An old dog with New Tricks.
Welcome to this review of Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson's Astro City Volume 3 #1
Before I review this issue I will state that I am an avid supporter and longtime super fan of this title. I have read every issue but I will treat these reviews as a regular reader and review them not as a fanboy, but a reviewer first and foremost.
"Through Open Doors" (Part One)
We begin our story with narration by a mysterious and enigmatic character called the Broken Man. Busiek's narrator for this issue speaks directly to the reader describing that an entity called the "OUBOR" has infiltrated multiple facets of humanity. The issue continues with an introduction to a new and visually jarring character American Chibi. Anderson's art is on great display with Chibi because his normally classic 'Neal Adams' style of art is contrasted spectacularly with Chibi's massive anime/manga head on a proportionately small body. After meeting a few new characters we are re introduced to Astro City mainstays, like Winged Victory, The Confessor and Cracker Jack among others, but in art form only. With Samaritan being the only one referred to by name the story is hinting at a huge history but not over complicating things, which is appreciated for a first issue. The story really revolves around civilian father Ben Pullam and his life. Busiek pulls the reader back down to Earth so to speak with his description of Pullam, a hard working man who has seen his daughters grow up and succeed in life. With the narration of the Broken Man filling in the details, Busiek uses everyday dialogue of a family gathering to express who Ben Pullam is in his later years. Set against this backdrop of a reconnecting family, is the cosmic themed introduction of the alien ambassador TEL SETH, who Anderson and cover artist Alex Ross do a brilliant job illustrating. This contrast between the ordinary and the fantastical is what makes this story work so well. The story's end leaves the reader to ponder the so-called Broken Man's plan and to look forward to the next adventure in Astro City.
Busiek, Anderson, Alex Ross and colorist Alex Sinclair work seamlessly together, weaving a story about how everyday life in Astro City is filled with the incredible. The creative team proves that this is their biggest strength; the magic that they create is bringing Astro City to life for new and long time readers alike. This first issue of the new story arc accomplishes this in a bright and detailed manner, while maintaining a tight narrative and not over inundating readers with information. I am giving Astro City #1 "Through Open Doors" (Part One) 5/5 stars.
See you next time in Astro City.
-CJ Yudelson
