Astro City: Life in the Big City

Title: Astro City: Life in the Big City
Author: Kurt Busiek, Brent E. Anderson and Alex Ross
Publisher: Wildstorm
ISBN: 156389551X

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy-Science Fiction-Graphic Novel

Reader’s Annotation:
Superheros are admired by those they protect. But it is easy to forget that they are people too.

Plot Summary:
In Astro City, there are superheros everywhere. They are part of daily life and are admired by the citizens. In six stories, the views of the citizens toward the superheros and the feelings of the superheros themselves are revealed. Each of the stories begins with the main character stating how much they love Astro City, but each end with the sign "You are now leaving Astro City: Please drive carefully" as the character leaves. The book begins and ends with the Good Samaritan, the main superhero of Astro City, who wishes to do nothing more than fly for the sheer pleasure of flying, or spend a little time with love-interest and superheroine, Winged Victory. Other heroes, Jack-in-the-Box, the First Family, and Cracker Jack are also featured.

Evaluation:
With many popular movies showing superheros as real and flawed, Astro City: Life in the Big City does just that. Teens will enjoy the human side of the superhero story.

Notes:
There are five other graphic novels in the Astro City series.
Astro City: Confession
Astro City: Family Album
Astro City: Tarnished Angel
Astro City: Local Heroes
Astro City: The Dark Age Book One