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Astro City exists in a world where superheroes have existed since at least the 19th century, the first public hero, Air Ace, appearing during World War I. Busiek has crafted a complex world with a huge cast of characters, many of whom have extensive backstories sketched out which are revealed as the series progresses. Some characters somewhat resemble characters from DC Comics or Marvel Comics universes, though the link tends to be inspirational only.
Some issues of the series are one- or two-part stories, while others run as many as six issues in an extended arc.
The essential hook of Astro City is that it explores the reactions that people - both ordinary people and the heroes and villains themselves - have to living in their world. For example, in the first story, the character of The Samaritan (who resembles Superman) reflects on his life during a typical day, in which he spends almost all of his waking hours flying around the world to help people. Other stories involve a date between two high-profile heroes, the initiation of a "kid sidekick" hero, and the efforts of a reformed supervillain to find a life outside of prison.
The series has been collected into graphic novelA graphic novel is a novel or novella done in the medium of comics. It is typically a long-form work rather than a short publication such as an individual comic book, analogous to a novel rather than a short story. A graphic novel need not be a complete w collections: Life in the Big City, Family Album, Confession, and Tarnished Angel.
The Astro City webpage can be found at www.astrocity.us
Fictional towns and cities Comic books