Kurt Busiek's Astro City

Since it was first released in 1995, Kurt Busiek's highly praised Astro City has garnered a huge following. My journey to find the first volume (Life in the Big City), attested to its popularity. In total I traveled to five different stores before finally finding it, and at each I was greeted with positive response regarding the comic. After informing me that they no longer had any copies, one guy directed me to another store stating, "I hope you find it! That comic changed really changed my life when I was 15..." Another guy expressed envy, "You get to read Astro City for class?! Well aren't you lucky...it's incredible you'll really enjoy it." So naturally after all these encounters I couldn't wait to begin reading! The story, artwork and concept exceeded my already high expectations. During my hunt I saw all the hard cover editions of the other volumes and I cannot wait to get my hands on them!
Every aspect of this comic is so beautiful. The cover, the panels, the writing. I found myself disappointed when the story was over because I just wanted more. I like how each chapter revolves around a different character existing in Astro City. Each individual is fascinating.
Busiek's introduction was also very interesting. I really appreciated what he had to say about the superhero genre and how it's not limited, but rather, limitless. I thought that was a great way to answer the criticism people have of superhero comics. Busiek proves his argument through this work.
Is it just me or does the cover remind you of magazine covers from the 40's and 50's? There is something so nostalgic and crisp about it.