One
of the things I appreciate about Astro
City is its focus is less on super-heroics and adventure, and more about
character. Not just the heroes (in fact, rather little), but in those they
serve: the citizens of Astro City. Hence the title of the series, no doubt.
In
the latest issue, Mike runs Miranda’s Friends, a support group for those who
have been part of a super-hero encounter. Not so much a witness, but an unsung
victim. When a villain kidnaps innocents, where do those innocents go for emotional
support after being rescued. How do they cope with the PTSD, the survivor’s
guilt, and the witch’s brew of emotions such an experience stirs up.
Mike
deals with matters as best he can. Those he can’t handle, he has the wisdom to
seek someone who can. But Mike has his own concerns that he may be conveniently
ignoring, or perhaps simply unaware of. But he’s experienced enough to
recognize “You never know what’s coming, but something always does.”
The
issue ends on a cliffhanger, suggesting a recent crisis will lead to greater
attendance in Mike’s support groups. He seems to recognize this, but is
probably ill-prepared for the impact it will have.
For
those of us who have every run around a backyard with a towel pinned to our
shoulders, most comic books are about the heroes. But not everyone gets to wear
the cape to be the hero. Or even be the sidekick. They also serve, who stand
and wait. Those of us who don’t get to be Batman sometimes have to settle for
being Alfred. And that’s good enough.
Rating:
9/10