Astro City

• Title: Astro City #15
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Kurt Busiek
• Artist: Brent Anderson

Wrapping up the two-issue arc begun last month, Astro City #15 reveals the history of Eleanor Jennersen and how the leading mind behind robotics became the owner of a robot scrap yard in the middle of nowhere. Pulled before a judge for the crimes caused by the robots her nephew decided to use for a quick profit, Ellie breaks out of prison (thanks to the help of her metal friends) and clears not only her name but those of her rebuilt robots as well by revealing the true threat behind the plot: her old college roommate Vivi Viktor.

The Reed Richards/Victor von Doom elements of the story are fun to see played out as the unassuming and noble Ellie is revealed to be one of the most brilliant people on the planet despite Vivian’s attempt to shatter her mind and steal her secrets decades ago.

Despite every motive to seek revenge from the woman who stole her life, Ellie proves to be a hero in every sense of the word not even accepting the praise or help of the world’s heroes once they realize the true story. As always, worth a look.

[Vertigo, $3.99]

• Title: Astro City #14
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Kurt Busiek
• Artist: Brent Anderson

The first-half of a two-part story, Astro City #14 introduces the character of Ellie who has spent the last several years creating something between a scrap yard and museum of former super-villain machines which she has slowly nursed back to health. Despite the once dangerous nature of the robots, Ellie’s desire to fix her metal friends are inspired by only good intentions. Sadly the same can’t be said of her nephew who sees a way to make the robots far more profitable in the short term.

Robot soldiers have been a staple of comics for decades and it’s an interesting take to view them not from the creator or those that battled them but from the perspective of a loving fan of the robots who sees the marvelous creations as far more than only weapons. Artist Brent Anderson has fun offering a variety of different types of robots which make up Ellie’s makeshift museum.

The slimy nephew taking advantage of the old woman is a bit pretty easy to see coming, but writer Kurt Busiek hints that there’s far more to Ellie’s story than we’ve seen so far. Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $3.99]

• Title: Astro City #12
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Kurt Busiek
• Artist: Brent Anderson

Rather than a hero, casual observer, or someone on the fringes of super-hero activity, the latest issue of Astro City examines the life of a costume criminal known as the Gentleman Bandit. Obsessed from a young age with wealth and a well-tailored suit, Astro City #12 follows the highs and lows of the robber and with various costumed groups such as the Menagerie Gang, the Sweet Adelines, and the Gatsbies. Although I’m glad for the return of a one-shot adventure, I have to admit Astro City #12 makes me hope we see more of this character.

Obsessed with the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood, the glory days for Edward “Ned” James Carroway involved working alone and with other “Dapper Dans” or “Clotheshorses” whose robberies always included a touch of style and grace and providing an ideal life for his wife and daughter. However, after being caught first by Jack-in-the-Box and later the Confessor we also see the lows of Ned’s life which include loosing his family and being lured once again back into a life of crime by old friends and a pair of expensive shoes. Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $3.99]