Lyles Movie Files
image comics 3-30-22
Comic Book

Image Comics reviews 3/30/22 – The Magic Order 2 #6, Astro City Special

Jeffrey Lyles , , , , , , ,
Astro City…That Was Then Special

astro-city-that-was-then-special - main cover

It’s been way too long since the last trip to Astro City. Absence definitely made the heart fonder in this instance as the wholesome, yet thoughtful Astro City makes a triumphant return.

Most of the principal creators are back for this one-off that is leading to future installments Kurt Busiek returns as writer with Brent Eric Anderson on art with Alex Ross on covers, Comicraft on letters and Alex Sinclair on colors.

This issue features five teen heroes — Bugleboy & Majorette, Sunshrike, Rally and Rivets, the Robot Kid — taking a road trip to clear their heads after the untimely demise of fellow teen group the Jayhawks.

Busiek has always had such a magic touch in channeling the Silver Age’s innocence and giving it a modern feel. The Jayhawks very much have a Teen Titans vibe as they’re a socially conscious team operating in the 1960s. They face off with a hate group and their inhumane leader kills them. In the wake of the tragedy, the teen heroes and their mentors are considering if teens really should be facing off with evil in all its forms.

MORE:

It’s a sensible discussion point and Busiek adds more layers to it by having the teens question if this is how they want to lead their lives.

Anderson’s art captures all the raw emotion from the joy of the Jayhawks working together and celebrating with their fans to the grief of those they left behind. Sinclair’s colors are rich giving a vintage feel to the art that symbolizes a more optimistic, cheerier time period.

The only downside to this issue is the uncertainty of when the next installment will arrive. In every other way, the That Was Then special feels like an obvious reminder of what’s missing in too many modern comics — heart and a larger sense of purpose.

Rating: 10 out of 10

lylesmoviefiles