ASTRO CITY (2013)

"ASTRO CITY is back in a new, ongoing monthly series that showcases old heroes and new, as The Ambassador comes to Earth, and an ordinary man is caught up in a cosmic conflict! Featuring the return of favorites like Samaritan and Honor Guard, and the debut of some new sensations! Plus, the seeds of a new mystery: Who is the Broken Man? The entire award-winning creative team is back to kick off a new epoch of the human and the super human. Get in on the ground floor of Astro City's next epic!"

"When the Honor Guard charges into battle, they're not alone. They're backed by a crack support staff, from researchers to threat assessment teams to hotline switchboard clerks. And when one young woman gets the job offer of a lifetime, it opens the way to a world of wonder, of possibilities-and possibly, the greatest mistake of her life. The return of the acclaimed series continues, with a closeup look at the humans behind the super humans."

"In the midst of all-out battle between Honor Guard and the Skullcrushers in the mountains of Ecuador, we see the human cost, as HG support staff member Marella Cowper wades into the middle of it. Why is she there? What will she find? And why does she consider it all her fault? The award winning ASTRO CITY continues to explore life in a superhuman world. Featuring the second half of a diptych cover by Alex Ross."

"Mattie Sullivan isn't a super hero or a villain-she uses her telekinetic powers to do special effects for movies and television. But when she's forcibly 'recruited' by a new criminal mastermind, Mattie faces a choice: Will she fight, or will she continue to stay on the sidelines? A look into the lives of super humans who've taken different paths, and how they manage."

"What secrets hide in Astro City's past? And what does the Broken Man fear? Take a look into the days before Astro City was renamed as you meet the Blasphemy Agency, watch Dame Progress battle Mister Cakewalk, and learn what lies behind the mask of Lord Saampa, the Serpent's Tongue, in a trio of revelatory adventures. Hints, portents, and mysteries unfold, as the Broken Man's story is explored."

"The Ambassador, Cleopatra, The Ore-Master what do they have to do with Thatcher Jerome, a mid-level mobster involved with business on Astro City's rivers? And how does all-out Super Hero battle change his world? A tale of opportunity, ambition and family ties-in a world where even the sky's not the limit. "

"A major new 4-part epic begins featuring Winged Victory, Samaritan and the Confessor, three of Astro City's most popular heroes. It begins when a young boy seeks sanctuary and training at Winged Victory's school for battered women - and builds to revelations, accusations and a threat that may spell the end of her heroic career. Plus: Winged Victory's origin is revealed at last."

"When the Confessor investigates the criminal charges against Winged Victory, it leads to open combat-with Samaritan! Can Astro City's three greatest heroes find a way to work together? And even if they can, will it be too late to save her career? The 4-issue story arc continues as the threat against Winged Victory is revealed and her past is explored."

"The puppet master behind the attacks on Winged Victory is revealed-though it may be too late for even Samaritan and the Confessor's aid to be any use. But Winged Victory finds an unexpected ally, one who gives her a new perspective on the crisis. And then there's Joey "

"Winged Victory, Samaritan and the Confessor take down the villain targeting her - and then she has to face the fallout. Will Astro City's most prominent super heroine survive? Don't miss the grand finale of this four-part epic!"

"When you're the Silver Adept, one of Astro City's newest and most powerful mystic heroes, your life is full of magic, battle, demons, apocalypses and more. When you're the Adept's personal assistant, though, life gets really weird. A look at the woman behind the hero. Plus: sushi."

"What makes a man dress to the nines to commit crimes? Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross are joined by ASTRO CITY's first-ever guest artist, Graham Nolan (BATMAN, TALON, X-Men Forever), for a look deep into the life of a costumed criminal - the Gentleman Bandit of the Menagerie Gang, the Sweet Adelines, the Gatsbies and more. Featuring appearances by the Jack-In-The-Box and the Confessor!"

"24 hours. 24 pages. A robot. A bank robber named Gundog. The Hanged Man. Jack-In-The-Box. The eternal, mysterious Dancing Master. And a whole lot of romance. One of ASTRO CITY's most unusual stories, of city-wide turmoil and changing lives, all in a single day."

"A roadside killer-robot sanctuary and museum? Only in Astro City. Meet Ellie and her very unusual friends. Plus: Samaritan, Cleopatra, Reflex 6 and more!"

"'Ellie's Friends' part two. In the wake of last issue's devastation, Ellie has to find a way to save her longtime friends and discover the truth about her past in the process. Plus: Honor Guard and the villainy of Vivi Viktor!"

"A Vertigo 'Defy Covers' issue! Once upon a time, in a small, idyllic town, there was a teen super hero named Starbright. But 'once' was a long time ago. Find out what became of Starbright and his greatest foe - and what their entwined destinies hold for the future of Astro City."

"Krigari Ironhand. Tyrant. Emperor. Interdimensional scourge. Honor Guard's greatest enemy. His rise. His fall. The death of one of Honor Guard's own. And the secret story behind it all. Featuring guest penciller Tom Grummett in a very human tale of obsession, cosmic battle and interstellar conquest."

"A 4-part spotlight on Quarrel and Crackerjack begins as they face a real crisis: what does an aging crimefighter do when time starts to take its toll? Plus, a look into Quarrel's origins - and the end of the line for one of Astro City's most stalwart heroes. A rich, bittersweet and very human look inside the super human life."

"As her career may be ending, Quarrel looks back at her earliest days as a super hero, including the roots of her on-again/off-again romance with Crackerjack. Plus: Honor Guard and the Omega Rangers!"

"Quarrel learns more about what makes her tick - through action, anger, and disastrous relationships with MPH and Crackerjack - as she tries to figure out her future. And Crackerjack can't cope with the big 5-0. Plus: Honor Guard and the menace of the Black Lab."

"The shattering conclusion of the 4-part 'Quarrel' story. With Crackerjack in the clutches of the Black Lab, Quarrel and Honor Guard face difficult choices - and at least one hero's career will have seen its final adventure. A very human perspective on a super human tragedy."

"Starfighter has been enjoying a hero's reward for decades. But with dark forces stirring in the cosmos, will he be called back to action? Or are there other paths? A look into the past, present and future of Astro City's cosmic guardian, with guest artist Jesús Merino."

"What do you do when you're a talking gorilla, and all your life you've wanted nothing more than to be a drummer in a rock & roll band? That's right, you go to Astro City. But from there, well, things are never all that simple. Also featuring the First Family, Honor Guard and more. Part 1 of 2."

"It's hard to be a talking ape in the big bad city. Especially when you set out to be a drummer and became a super hero instead. But will that be enough? Can fame and adventure replace lifelong dreams? Do we even have to ask? Featuring Reflex 6, Samaritan and a few surprises."

"It's an Honor Guard spotlight with guest artist Jesus Merino: Blessed from birth by powerful forces, Hummingbird's young life has practically been a fairy tale. But charmed lives come with hidden curses - and her curse may just prove fatal. Luckily, she's not fighting it alone. Guest-starring Cleopatra, Starwoman, Mermaid, Greymalkin and the other women of Honor Guard."

"American Chibi has been a mystery since her debut-until now. Learn the secrets behind her origin, her powers and the deadly threat she stands against in an issue featuring the guest art of rising star Joe Infurnari (The Bunker, Jersey Gods). Plus, is this world-or any other-ready for... Chibi Honor Guard?!"

"A look into the life of Wolfspider, the Australian Honor Guard member. When Queenslaw, a cartoon super hero team from Wolfspider's youth, suddenly turns up as real heroes, he has to deal with his origin, his childhood dreams, and deadly danger. Guest art by Australian comics star Gary Chaloner (Jackaroo, Red Kelso, John Law). Plus: a fistful of Australian super-villains, too! It's a whole theme thing!"

"An ordinary suburban family deals with an alien invasion of their world by powerful monsters from outer space-only this family lives on Zirros, throneworld of the Zirr Empire, and the invaders are those violent superhumans, the First Family. Bullets won't stop them. The army can't stop them. Who can stop 'The Menace from Earth'?"

"'The Menace from Earth' part 2. Trapped behind enemy lines on an alien planet, young Karl Furst has only one chance-an alien child who has been raised all his life to hate the First Family and anyone connected with them. Plus: All-out battle against the Unisaur, Zirros's mightiest weapon."

"A monster's-eye-view of heroes, fear, battle and more, as the Living Nightmare-the embodiment of fear itself-goes up against the Honor Guard, and all its secrets come to light. A story that could change the team forever. And half of them just got new costumes, too. Featuring the work of guest-artist Jesus Merino!"

"A look in at Steeljack, and how he's been getting by the last few years. When he's hired by a femme fatale from his past, he'll wind up in deep trouble, with no one to turn to. Part 1 of a 3-part sequel to 'The Tarnished Angel,' one of ASTRO CITY's most popular stories."

"Steeljack and Cutlass rekindle old memories, and more, as they plumb the depths of Astro City's demimonde to try to clear her name. And, more ex-villains are getting in trouble. Plus: Introducing the Fix-It Man-and the indescribable threat of Retro Rocky's Superbistro."

"Steeljack goes up against Death Itself to save Cutlass. And that's just for starters. But even if he survives, is he being set up to be the fall guy? A climactic tale of money, nostalgia, alibis, collecting, jail time and pure indestructible stubbornness."

"A spotlight on three generations of Jack-in-the-Box, as the second Jack-in-the-Box's son must decide whether to follow in the family footsteps or take another path. Also featuring the Trouble Boys, Mister Drama, the Weirdies and more. And featuring guest artist Ron Randall (CONVERGENCE: CATWOMAN, Trekker). "

"To be revealed after WonderCon."

"The Broken Man returns, revealing secrets that will draw you deep into his broken life, and into turn-of-the-century Astro City, when it was still Romeyn Falls, Dame Progress patrolled the skies, and a rebellious power was growing, seething to break free. Featuring Mister Cakewalk, Jazzbaby and a very strange home called the Dream House. Beginning a whole arc of revelations about Astro City's past, and a dire threat to its future. "

"A look at 1930s Astro City, featuring Jazzbaby, the Cloak of Night, the Blasphemy Boys and more, as we delve into the secrets of the Oubor and the Broken Man's decades-long war against it. Pulp action, serpent cults and speakeasies! Hot jazz meets cold lead, as our historical arc continues."

"In the 15th century, the Hanged Man made a promise. Today, he needs a lawyer. A look back in at Marta Dobrescu, and her life in Shadow Hill, Astro City's occult enclave-a life dealing with ghosts, demons, family, romance, and other horrors. And the Hanged Man won't be her only new client, either. Part 1 of a 2-part story drawn by guest artist Carmen Carnero (Adventures of Supergirl, Dragon Age, Cyclops). "

"Life on Shadow Hill gets a bit more complicated when Marta has to handle a contract matter between the Silver Adept and an extradimensional demigod! On the other hand, she gets to watch baseball with ghosts. Also featuring the Hanged Man. "

"It's our 100th issue celebration! This 40-page extravaganza introduces Astro City's most revered hero-the Astro-Naut! Learn his secrets! See him in action! And in the heat of World War II, see the stunning sacrifice that inspired a grateful populace to rename a city after its greatest hero. Also featuring the All-American, the Lamplighter, Zootsuit and the debut of the Gentleman, as our tour through Astro City's history continues! This amazing anniversary issue features two covers: one by regular cover artist Alex Ross, and the other by the great Alex Ross!"

"At long last, it's the origin of the Gentleman! Lord Saampa and his Serpent Cult strike in the US but are they here to serve their scaly god, or to save a soul? And either way, can the Gentleman stop them? Plus: Another incarnation of Astro City's counterculture champions-this time, one you've seen before! RATED T"

"At long last, it's the origin of the Gentleman! Lord Saampa and his Serpent Cult strike in the U.S.... but are they here to serve their scaly god, or to save a soul? And either way, can the Gentleman stop them? Plus: Another incarnation of Astro City's counterculture champions - this time, one you've seen before!"

"A tale of murder, mystery and a cat. Starring Nightingale, Sunhawk and their cat. Did we mention the cat? The cat's the lead character. Featuring guest art by Rick Leonardi (SUPERMAN, Spider-Man 2099). Mreow. RATED T"

"'WHAT BROKE THE BROKEN MAN?' part one of two! Astro City's tangled history of superheroes, music, counterculture, serpents and darkness comes to a head. Heroes are destroyed, minds are shattered and an unlikely savior rises. RATED T"

"The final chapter in the Broken Man's century-spanning revelations about Astro City, music, rebellion, heroes and the threat of the Oubor. The Broken Man is mounting a defense-but does it stand a chance, or is it as cracked as he is? Featuring Honor Guard, the First Family and more, in a story that sets the stage for everything that is to come for Astro City. "

"Meet G-Dog, possibly ASTRO CITY's most unusual superhero ever. Half man, half dog - but who's running the show? The answers will change a life, reveal another hero's deepest secrets, and possibly, just possibly, save the world. Oh, who are we kidding... they'll definitely change the world. Do you see that handsome face? Also featuring Honor Guard, with guest art by Mike Norton (Revival, Battlepug). "

"A tale of redemption and farewell, as G-Dog learns the secrets of his origin, faces personal tragedy and joins a very unlikely superhero team. Featuring the return of Kittyhawk and Rocket Dog, and the debut of Ghost Ferret. Part two of a special two-parter with art by guest artist Mike Norton (Revival, Battlepug). RATED T"

"The story of Resistor, who's making headlines all across the nation. And one reporter is determined to find out the truth - not simply to report it, but to find her missing father. A story of protest and power, love and loss, and an enigmatic, ever-changing hero."

"Our 50th issue begins a special new story: Michael Tenicek lost his wife, years ago, to a chronal cataclysm. But he's not the only one in Astro City whose life has been upended by life among the superheroes. Today, we'll meet others, learn their stories and see how Michael-and friends-cope with their trauma. A sequel to the Eisner-nominated 'The Nearness of You,' considered by many to be ASTRO CITY's best story ever. RATED T"

"Our three-part look into the lives of Astro City 'survivors' continues. A woman coping with a devastating loss joins the support group Michael Tenicek has been running for years. But will Michael help her, or will she tear the group apart? For those damaged by life in Astro City, hope and wonder are elusive things. Featuring Honor Guard, the Hanged Man and more. "

"It's the final issue of ASTRO CITY...for now. Michael Tenicek lost his world years ago. Now he may lose another, as ordinary life among the extraordinary takes a shattering turn. A character-focused finale to the ongoing Vertigo ASTRO CITY series, and a launch point for its new form. Guest-starring the Hanged Man, Honor Guard and more."