Astro City #2
“Welcome to HumanoGlobal”
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artists: Brent Anderson
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: John G. Roshell and Jimmy Betancourt of Comicraft
Cover: Alex Ross
Review by Scott Keys
Astro City has been one of my favorite books since it’s inception, and I was saddened by it’s departure from the comic shelves just a few short years ago. I know that it was due to Kurt’s health, which saddened me more, since he is an amazing writer and ambassador for the comic industry. But as much as I was saddened by it’s departure, I was equally elated when I heard it would return! The first issue was great, but didn’t really feel like the Astro City I knew and loved. Then came issue 2…AHHHH, that’s what I’ve been missing!
Busiek did in issue 2 what he does best, stories of ordinary people with a front row seat to the amazing world of superhumans. This tale follows a young woman looking for a job, and does she find a doozy! Her temp “customer service” job ended up being a call center representative for the Honor Guard. I don’t want to spoil much more than that, because Astro City should be enjoyed by reading it yourself, but I will tell you that the last page got me!
Anderson is the perfect complement to Busiek’s writing. I don’t think I’d ever want to read an issue of Astro City that wasn’t illustrated by Anderson (unless Alex Ross did some interiors, then I’d let that slide). He is a master of the mundane, and that is a good thing! Some artists are spectacular with the superheroics, but don’t do so well with everyday items, but not Anderson. He brings gritty realism to these fantastical stories, which is a key with Busiek’s scripts.
If you enjoy top-notch storytelling from masters of their craft, you have to give this book a try. Like I said before, I don’t want to spoil this excellent book for you, but I will say that after that last page cliffhanger, I’m already eagerly awaiting issue 3!
Story: 4.5 / 5
Art: 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5
Scott Keys is a father, Butler University grad, pharmacist, and full-time comic nerd. You can follow his adventures around the spinner-rack and his Incoherent Comic Book Ramblings on:
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