PopCultHQ received a review copy of ASTRO CITY: Metrobook Vol. 3 TPB from Image Comics. Available Wednesday, February 15th, the creative team for this collection features writer Kurt Busiek, art from Brent E. Anderson, colors by Alex Sinclair w/ Wendy Broome, and letters from John Roshell of Comicraft & Comicraft‘s Jimmy Betancourt.
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
ASTRO CITY: Metrobook Vol. 3 TPB
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Brent E. Anderson
Colors by Alex Sinclair w/ Wendy Broome
Letters by John Roshell of Comicraft & Comicraft‘s Jimmy Betancourt
Cover Art by Alex Ross
Released: February 15th, 2023
Collects ASTRO CITY: THE DARK AGE BOOK ONE #1-4, ASTRO CITY: THE DARK AGE BOOK TWO #1-4, ASTRO CITY: THE DARK AGE BOOK THREE #1-4, ASTRO CITY: THE DARK AGE BOOK FOUR #1-4, ASTRO CITY: SILVER AGENT #1-2, and portions of ASTRO CITY/ARROWSMITH: THE FLIP BOOK
Across the 1970s and ’80s, Charles and Royal Williams deal with tragedy and obsession. One a cop, one a criminal, both have been shaped irrevocably by Astro City’s heroes, and as the city enters a time of darkness, it’ll take all they have to survive.
Also features the full story of the death-and life-of the Silver Agent.
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
ASTRO CITY: Metrobook Vol. 3 TPB
Astro City is one of those indie comics that continues to stand out as a textbook example of what it means to tell stories that are different from the mainstream scene. Since it first dropped in the 1990s, every single issue, whether part of a long-form series like Dark Ages or one shots such as those devoted to Samaritan or Beautie have captivated and excited audiences. A big standout is that forever fans of this Kurt Busiek fun-fest will enjoy having all of Dark Ages AND the two issue Silver Agent mini-series collected together, while newcomers will get a deep dive into the world of Astro City and its rich history.
Writing: What can be said about Kurt Busiek that has not been said already? The man knows how to tell stories and tell them well. His comics have been delighting fans for decades across the spectrum, both within the lofty halls of Marvel and DC (or DC and Marvel, take your pick) and also in the indie scene going back to Eclipse Comics in the 80s. Two things that Busiek absolutely nailed with Dark Ages and the Silver Agent miniseries was telling stories from two different perspectives. One, in Dark Ages, was his own take on the darker days of superhero stories in the 70s and 80s from the viewpoint of two brothers, all while providing commentary on the changes in society at the same time. The second perspective is that of a hero whose fate is already written, yet he makes no grand schemes to try and alter it. The Silver Agent simply tries to ensure that whoever he encounters along the way is saved. Historic examination/meaningful tales of true heroism, Kurt has done it again.
Art: Kurt’s long-standing partner in creative crime is a talent that audiences know and love. Brent Anderson is very much a household name in the comics industry. Like Kurt, he has been in the biz a long time and has applied his skills as an artist to a lot of books over the years. But one of the world’s where he is best known (in the opinion of this reviewer) is that of Astro City. It’s his and Kurt’s baby (alongside that of Alex Ross). Kurt and Brent have been fleshing out this amazing world since the first issue dropped in 1995 and the artwork in Metrobook Vol. 3 is just as stunning as the first forays were, maybe more so. Brent has been bringing this world to life for so many years now, and each time the layouts seem sharper and more rich (if such a thing is possible). Top marks to Brent for another visual success.
Colors: Alex and Wendy are mainstays of the comics scene like Kurt and Brent. As colorists, they’ve done wonderful work on a wide range of books. Teamed up to take Brent’s art and fill in the pencils with color choices that aid in leaping everything off the page, they do some outstanding stuff. Readers will note that while the color choices are rich and varied (and even downright wacky in some instances, see a creepy figured named Gloo who pops up), there is a muted quality in certain areas. Almost as if it was deliberate in order to mesh with the throwback nature of Dark Ages, giving it that “out of the past” vibe. Whatever the reasoning or logic, these two knocked it out of the park in spades.
Letters: John and Jimmy of Comicraft fame loom large as long-time industry legends. They have done lettering for the best of the best, so its no surprise that they were tapped to provide lettering for this latest installment of Busiek and Anderson’s Astro City world. These two get what Kurt and Brent are telling with the tales in this volume. Darker times call for darker heroes, and that means lettering to reflect the strange, creepy and intense nature of it all. Two really prime examples are both Gloo and Pale Horseman. Their lettering really sizzles and pops in a way that only Comicraft can do.
Overall Assessment:
If you are a long-time fan of Astro City, or just discovering this fantastic world for the first time, make sure to pick up a copy of Metrobook Vol. 3. You’ll fall in love and find love in a world where the heroes aren’t just all tights and flights, their highs, lows, loves, and fears are chronicled in a way that only Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson can. It’s page after page of pulse-pounding, high-flying adventure and intrigue, served up as only Astro City can… with style.
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
Publisher – Image Comics
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has six individuals on the Board of Directors: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino, and Eric Stephenson. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.
