Astro City #29

Astro City #29Known for taking a different perspective on the super-hero concept, the latest issue of Astro City is presented not from the view of a hero, villain, or even civilian of the planet Earth. Instead the entire issue takes place on the planet Zirros, throneworld of the Zirr Empire, from the perspective of a young dreamer named Zozat who grows up hating the alien invaders known as humans.

Although mostly backstory for the story which should unfold in the next issue, Astro City #29 does what writer Kurt Busiek and artist Brent Anderson do best: flip a familiar story on its axis and present it in a new way. The result means delving deep into Zirros and the life of Zozat in particular. I have no doubt that Zozat’s talent as a bonder will play a large role in the story to come which begins with the capture of a member of the First Family and an attempted rescue by her teammates.

I have a strong hunch about how the storyline will unfold but even so Busiek and Anderson sell me on the concept within the first few panels of the comic. I’ll definitely be coming back for more of Zozat and those damn dirty humans. Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $3.99]