father. And a cartoon brought to life recounts his sad life.
High drama and emotional matters.
September 1, 2013
This is not a bad volume to begin on with ASTRO CITY, a series that is essential for any super-hero fan. An omnibus-style book with several different stories collected in it, if you like this one you can happily go on to the many other volumes in the stores. And what pleasures lie before you! Mature and intelligent stories, superb art, some of the most dazzling covers ever (all collected for your viewing pleasure at the back of the volume) -- this is how comic books ought to be, and so often are not. I began reading superhero comics in the 1960s, and now have mostly given up on them. You might never have thought it could happen but at last I am too grown up! But ASTRO CITY still does it for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews