For example, there's been a hero who's appeared practically since the series began more than 25 years ago - and he's a complete mystery.
But for some reason, I've always been fascinated by The Gentleman (or, as I call him, Fred MacMurray - because the comic book character is definitely modeled after that usually likable actor).
Always dressed in a tuxedo, he has amazing powers - he can fly, has super-strength and is apparently invulnerable.
Finally, the mystery is explained in this issue, as we get the origin of the hero - and it's an odd one.
It all centers around a plain spoken girl who has seen terrible hardships - but somehow she continues to believe that (as someone once said) the sun'll come out tomorrow.
The issue also includes the Bouncing Beatnik, another wonderful music-based hero, and has a few other guest appearances, too.
Great art and a fun, far-fetched story make this yet another terrific addition of the pantheon.
As I've said before: surely every comic book fan should be reading this comic.
Grade: A-
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6 comments:
I just got this issue yesterday and haven't read it yet. I have always like The Gentleman and assumed it was Kurt Busiek's version of Captain Marvel.
Astro City is about the only super-hero comic I buy these days.
Hoy
Didn't Alex Ross drawn Captain Marvel as Fred MacMurray a few times? But yes, you're right - if the Samaritan = Superman, then The Gentleman = Captain Marvel.
Yes, Ross used MacMurray as a model for Captain Marvel, just as C.C. Beck did when he designed Cap in the Golden Age.
Hoy
OK. Why an A- grade? Do you really think Nick Fury #1 was better than this issue (or any issue) of Astro City?
Nitpicking, I know...
-Anon
Good question, Anon. I tend to grade by series - which is to say, I enjoyed that issue of Astro City, but there are many issues in the series that were better.
Comparing different titles can be an "Apples to Oranges" comparison - that issue of Nick Fury was fun and fresh - we'll see how later issues hold up next to it. But I went into it not expecting much, so that may have been a factor (most Nick Fury comics have paled next to Steranko's work, although Hickman's Secret Warriors was very good).
Good reply!
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