And Then I Read: ASTRO CITY – SILVER AGENT 1 & 2

Images © Juke Box Productions.

In this two issue special, Kurt Busiek has told a complex story about one of his heroes, one involving time travel in an unusual way. Silver Agent has been sentenced to death, but heroes from the far future snatch him from his jail cell and offer him a new life of adventure with them. Trouble is, historical records suggest the the Agent appeared in many previous eras that he hasn't yet experienced (and in other issues of ASTRO CITY we've seen a few of them). The answer is a journey of jaunts back through time, acting the hero in many different eras, and ending back in his own jail cell, his fate sealed. So, despite this complicated plot, it's really a human story about heroism. About having the courage and determination to do what you believe is right despite knowing it will lead to your own end. And Kurt handles it all wonderfully. I'm reminded a bit of Alfred Bester's The Demolished Man, and T.H. White's Merlin from The Sword in the Stone, but Kurt's tale is original and moving.

The art by Brent Anderson and covers by Alex Ross are, as always, excellent. And as I write this, I pause to marvel at the amazing consistency of ASTRO CITY. I believe it's had the same creative team of Busiek, Anderson and Ross, with colors by Alex Sinclair and letters by John Roshell of Comicraft for all of its fifteen years of existence, quite an accomplishment. (And I'm sure Kurt will set me straight if I'm wrong.) They all continue to do fine work year after year. If you'd like to sample ASTRO CITY, this might not be a bad place to do it. Highly recommended.