Astro City #50

Astro City #50 comic reviewI always love to see writer Kurt Busiek and artist Brent Anderson delve into the nuts-and-bolts of a world where super-heroes exist, and how such a world might effect every day folks. A sequel to the Eisner-nominated “The Nearness of You,” Astro City #50 introduces us to Michael Tenicek who runs a support group for those touched by super-villain violence.

In a world where the bizarre and inexplicable can take loved ones and leave scars, of course Astro City would need something like this to exist and allow people to gather and share their experiences, pain, and fear.

There’s obviously more going on with Michael than he’s willing to talk about, or admit to himself, but the loss of the woman he loved in an event that literally removed her from existence has obviously taken its toll. Finding meaning by helping others in the group achieve some measure of peace has given our protagonist a purpose. But who is paying for the group (not to mention his apartment and groceries) and just how will a survivor of the latest attack on the city in the final panel effect his fragile peace? Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $3.99]