Thoughts about Astro City?

[Starchild]

I've never read an Astro City book before, but I always intrigued by the Alex Ross covers. After Fables is over with, I won't see a reason to read Vertigo stuff anymore since their recent stuff is a little sub par. But I might have to break my rule for Astro City. So being that this will be my first reading this. I'd like to know some of your opinions on this series before going in. Thanks.

[ed2962]

I'm a big fan. The last few issues have been a little underwhelming, but I think it's a series that doesn't get enuff credit. At it's best, it's a perfect blend of superheroes and human interest stories. The older stories I think are awesome, but the most recent Vertigo series is a good place to jump on.

[Starchild]

I do like the fact that it focuses on citizens as well. We don't really get superhero stories from the civilians POV.

[nx01a]

It's a marvelously written and drawn series.
The Dark Ages miniseries wasn't my cup of tea but I recommend the rest very highly.

[Billy Batson]

It's pretty decent especially for those old school superhero guys tbh.

[Johnny Thunders!]

I'd get the first few trades. The Confessor, the first 5 or 6 issues, I love the Metal Man Private Eye story, maybe more than the Confessor storyline. The Jack in the Box story is amazing as well!

[DrNewGod]

I've followed it since its first series, when Busiek and Ross were just breaking out, and have always loved it. I think anyone that likes superhero comics can enjoy it. I would make two recommendations.

First, especially if you decide to read the back issues, there's a Bronze Age DC/Marvel vibe that definitely saturates its background. So if you're not familiar with the comics of those publishers in that era, it might help you get more out of it to download a random selection of titles from the period. Don't worry about a particular story, or arc, or character, just kind of get a feel for what the comics of the time were like before diving into Astro City. It's not essential, but think of it as appetizer that prep your taste-buds for the main course.

Second, hold off on the Dark Ages miniseries until after you've read a bit of Astro City. The Dark Ages is kind of a commentary on the transformation of superhero comics from the 60s through the 80s, so reading it up front might skew your perception of what Astro City is. Also, it throws a lot of Astro City characters at you, which is a touch easier to digest if you've read some of the other stuff first.

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

The Confessor and Steeljack sagas are essential reads.

For the newer batch, the issue with the superhuman civilians was my personal favorite.

[Starchild]

Astro City is off to a weird start already. They have a hero named American Chibi haha, I like it so far. Might have to check out more stuff from the writer.

[Mike]

Astro City is my 2nd favorite series being produced these day. 2nd only to Ragnarok by Simonson.

[dogwelder]

I have been buying Astro City for 20 years and I will always recommend the series to anyone that enjoys reading comics.
Get the first trade Life In The Big City and take it from there.

[Montressor]

It's one of my favorites. One of the side stories tells a story I'd always wanted told--the regular, non-super common guy who gets retconned after a 'crisis'. I also love the overall old school super hero feel of the book.

[Overhazard]

Astro City is a really good, nay, great book. Kurt Busiek puts a lot of work into it telling all kinds of stories. It's fun in the classical sense, but it doesn't feel dated at all, and it doesn't apologize for it. It really should be more popular, as popular as Bitch Planet, Rat Queens, or Saga.

[DrNewGod]

It's one of my favorites. One of the side stories tells a story I'd always wanted told--the regular, non-super common guy who gets retconned after a 'crisis'. I also love the overall old school super hero feel of the book.

Oh that's one of my favorites too! I always wondered what happened to E2-Steve Trevor (the one retconned into marrying Miss America)'s relatives. How did they reconcile these three very different men?

[jeanvaljean]

It's a marvelously written and drawn series.
The Dark Ages miniseries wasn't my cup of tea but I recommend the rest very highly.

So say we all!