Volumes 1-6 of "Kurt Busiek's Astro City" are collected in this volume that also includes a sketchbook showing the development of Astro City a cover gallery of cover paintings.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By John Dennett
Format:Paperback
For those seasoned veterans of comic book fandom, Kurt Busiek's Astro City series is a breath of fresh air in a stuffy, over-crowded room.
Far from the deconstructionist bent of Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Grant Morrison, et al, Busiek *loves* superheroes and all the accompanying absurdity. His goal, as eloquently expressed in his introduction to this volume, is to explore the as yet uncharted themes, metaphors and plots while holding dear all of the magic and power of what came before.
While Astro City may prove a bit frustrating for a comics newcomer, it's a warm and inviting destination for the weary superhero fan.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The comic book adventures of costumed superheroes represent a specialized genre of literature that has been around for decades. Every so often a new work comes around that truly represents a new high point in the field. Such a work is "Kurt Busiek's Astro City: Life in the Big City," an intelligently written and spectacularly illustrated volume that tells the story of a remarkable group of superheroes.
"Life" is actually a collection of six interrelated stories, each of which stands on its own as a fine piece of comic book art. Together the six tales present a stunning portrait of the fictional Astro City, a postmodern metropolis teeming with costumed superheroes, sinister supervillains and other memorable characters. Among the many heroes we meet are Samaritan, the almost godlike caped hero with a tragic past; Winged Victory, a flying superwoman with a feminist twist; the Hanged Man, a mysterious figure who maintains a silent protective vigil; and Jack-in-the-Box, a demonic-looking clown with a number of high-tech tricks up his sleeve.
But just as compelling are the "ordinary" citizens of Astro City: veteran reporter Elliot Mills, legal clerk Marta, and the other working folks whose lives are lived in the shadow of the supermen.
"Life in the Big City" smoothly blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and social commentary. Well-written dialogue is complemented by a wealth of memorable images... The stories explore such thought-provoking issues as ethnic identity and the anxiety of assimilation, gender politics, and the psychology of paranoia. One of the compilation's best tales, "The Scoop," is a witty and surprising parable about journalistic ethics.
The book length comic, or graphic novel, is a rich genre whose practitioners have produced some outstanding classics in recent years. The intelligence, visual power, and moral integrity of "Life in the Big City" elevate it to that distinguished company.
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Remember when comics were fun?
Back before the Dark Knights, the relentless violence, the angst? When people donned ludicrous outfits and fought for truth, justice, and the American way?
Kurt Busiek does, and he's provided an all-expenses-paid trip to Astro City, where the superhero comics of yesteryear live anew.
As with Alan Moore's "Watchmen", you won't recognize the heroes and villains, but you know them nonetheless---Samaritan, Winged Victory, Crackerjack, the Honor Guard. Simple, classic heroes who immediately bond to the imaginations of comic fans.
The story here is simple, straightforward, and infused with a joy that would make Garth Ennis throw up. Whatever happened to the comics you didn't mind your kids reading?
If you prefer your comics to be uplifting and life-affirming, as opposed to the relentless bleakness of the various X-titles, stop by "Astro City." You'll be glad you did.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best out there
This is one of the best graphic novels out there. Period. The artwork is fantastic, the story lines are engaging and take a very real perspective on a very unreal idea. Read more
Published 1 month ago by A. Moreira
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining superhero genre read
Astro City is a project by Kurt Busiek (writer), Brent Anderson (interior artist), and Alex Ross (design and covers). When the comics first appeared they received much acclaim. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Thomas G. Farrar
5.0 out of 5 stars
The beginning.
Why would a man who could fly dream of flying?
What's news in a world where anything can happen?
What should a small time crook do with the greatest of all secrets? Read more
What's news in a world where anything can happen?
What should a small time crook do with the greatest of all secrets? Read more
Published 12 months ago by para
3.0 out of 5 stars
Writing = 5/5 Art = 1/5 - short review
There's no denying the importance and greatness of Astro City as a literary work. Unfortunately, the stellar writing is complemented by a sloppy, choppy rendering of art by Brent... Read more
Published 13 months ago by mkronck
3.0 out of 5 stars
Decent but not engrossing!
I remember when Astro City first came out and it was a critical hit. I never read it then but wanted to. Read more
Published 16 months ago by S. Penrose
5.0 out of 5 stars
Citywbooks is much appreciated
I must have screwed up my recommendation so to set the record straight- Citywbooks is a highly recommended seller. Joe Montgomery.
Published 16 months ago by Joe Montgomery
4.0 out of 5 stars
Superheros "from the side"
If you've read or seen Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, you'll have some idea of how this series works. Read more
Published on February 24, 2010 by MB
3.0 out of 5 stars
Astrocity was OK
The writing here is decent, the drawings are precise. Astrocity appears to be a whole new take on superheroes. More so than your average angsty Spiderman with his daily money woes. Read more
Published on July 31, 2009 by danny boy
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good, but...
At the time it was released, Astro City was a new take on the superhero genre. But to me, it hasn't stood up well to the years. Read more
Published on February 22, 2009 by Bill Reid
3.0 out of 5 stars
Uhhh....It was okay.
Let me start with this: I am not a big comics fanatic. I read some of these bigger collections from time to time for entertainment, but I've never been to a comic book shop, I... Read more
Published on September 26, 2008 by DWD
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