imaginationindex 's review for:

Astro City Metrobook, Volume 1 by Brent E. Anderson, Alex Ross, Kurt Busiek

4.5

adventurous hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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This has been on my TBR since Jason Inman recommended it as one of the top comics every fan should read on their podcast, Geek History Lesson (iykyk). Like Jason and Ashley, I believe this is a great jumping on point for readers as each issue is self contained while still existing in its namesake, Astro City.

More familiar comic book readers will recognize analogues of well known characters from the big two, DC and Marvel. The Samaritan is akin to Superman, while the First Family is your Fantastic Four analogue. And there are other superhero conventions (read as mashed together) that still offer a fresh take into well known troupes. 

But the other part I enjoyed about the stories is that it’s not always focused on the supers, rather you get civilian perspectives, from the “ordinary folks” who need saving or even the wrong-doers who are the cause of the conflict. Overall you get a well rounded understanding of life in Astro City, still with the room to expand the universe. 

The last thing I’ll add is that the cover art is beautiful!! I need to have the Samaritan and Winged Victory framed, even the whole Honour Guard racing to save the day is gorgeous. 

I would recommend this to any type of comic fan. Those already familiar with DC or Marvel or any of the others will appreciate the similarities of getting to know another world of heroes; while newer comic readers will get to experience all the cliches while also finding versions of heroes they can fall in love with