In this part 1 episode of Unspoken Issues, Jesse is joined by Dean Compton and Darry to tackle one of the most respected superhero comics of the 1990s: Kurt Busiek’s Astro City. Known for its thoughtful storytelling and deeply human approach to superheroes, Astro City stands as a sharp contrast to the era’s stereotype of pouches, extreme violence, and flashy gimmicks. The hosts explore the first volume of the series—issues #1–6 plus the famous Wizard #½ issue—and discuss why this book has remained such an influential and beloved title for nearly three decades.

The discussion begins with the opening three issues, which perfectly establish the tone and mission of the series. From the exhausting daily life of Samaritan—Astro City’s Superman analogue—to a journalist struggling to report the impossible in a world full of miracles, these stories reveal the hidden emotional and societal layers of a superhero world. Instead of focusing only on battles and spectacle, Astro City asks deeper questions: What does it actually feel like to live in a city full of heroes? How does heroism affect ordinary people? And what happens when someone learns just a little too much about the people behind the masks?

Throughout the episode, the hosts highlight the brilliance of Busiek’s writing, Brent Anderson’s storytelling, and Alex Ross’s iconic designs that help bring this world to life. They explore the book’s themes of responsibility, mythmaking, and everyday humanity while also celebrating standout characters like Samaritan and Jack-in-the-Box.