Astro City The dark age

The superb Astro City, begun in 1995 and winner of numerous Eisner and Harvey Awards, embraces and expertly incorporates everything that's cool about superheroes-great powers, the battle against evil, cosmos-spanning adventure-interwoven with intricate world building and brilliant imagination. But instead of foregrounding action, Busiek (Marvels; JLA/Avengers) masterfully tells compelling, character-driven stories with an emotional range, depth, and realism that resonates-sometimes spotlighting the heroes but often focusing on regular humans living with the superhumanity around them. This sixth volume begins a three-book story arc set in the 1970s, introducing two black inner-city brothers whose terrible childhood encounter with the superhuman world has turned one to petty crime and one to life as a police officer. Against a backdrop of social unrest, increasingly violent superhuman conflict, and national tragedy, their bond is tested by threats both human and supernatural. Anderson's excellent artwork, realism-based but versatile, contributes much to the success of the series; acclaimed painter Alex Ross collaborates on character designs and provides covers. VERDICT Ideal for superhero lovers tired of the same old hero vs. villain dustups; highly recommended for teens and adults.-S.R. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.