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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
Great stories, nice art direction, but definitely underwhelming art and terrible dialogue. Weird, right? I'm really conflicted on this one.
A re-read. Not quite as impressive as the first time I read this. I guess the difference this time is I know this book is not a standout. That there are at least ten other volumes basically just as good. And the characters are more familiar, because I've seen them before. And not familiar because they are supposed to just feel familiar.
This is not a series I even remember hearing about. Its definitely a modern take on what it means to be a superhero comic and not be [b:Watchmen|472331|Watchmen|Alan Moore|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442239711l/472331._SY75_.jpg|4358649] or [b:Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1|19030845|Batman The Dark Knight Returns #1|Frank Miller|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1385673312l/19030845._SY75_.jpg|27054644]. It kind of has a flavor of the really old comics that I didn't like, say the original Brave and the Bold. What makes this like the old comics is its campiness. Almost anything happens in Astro City. What makes it like a modern book is its seriousness and its world building. The characters are real like a modern book, but they are goofy like the old books. With quite good enough art and excellent writing.
This is not a series I even remember hearing about. Its definitely a modern take on what it means to be a superhero comic and not be [b:Watchmen|472331|Watchmen|Alan Moore|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442239711l/472331._SY75_.jpg|4358649] or [b:Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1|19030845|Batman The Dark Knight Returns #1|Frank Miller|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1385673312l/19030845._SY75_.jpg|27054644]. It kind of has a flavor of the really old comics that I didn't like, say the original Brave and the Bold. What makes this like the old comics is its campiness. Almost anything happens in Astro City. What makes it like a modern book is its seriousness and its world building. The characters are real like a modern book, but they are goofy like the old books. With quite good enough art and excellent writing.
Okay, I know most comic fans see this as groundbreaking and defining, but it seemed to me to be just a continuation in many ways of his Marvels series. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but not wholly original either. In any case, the first and last chapters or stories are worth the price of admission. Forget the other four. Busiek uses narration almost exclusively for many stories which strikes me as lazy storytelling in any medium. Show me don't tell me. I like my dialogue, please. The art fits the nostalgic 1950's feel, but it's still a bit muddy and rushed. Too bad Alex Ross couldn't do more than just the covers.
Thoroughly loved this ! Can’t wait to read more
I started this series in my teens ... mid to late 90s. And it's been that long since I read it lol but its aged well and I'll read my collection book 2 as well. Not a comic comic...more coming of age comic
I think this was a flawless super-hero-type comic that didn't rely on comic back-stories. Good characters, excellent graphics- and could be read as a standalone.
This series of short stories was a wonderful exploration of super heroes as actual living people with hopes and dreams. There's no plot or overarching storyline, but Astro City has been populated by interesting people who aren't focused on world domination, but more on what they're going to have for tea.
The heroes are various analogues of those found in the Marvel and DC universes (but different enough...) so they can be appreciated as their characters rather than their past deeds.
The opening story follows a superman-like character who absolutely loves to fly. Unfortunately, because he's so fast, he can only measure his actual flight time in mere seconds as his does battle against the forces of evil (and cats stuck in trees).
Another story follows a henchman as he accidentally spies a hero getting changed and sees his true face. He's then burdened as to what to do with the information and considers various scenarios of what would happen to him if he told someone.
I absolutely loved this book and look forward to getting my hands only volume 2.
The heroes are various analogues of those found in the Marvel and DC universes (but different enough...) so they can be appreciated as their characters rather than their past deeds.
The opening story follows a superman-like character who absolutely loves to fly. Unfortunately, because he's so fast, he can only measure his actual flight time in mere seconds as his does battle against the forces of evil (and cats stuck in trees).
Another story follows a henchman as he accidentally spies a hero getting changed and sees his true face. He's then burdened as to what to do with the information and considers various scenarios of what would happen to him if he told someone.
I absolutely loved this book and look forward to getting my hands only volume 2.
There's like a million more of these, right? This was awesome.
This comic is all about the superheroes from their perspective. Who knew that a superhero would want a normal life?! There are several short stories from different perspectives. I liked it when combined with The Runaways and Identity Crisis.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No