Astro City

Astro City: Dark Age Book Two 1-4

I do not care about these brothers, makes it hard to enjoy this series.  Using a lot of narration is a double edged sword; When it’s done well, the result can be amazing.  When it’s not, reading each issue feels like the longest, most tedious thing.

I did really like Kurt Busiek's take on the arbitrary line Batman draws when it comes to killing. It's the point I was making here.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: No

Would read again: No

Rating: Didn’t suck

Astro City Special: Beautie

Busiek really has a handle on the one-shot issue.  Here, Beautie (think life-size living Barbie doll) is a metaphor for the neurodivergent.  At least, that’s how I read it.  Someone for whom saying the “right thing” doesn’t come naturally, not fitting in because she doesn’t conform to people’s expectations of “normal.”  

On top of this is a surprisingly creepy story involving constantly lost memories and a missing origin.  And while the reveal is a bit of a let down, everything up to it is really well done.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Pretty good