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

May 1996 · DC · 19.95 USD; 31.50 CAD

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About this Collection

This collection kicks off the acclaimed Astro City series by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson, gathering the first six issues of the original 1995-1996 miniseries. It introduces the reader to a richly imagined superhero universe through the eyes of its everyday citizens, beginning with the story of Samaritan, a Superman-like hero grappling with the weight of his responsibilities. The volume sets the tone for the series' signature blend of human drama and superhero spectacle, exploring the lives of both heroes and ordinary people in a city where the fantastic is commonplace.

"In Dreams" delivers a quietly powerful moment in Kurt Busiek's Astro City, where the legendary Samaritan and the enigmatic Winged Victory share a rare personal evening that quickly turns into a poignant conversation about time, identity, and connection. Written by Busiek and brought to life with emotional depth by Brent E. Anderson’s art and Steve Buccellato’s colors, the story explores the weight of a future that no longer remembers you. Alex Ross’s striking cover captures the moment’s intimacy, making this a standout issue for fans of character-driven superhero storytelling.

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 in familiar routines. When a co-worker invites her to share an apartment in town, Marta faces a quiet crossroads—between the comfort of her rooted existence and the uncertain promise of a new chapter in the city.

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]