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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
There is a humanizing quality that operates on the superhero playing field, not the human one (unlike Top Ten). This is a wonderful breakdown of what it's like to be a superhero and a civilian in a city of heroes and villains. In a lot of ways, it's the narratives of those characters in the background, finally taking the spotlight. It seems like such an overdone meta theme, but it's so honest here without the dramatic interludes. It has all the absurdity, all the wackiness, all the sass, of actual comics. It's such a fun, fantastic read.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Still one of the best original comics available
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This being a comic book, and the first in a series, I was afraid it was going to end on a cliffhanger, but it didn't, so if you're not looking to get deep into another series, I recommend this one. It's less of a cohesive plot and more of a series of vignettes exploring the emotional cost of being a superhero.
I quite enjoyed this, about as much as I expected. Fun riffs on super-folk and the normal people who they share a city with. The last chapter/issue discusses female empowerment and the ways in which male and female supers could have different goals and motivations. The other 5 chapters are more straightforward vignettes of different Astro Citizens. I didn't detect any story running through the book. I do look forward to the next volume, but I hope the creators develop some connective tissue. I'm not sure I'd like an anthology approach across multiple volumes.
I first read this in the 90s and was inspired by the invincible show to revisit as I think Astro city opened up what you could do with non ironic superheroes after the 1986 teardown. This and the Jack Knight Starman series. As down as I get on capes I enjoyed this more than I remembered. It’s so unapologetically adoring of the genre it gives you a pass to indulge that same sense of wonder. Definitely nostalgic but also kind of forward looking.
I love this volume for the first Samaritan story alone. The other stories are just icing on the cake.
A really interesting take on the superhero genre. An anthology that takes a look at superheroes from the perspective of victims, enemies, reporters, and heroes themselves. It has a Watchmen vibe but mess serious. The heroes feel very human and we get to see those human flaws in these God like characters.
I didn't really root for Winged Victory like I would usually do to female superheroes such as Wonder Woman. I don't know, she seemed overly emotional I guess whilst portraying her purpose for saving people.
Still, gotta love Samaritan.
Still, gotta love Samaritan.
A nice change from the usual ponderous crap that's so often issued by the Big Two. Of course, this isn't from the Big Two, which is probably why it's not crap.
There are a number of thinly-disguised re-takes on classic superhero characters; this has practically become a genre in itself. I almost wonder if DC and Marvel might eventually start publishing their own thinly-disguised re-takes of their big properties, just to get in on the action!*
Anyway, the book consists of a series of mostly-unrelated superhero stories, offering a different and more "realistic" take on the genre. It reminds me very strongly indeed of [b:Common Grounds|238690|Common Grounds|Troy Hickman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266503304s/238690.jpg|231214], but to tell you the truth, I think Common Grounds did it better. In fairness I should note that Common Grounds also came out years after Astro City.
The stories are thought-provoking, but some of them fall a little flat. There's a slight feeling of...I'm not quite sure how to put this. The stories are good, but they're just not as masterfully written as the works of...well, I hate to always be bringing him up, but Alan Moore. They just feel as if they're aimed slightly lower, somehow; they don't dazzle through sheer virtuosity.
But they're fun, and thought-provoking, and the art is good. In a fractional system I'd give Astro City a solid 3.49, and I'm definitely going to look up other books in the series. If I was still subscribing to comic books, I'd doubtless subscribe.
I wish GoodReads would change over to a ten-star or fractional system! Five stars is MUCH too restrictive.
-----------------
* - They probably have - and if they have, I'm sure Steve will tell me. :D
There are a number of thinly-disguised re-takes on classic superhero characters; this has practically become a genre in itself. I almost wonder if DC and Marvel might eventually start publishing their own thinly-disguised re-takes of their big properties, just to get in on the action!*
Anyway, the book consists of a series of mostly-unrelated superhero stories, offering a different and more "realistic" take on the genre. It reminds me very strongly indeed of [b:Common Grounds|238690|Common Grounds|Troy Hickman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266503304s/238690.jpg|231214], but to tell you the truth, I think Common Grounds did it better. In fairness I should note that Common Grounds also came out years after Astro City.
The stories are thought-provoking, but some of them fall a little flat. There's a slight feeling of...I'm not quite sure how to put this. The stories are good, but they're just not as masterfully written as the works of...well, I hate to always be bringing him up, but Alan Moore. They just feel as if they're aimed slightly lower, somehow; they don't dazzle through sheer virtuosity.
But they're fun, and thought-provoking, and the art is good. In a fractional system I'd give Astro City a solid 3.49, and I'm definitely going to look up other books in the series. If I was still subscribing to comic books, I'd doubtless subscribe.
I wish GoodReads would change over to a ten-star or fractional system! Five stars is MUCH too restrictive.
-----------------
* - They probably have - and if they have, I'm sure Steve will tell me. :D
Between the fanboys' attacks from Marvel and DC today, Astro City feels like a fresh and cleaner start. I personally love this book because it is not from Marvel or DC, and I find the stories in the book more interesting than from what the major comic book companies crafts their stories today.
Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson created a world that is neither too dark nor too happy, but rather they balanced them out.
I would really recommend this book to anyone. I sincerely do.
Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson created a world that is neither too dark nor too happy, but rather they balanced them out.
I would really recommend this book to anyone. I sincerely do.