I worked in New York for six months. Thanks to the poor management of the dot-com that employed me, it was a brief stay, but I loved every minute of it. A co-worker recently vacationed for a few days in Manhattan, and my envy knows no bounds. Last summer, I visited friends in Toronto. They loved it there, and I expected to enjoy more of the same big-city charm and wonder that made my Big Apple experience such a treasured memory. Didn't happen, though. Had a great visit, and it was a good vacation, but I didn't connect with Toronto in the same way.
Sometimes, one just clicks with a place. One can build a relationship and connection with a city just like one does with another human being: either the chemistry's there or it isn't. That's what Kurt Busiek explores in this, the long-overdue return of his Astro City property. A poignant story in last year's 9-11 Vol.2 whetted our appetite, and now, Busiek and Anderson finally serve up a full meal.
Pete Donacek works as a doorman at the Classic Hotel in Astro City. There's a lot more to his job than hailing cabs and greeting people at the door. He knows the city well. He knows what's happening where, when and who's involved. He offers directions and advice. He moved to the city years ago, somewhat reluctantly, and it wasn't long before he decided he should pack up and leave. But on one fateful, the city -- dangers and all -- got under his skin, and a daily reminder of his purpose in Astro City keeps him around.
Anderson's artwork here is as strong as it was when inked by Will Blyberg on previous Astro City titles. He captures the everyday humanity of the characters in the story, not just the idealized perfection of super-heroes. Sinclair's colors maintain a grounded, realistic look in the everyday scenes, and he offers up bright colors as called for by the more wondrous ones. He also brings a good deal of texture to the artwork; just look at the hotel lobby carpeting on page three for evidence.
While this story didn't boast the powerful, awe-inspiring impact I've felt while reading other AC tales, it was a satisfying read all the same. In just one issue, Pete Donacek is made out to be a believable, fleshed-out human being, not just a two-dimensional comic-book character. I also enjoyed how Busiek conveys the hectic pace of life in Astro City through Pete's encounters with various hotel guests.
Busiek achieves a nice balance between accessibility and subtle nods to previous Astro City stories in this issue. Given that it's been two years since the last regular issue of the property, he wisely provides an easy jumping-on point for new readers and a reintroduction for the faithful fans.
