Astro City #46

Introduced early in the current run of Astro City as part narrator and part guide, the true identity and agenda of the Broken Man has been in question. Tying back to the recent musical-history-inspired stories of Jazzbaby and Glamorax, Astro City #46 finally reveals the true origins of the Broken Man and his first contact with dark entity known as the Oubor.

Not only do we learn where the Broken Man came from, a truth that even he himself can't come to admit, but also his reasoning for breaking the 4th wall and talking directly to the audience. Far more than just a guide through the history of Astro City's music and heroes, the Broken Man needs our help.

I'll admit being surprised by the reveal of the Broken Man's creation. Plus, we get some classic Jack-in-the-Box action thrown in for free. While the comic does give us hard facts about the odd character, the truth about the Oubor remains largely a mystery. It's obviously opposed to the Broken Man and what he stands for, but what does it want? And how can we, the audience, help? Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $3.99]