We've all seen the pattern over and over in super-hero comics: the villain defeats the hero, the hero comes back from the jaws of defeat, the villain starts scheming his next great masterplan to destroy his nemesis. Whether it is Superman and Luthor, Batman and the Joker, or Spider-Man and the Green Goblin, the result is always a never-ending struggle that neither hero nor villain can win. Seems kind of pointless, doesn't it?
In the latest Astro City Special (The Eagle and the Mountain) from Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson (with a snazzy Alex Ross cover), Samaritan and his arch-nemesis, the immortal Infidel, have worked out a pretty unique solution to this eternal problem. They quit trying. Having realized that they just can't get rid of each other, can't win with any finality, they end the cycle of pointless rematches by calling a truce. Infidel minds his own business, living in extravagant luxury, but not enslaving the human race or conquering the world. Samaritan continues to fight the good fight, defending humanity, but leaving Infidel to his own devices.
Once a year these two arch-enemies meet for a civilized meal and discussion of their respective philosophies. Of course, each is constantly gauging the other for signs of weakness, signs that maybe they could finally get the edge needed to win once and for all. The fight goes on, but without all the pointless property damage and violence. Not a bad way to deal with a stalemate, really.
Kurt Busiek is a great writer of "traditional" super-hero stories, but he can always be relied upon to find a slightly different way of looking at the world of heroes and villains. Would a super-genius villain waste his time and energy with endless rematches, just asking for another beat down from the hero? Probably not, which is what makes this deeper look at two Astro City characters so interesting and thought-provoking. Busiek has also put this tale together in such a way that it absolutely doesn't matter if you have ever read an Astro City comic before. I hadn't, and I had no problem totally enjoying this self-contained story. Brent Anderson's art is perfect for this kind of in-depth character study. His work may not be as flashy as some, but his ability to tell a story and create characters who feel real is rock-solid.
So, if you've ever wondered WHY the Joker goes looking to get a Bat-fist in his face over and over again, this Astro City Special is well worth your time. Great art, great characters, and a done-in-one tale. What's not to love? Just look out for the reality-altering booby trap your arch-nemesis has cleverly disguised as an advertisement on page 7! And the fact that this is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week is NOT just some sort of plot to lure you out in the open. Honest!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment