Should I pick up the Astro City TPB's?

[Jnarvaez]

I hear great things about Kurt Busiek's Astro City and I was wondering if I should start reading the book in TPB format and which one do I check out first?

[Gavin]

Life in the Big City.

They are all great and are definitely worth picking up.

[xyzzy]

http://tplist.millarworld.net/astrocity.html

Volume 1

Life in the Big City (1-6). [From DC Comics: Welcome to Astro City, a shining city on a hill where super heroes patrol the skies. Each chapter in this collection is a standalone story, highlighting different aspects or characters in the Astro City world. The city's leading super-hero tries to be everywhere at once, and berates himself for every wasted second as he longs for just a moment of his own. A smalltime hood learns a hero's secret identity, and tries to figure out how to profit from the knowledge. A beat reporter gets some advice from his editor on his first day on the job. A young woman tries to balance the demands of her family with her own hopes and desires. Despite the fantastic settings, the characters in these slice-of-life stories feel like real people, and that gives the stories real power.]

Volume 2

Confession (4-9, ½). [From DC Comics: Brian Kinney has left his rural home, seeking adventure in the big city - Astro City. After literally working his way into the super-hero scene as a busboy and waiter, Brian attracts the attention of Astro City's vigilante Confessor. Dubbed Alter Boy, Brian becomes the Confessors sidekick. While Astro City suffers under the looming threat of a serial killer on the loose and the city government moves to ban super heroes altogether, Brian questions the actions of his mentor. If that weren't enough, there just may be an alien invasion looming!]

Family Album (1-3, 10-13). [The continuity of the Volume 2 trades was disrupted in order to keep the Confession arc intact. From DC Comics: Every family has treasured memories... and isn't that what a family album is for? You're invited to share in some of Astro City's greatest memories - from the wonder and terror experienced by a family new in town, to a world-famous super-hero's first day at school, to a crimefighter and his wife facing momentous decisions about the future.]

The Tarnished Angel (14-20). [From DC Comics: After serving his time, super-villain Steeljack finds himself back on the streets. But for a man who has learned to live and thrive in a world behind bars, freedom can be the greatest prison. Intent to make good with his second chance, Steeljack is unsuccessful finding work until he takes on a dangerous job investigating the murder of several super-villains in his neighborhood. But as he solves the mystery, Steeljack soon finds that he may be the latest victim on the list of deceased criminals. Featuring a painted cover and sketchbook by Alex Ross and an introduction by Frank Miller.]

Local Heroes (21-22, Local Heroes 1-5, Astro City Special 1). Book of the Week 12/8/04

[Adam Witt]

Life in the Big City is the first trade, and it's amazing. Supposedly it gets better and better from then on. Definitely gets a recommendarion from me, for what that's worth.

[Frozen Sooner]

I will say no, but only because you should already own them. ;)

You'll have fun. They're good comic-booky fun. Confession in particular is very good.

[TheGibson]

Absolutely! Tarnished Angel is my favorite, but I've read most of them. Local Heroes was the weakest for me, but still pretty good. if you can find one that has a reprint of Astro City 1/2, get it. Possibly one of the best short stories I've ever read ever. Period.

[Ziolko]

Yes, you should buy them. They're probably some of the best traditional superhero stories you'll ever read.

[Taxman]

Life in the Big City is pretty good, but I found the ones that came later to be far superior. The single issue stoies in Family Album are much stronger than those in the first trade. Confesion and Tarnished Angel are excellent arcs. Since the overall series lacks central characters or defninate chronological progression, there isn't much advantage to starting at the begining.

[xyzzy]

Life in the Big City is pretty good, but I found the ones that came later to be far superior. The single issue stoies in Family Album are much stronger than those in the first trade. Confesion and Tarnished Angel are excellent arcs. Since the overall series lacks central characters or defninate chronological progression, there isn't much advantage to starting at the begining.

I would agree, though some bits of later stories are teased in earlier ones, it's far from essential to read them in order. I think Family Album would make a good starting place.

[FedEx Fanboy]

Yes. They are fucking excellent.

[RODGER]

yes

they are all must reads!!!!

[Dr. Omega]

Astro City is just under Powers as my favorite Super Hero book.

They just released a 40 -page special last Wednesday. It, as usual, was great.

Dr. Ω

[jza1218]

Confession was my favorite.

[Icaruss]

They're all awesome. But most people say the second volume, Confession, is the greatest.

Don't listen to them. Start from the first one, and get them all. They're all amazing.

[Mylazycat]

Astro City rules! I wish I had some new issues right now. It's that good.

[SteveZegers]

Get the one with the Looney Leo story! Now!

[dEnny!]

Dark Age Volume 2 #1 was just solicited in this month's previews.

Just read the trades in order or however you can get deals on them.

[GelfXIII]

Should I pick up the Astro City TPB's?

I hear great things about Kurt Busiek's Astro City and I was wondering if I should start reading the book in TPB format and which one do I check out first?

One word answer: Yes.

Two word answer: Hell Yes!

Astrocity is amazing. Absolutely one of te best reads in graphic form anywhere. Youreally can start anywhere, as they are all self contained, but the "first" book is "Life in the Big City" http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/156389551X/sr=8-1/qid=1154442797/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-6565582-8838249?ie=UTF8

they're all good though.

[joespam]

I'd just like to add an enthusiastic 'definitely'.

[Sy-Klone]

Absolutely.

Life in the Big City, The Family Album, and Confession are my favorites.

I liked the Tarnished Angel a lot.

Local Heroes was the weakest of the bunch, but it's still pretty damn good.

Buy them! Buy "Life in the Big City" or "Confession" at least, to sample the series.

[Jamie Coville]

Yes. Yes and YES.

These are among the smartest and best superhero books made since Watchmen.

[Dusto]

Absolutely.

Life in the Big City, The Family Album, and Confession are my favorites.

I liked the Tarnished Angel a lot.

Local Heroes was the weakest of the bunch, but it's still pretty damn good.

Buy them! Buy "Life in the Big City" or "Confession" at least, to sample the series.

I agree with this absolutely. Although reading Tarnished Angel in single issues was a little painful, as it took so long to come out and seemed to meander a bit, when read as a trade it's pretty good. But yeah, start with Life in the Big City, which is my favorite, and the first, and will give you an idea of what a lot of the different characters are all about.