Kurt Busiek's Astro City: Life in the Big City #[nn]

Name: Kurt Busiek's Astro City: Life in the Big City #[nn]
Brand: Image
Price: 16.01 USD
Availability: InStock

Jul 1996 · Image · 19.95 USD; 27.50 CAD

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🏆 Best Graphic Album of Previously Published Work (1997)

About this Collection

This collection reprints the initial storyline from Kurt Busiek's acclaimed series, introducing readers to the superhero-filled metropolis of Astro City through the eyes of its diverse inhabitants. The volume focuses on everyday life in a world of costumed heroes and villains, blending character-driven stories with the genre's classic tropes. It includes the first six issues of the series, originally published by Image Comics in 1996.

"In Dreams" from Kurt Busiek's Astro City: Life in the Big City (1996) offers a quietly powerful moment in the lives of Samaritan and Winged Victory as their date takes an unexpected turn into deeper conversation. Written by Kurt Busiek and illustrated by Brent E. Anderson, with colors by Steve Buccellato and letters by Richard Starkings and Comicraft's John Gaushell, the story explores identity and connection through Samaritan’s haunting past—his journey from the future to prevent a tragedy, only to find himself erased from time. Alex Ross’s striking cover captures the emotional weight of the issue, perfectly framing a tale where even heroes need to find their place, one honest conversation at a time.

Contains 6 stories

In Dreams

24 pp · Superhero

Samaritan [Asa Martin]RichKarenShakiraDr. SaturdayHonor Guard [MPHThe Black RapierCleopatraQuarrel [Jessica Darlene Taggart]N-ForcerBeautie]The Menagerie Gang [Foxy Loxy]Ms. CavendishThe Living Nightmare

The Scoop

24 pp · Superhero

Eliot MillsThe Silver AgentJack MeskinKarnusShirak the DevourerThe Honor Guard [Max O'MillionsCleopatraLeopardmanKitkatStarwomanThe N-ForcerThe Bouncing Beatnik]The Old Soldier

A Little Knowledge

24 pp · Superhero

Jack-in-the-Box [Zachary Johnson]Andrew EisensteinTamra DixonThe DeaconQuarrel [Jessica Darlene Taggart]

Safeguards

24 pp · Superhero

MartaThe Hanged ManMr. IronsWinged VictoryDarcy ConroyShellieJennyMama (Marta's mother)Nicu (Marta's father)First Family [Nick FurstNatalie FurstJulius FurstAugustus FurstRex]Unholy Alliance [DemolitiaFlamethrowerGlowwormSpiceSlamburger]

In "Safeguards," Marta navigates the quiet rhythm of her daily commute from Shadow Hill to downtown Astro City, where her life unfolds between routine and responsibility. When a co-worker invites her to share an apartment in the city, Marta faces a quiet but profound choice—between the familiar comforts of home and the uncertain promise of a new chapter.

Reconnaissance

24 pp · Superhero

Mr. BridwellAstro City Irregulars [El RoboPalmettoRubyJuiceHomegirlStray]Crackerjack [Eugene Wallace]SamaritanStarwomanGnomicronQuarrel [Jessica Darlene Taggart]Steel DevilJack-in-the-BoxNightingaleSunbird

Dinner at Eight

24 pp · Superhero

SamaritanWinged VictoryN-ForcerQuarrel [Jessica Darlene Taggart]CleopatraThe Black NapierMPHBeautieCrackerjackGoldenboyFirst Family [RexNick FurstNatalie FurstAstra FurstJulius FurstAugustus Furst]

In "Dinner at Eight," Samaritan and Winged Victory share a dinner that quickly turns into a conversation about the weight of time and identity, as Samaritan reveals the truth behind his arrival in the present—his desperate journey from a future altered by a tragedy he couldn’t prevent. Their bond is tested by the gulf between who they are and what they’ve become, but in the quiet moments between words, a fragile understanding begins to form.