Astro City #1

I'm so happy to see a new issue of Astro City!

For those who came in late, the series (created by Kurt Busiek and drawn by Brent Eric Anderson, with covers by Alex Ross) is set in a super-hero-filled city where you can encounter the usual shenanigans (super-fights, alien invasions, etc.) - but the stories generally focus on the perspective of regular people and how events affect them.

The series has featured some incredibly original stories - some are heartbreaking, some with amazing twists, but every one compelling (in other words, I recommend buying up those collections early and often).

After a long hiatus, the title is back with a new issue #1, and the good news is, if you haven't read those previous issues, you can still pick right up with this issue and not worry about being lost - Busiek quickly brings you up to speed, and then we rush headlong into this story, which features (if briefly) a vast number of the heroes from past issues - and one brand new character.

They're faced with a giant mystery, as a gigantic door appears near the city - and when the door opens, no one is ready for what happens next.

It's a clever bit of business and a lot of fun.

As always, the art is terrific. Anderson has a powerful style that takes some of the best elements of Gene Colan and Neal Adams, gives it a unique spin and creates incredible stories.

Look, I can't say enough great things about this series. Wonderful stories, great art, original characters - superhero comics at its best!

Highly recommended!

Grade: A

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