From: [m--rr--w] at [riph5.rice.edu] (My Elmo Valentine)
Subject: ANNOT: Who's Who in KBAC v10.0
Date: 16 Feb 1997 06:55:01 -0700
Newsgroups: rec.arts.comics.info
Who's Who and What's What in Kurt Busiek's Astro City
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release 10.0
Citations are volume.issue:page.panel, volume assumed to be 1 unless
otherwise stated. The Wizard 1/2 issue is tagged as 2.0.5. NAI = "No
additional information." Not all normal, non-super people are listed. I've
probably missed refs to EC artists, since Kurt loves 'em and I am not an EC
nerd.
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* ACFA: 1:16.2. Astro City Firefighters Assocation.
* ACPW: 2.1:23.1. Astro City Public Works.
* ACTA: 2:24.2, et al. Astro City Transit Authority.
* Air Ace: 2.1:5.2. The first publically acknowledged superhero, who was
from Romeyn Falls. Fought the Barnstormers. In the modern era, there is
an "Air Ace" comic book.
* Alien Detector: 1:10.2. A device in Honor Guard headquarters (1995),
calibrated to recognize non-humans.
* All-American: 2:3; 2.0.5:9.3. A 1940s-era star-spangled, sports-themed
super-hero. Partnered with Slugger, the Junior Dynamo. Fought the
Time-Keeper and the Blackout Bandits. Announces retirement, 1959.
* Altar Boy: 2.4:1.4, 2.5:1.1. Brian Kinney, a young man from Buchanan
Corners who travels to Astro City and becomes the sidekick of the
Confessor. Has defeated Glue-Gun in his secret ID. The surplice of his
costume has a weighted hem and a low-friction coating.
* Animal-Men: 2.2:5.3. A near-legendary tribe. Nadia (NLN) left Augustus
Furst for the tribe's prince, who was later incarcerated, possibly for
involvement in Nadia's disappearance. Also known as Beast-Peoples.
Ruled by Kaspian.
* Antibodies: 2.2:17.1. Energy beings who guard the Silver Brain.
* Aperstomum: 2.2:19.1. See "dimensional aperstomum".
* Arriola's Taco Cat: 6:12.5. An automated taco stand in the 35th century
in the utopian timeline. [Ref to Gus Arriola, creator of "Gordo".]
* Astra: 4:17.4 et al. The daughter of Natalie Furst and Rex, a member of
the First Family. Her full name is Astra Nadia Furst-Zorus. Can turn
into energy and project and manipulate energy in various forms. Born in
1986. [Phenotypical evidence suggests that Astra is not Rex's natural
daughter.]
* Astrobank: 1:11.2. A bank in Astro City; City Center branch attacked by
Menagerie Gang, Fass Gardens branch robbed by false Crackerjack. The
Astrobank Tower has the Astro City Beacon mounted on it.
* Astro City: 1, etc. From 2:3, city was rebuilt and renamed in 1947.
Possibly named after Astro-Naut. Original name is Romeyn Falls. Astro
City is not on the East Coast.
* Astro City Aquarium: 2:24.2. NAI.
* Astro City Area Transit: 2.4:2.4. A commercial firm that runs a bus
line.
* Astro City Athletic Club: 3:13.5. NAI.
* Astro City Beacon: 4:9.3 et al. Serves as a alert for Astro City's
superheros; color and pattern of rings gives location and nature of the
danger. Memorial to a hero who gave his life to save millions. Mounted
on the Astrobank Tower.
* Astro City Experience: 2.4:7.1. A short presentation about Astro City.
* Astro City Irregulars: 5:2ff. Formal name of the Irregulars.
* Astro City Metropolitan Council of Schools: 2.4:6.3. An organization
that honored Samaritan.
* Astro City Rocket: 2, etc. Premier Astro City newspaper.
* Astro City Stars: 2.0.5:5.1. A baseball team.
* Astro City Stock Exchange: 6:1.1. NAI.
* Astro Kidz 2-Day: 2.2:6.2. A television show hosted by Stanley Tripp.
[Q.v.]
* Astro-Naut: 2:7.3. Headline: "Astro-Naut exposes fifth columnists"
(pre-1947). May have sacrificed himself to save millions (4:9.1).
Headline, 2.0.5:10.4: "Astro-Naut Captures Ersatz Ed".
* Atmo-Sphere: 2.3:1.5. The hemispherical bubble of air enclosing Monstro
City on the ocean floor.
* Bakerville: 3:6.1. A district of Astro City that rioted in 1968
following Martin Luther King's death. [Ref to Matt Baker, GA artist of
Phantom Lady and the first black comic book artist of note.]
* Barnstormers: 2.0.5:14.3. Fought the Air Ace.
* Beast-Peoples: 2.3:7.2. Another name for the Animal-Men.
* Beautie: 1:10.2, etc. Member of Honor Guard 1995. Apparently, a living,
superstrong life-size fashion doll. [Correct coloring is in 1.]
* Beefy Bob's: 6:8.2. A restaurant on Stallman St. [A Busiek darling,
appearing in VAMPIRELLA, SILVER STAR, and SHADOWHAWK. Its mascot is
Melvin the Interrupting Cow.]
* Bermuda Triangle: 2.3:1.1. An area in the Caribbean Sea directly above
Monstro City. [In our world, falsely associated with Fortean phenomena.
Probably genuinely associated with Fortean phenomena in the world of
Astro City.]
* Binderbeck Plaza: 3:6.1 et al. Formerly the Dutch section of town, but
now the heart of Astro City. [Ref to Otto Binder and C.C. Beck, GA and
SF writer and creator/artist of Captain Marvel respectively.]
* Biro Island: 1:14.1, 3:7.1. Has a jail (1995). [Ref to Golden Age
artist Charles Biro.]
* Black Badge: 2.4:8.4. A superhero from the late 60s who retired in
1972. He was mostly active in Bakerville. Real name K.O. Carson. Now
runs Bruiser's.
* Blackout Bandits: 2.0.5:10.4. Fought the All-American.
* Black Rapier: 1:10.1, etc. Member of 1995 Honor Guard, current
chairman. Wears a fencing mask and uses a foil. Technical expert
capable of repairing the Honor Guard alien detector.
* Blue Knight: 3:7.1. Headline: "Blue Knight Implicated in Slayings".
* Boilermaker: 3:9.3. A drunk's idea of a good supervillain to fight the
Confessor. Not an actual character.
* Bolling Elementary School: 2.3:21.1. A school in Astro City [Ref to Bob
Bolling, creator of Li'l Archie. Check out 2.3:6.6 for some early work
by Kurt, Brent, and Alex.]
* Bouncing Beatnik: 2:13, etc. Associated with Honor Guard on first
Shirak the Devourer case. Hepcat acrobat. In the modern era, there is a
"Bouncing Beatnik Comics" comic book. [Homage to Steve Ditko
characters.]
* Brahmin: 2.1:3.1. Boston superhero.
* Brass Monkey: 1:7.3, 3:6.1. Headline, 8 Aug 95: "Jack-in-the Box
captures Brass Monkey". Appears in 3:6.1; seems to be, indeed, a brass
monkey-like figure.
* Bridwell (Mr.): 5:1.1. A pseudonym used by alien spy (unknown race)
masquerading as a human. Summons an alien invasion. [Ref to E. Nelson
Bridwell, DC Comics writer, editor, and general omniscient.]
* Briefer's: 2.3. In 1959, a store in Astro City. [Ref to comic strip
artist Dick Briefer (1940's Frankenstein).]
* Bruiser's: 2.4:8.1. A bar for the more physical or less sophisticated
members of the superhero community, run by the retired Black Badge.
* Buchanan Corners: 2.4:1.1. A rural town in Hood County, home to Brian
Kinney. [Ref to James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, sidekick to Captain
America.]
* Butler's: 2.4:14.1. A private club for the sophisticated superhero. No
masks, except on the employees. Run by Jedson Godfrey. Located in
Wodehouse Mews in Anders Van Rupert's mansion. Among the employees of
Butler's is an empath.
* Cairo Club: 3:8.2. Egyptian-motif club, possibly associated with the
Deacon.
* Chesler: 3:1.2. Neighborhood in Astro City, also known as "the
Sweatshop". [Ref to sweatshop comic book publisher Harry A. Chesler.]
* Chessmen: 3:6.1. Mentioned in news article (8 April 68) as "elite
super-villain force" who have encountered Jack-in-the-Box numerous
times. Members included the Pawn and the Queen's Bishop.
* Chronal Realm: 2.0.5:11.2. The time-stream, the domain of Eterneon.
* Chrono-pack: 2.0.5:9.3. A device used by the Time-Keeper and his
minions.
* Cicero Street: 1:14.3. NAI. [Ref to cat in "Mutt and Jeff".]
* Cleopatra I: 2:13, etc. Member of Honor Guard (1959). Uses magic. Wears
stylized ancient Egyptian garb. Caucasian. Spells include "power
pyramid".
* Cleopatra II: 1:10.2, etc. Member of Honor Guard (1995). Uses magic.
Wears stylized ancient Egyptian garb. Black. Headline, 5:5.1:
"Cleopatra vs. Gnomicron".
* Closet, The: 1:17.4. Evidently an extradimensional storage space, where
Samaritan stores his trophies. Has microspore buildup.
* Commando K: 2:7.4. Headline: "Commando K lost near Pyongyang".
Presumably a Korean War-era hero.
* Confessor: 3:9.2f, 2.4:24.1. A mysterious superhero operating out of
the Vestry, located in Grandenetti Cathedral in Astro City. Has never
been photographed. May be seen in his secret ID in 2.4:17.2, and 20.4f.
[In 2.5:10.2, captures Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross, and Brent Anderson. Q.v.
1.3:9.6 and 1.4:4.4.]
* Conquerlord: 2.0.5:2.4. Defeated by Honor Guard at the UN.
* Crackerjack: 5:4.1. Eugene Wallace (may not be his original name), an
acrobat and athlete and would-be actor. Street-level super with no
major super powers; carries a fighting baton with a wirepoon device.
Romantically involved at some level with Quarrel II. The "Eugene
Wallace" identity becomes public, 5:14. Debuted in 1991. Headline,
5:10.0: "Crackerjack Interviewed". Impersonated by "Bridwell" alien,
2.5:6ff.
* Craig Avenue: 3:9.1. Site of the Craig Avenue Bar and Grill. Probably
named after the Silver Agent. [Ref to EC artist Johnny Craig. Some of
its patrons, 3:9.6, seem to include Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross and Brent
Anderson.]
* Crossbreed: 2.4:3.1. A group of superheroes of born-again Christian
faith. Membership includes Daniel, a lion-morph; a giant (Goliath?), a
black man with blank eyes, a winged woman, a bearded man with a
shepherd's crook who can call lightning (Moses?), and a person with
long blond hair. They proselytize on street corners and have fought the
Devil's Own in Montana and Temblor in San Francisco.
* Current: 1:7.2. "Astro City Feature Weekly". Employs Samaritan in his
civilian ID. Features include "Our Brightest Stars/Astro City's 25
Loveliest Luminaries" and a piece on the Starwoman retrospective at the
Museum of Modern History.
* Daniel: 2.4:3.1. A leonine humanoid member of the Crossbreed. [Also
called Lafcadio in a ref to Shel Silverstein's STORY OF LAFCADIO THE
LION WHO SHOT BACK.]
* Davis Grocers: 3:13.5. Formerly on Ingels St. [Ref to EC/Mad artist
Jack Davis.]
* Deacon, The: 1:10.1, 3:6.1, 3:21.3. On 8 Aug 95, Black Rapier "thinks
the Deacon's up to something". 3:6.1. Has encountered Jack-in-the-Box.
Wears priest garb, hair in an inverse tonsure "Moe" cut and exhibits
other evidence of a fixation on monks.
* Deadline, The: 2:7.2. A bar for reporter-types in 1959 Astro City.
* Demolitia: 4:4.2 et al. An exoskeleton-powered supervandal, member of
the Unholy Alliance.
* Derbyfield: 4:4.1. A neighborhood in Astro City next to Derbyville.
[Unknown ref.]
* Derbyville: 3:6.1. A neighborhood in Astro City next to Derbyfield.
Home of Pawn. [Unknown ref.]
* Derelikt: 2.3:17.1. An enemy of the First Family, currently believed to
be somewhere in space.
* Destructoid: 5:10.0. Headline: "Destructoid Rampage".
* Devil's Own: 2.4:3.1. Opponent(s) of the Crossbreed.
* Dimensional Aperstomum: 2.2:19.1. A device the Silver Brain uses to
escape the Mentoverse.
* Disastroids: 3:18.1. Opponents of the Honor Guard.
* Doc Toxic: 3:6.1. Foe of the Experimentals.
* Draketown: 2.1:11.4. A town in Alaska destroyed by Thunderhead. [Ref to
Arnold Drake, writer of the Doom Patrol (whose last Doom Patrol story
involved a threat to destroy a small Maine town, so it's also a ref to
that).]
* Dr. Saturday: 1:8.5, 1:10.1. Uses giant cartoon-like robots in an
attack on the Denver City Hall on 8 Aug 95. Stopped by Samaritan.
* Eisenstein, "Eyes": 3:1ff. Petty criminal who learns the secret ID of
Jack-in-the-Box (II?).
* Elder's Gym: 3:14.1. Formerly on Ingels St. [Ref to Bill Elder, GA
artist.]
* Elias Street: 2:9.1. Has a subway station. [Ref to artist Lee Elias.]
* Empyrean Web: 1:19.3, etc. Samaritan's projected force field.
* Ersatz Ed: 2.0.5:10.4. Captured by the Astro-Naut.
* Estrada Pavilion: 6:4.2. Site of an auto show. [Ref to artist Ric
Estrada, for his HOT WHEELS work.]
* Eterneon: 6:12.4; 2.0.5:11.2. The Lord of Time. Has fought Samaritan
and the Time-Keeper.
* Everett Pier: 3:9.1. NAI. [Ref to Sub-Mariner creator Bill Everett.]
* Experimentals, The: Headline, 2:2.1: "Who are the Experimentals?"
Headline, 3:6.1: "Experimentals Revive After [Doc] Toxic Cla[sh]". The
article indicates that the Experimentals were artificial heroes created
in 1968 by an unreadable name. [Homage to the Metal Men.]
* Fass Gardens: 4:4.1. A neighborhood in Astro City. [Ref to artist Myron
Fass.]
* FBU: See Fox-Broome University.
* Feldstein's Bar & Grill: 2:19.3. An establishment in 1959 Astro City.
[Ref to EC and Mad editor Al Feldstein.]
* Fever: 6:14.3. One of Winged Victory's arch-enemies, more or less.
* First Family: 1:8.1 et al. A group of superheros related by family
ties. Led by Augustus Furst, the First Family includes brother Julius
Furst, adopted son Nick, adopted daughter Natalie, Natalie's husband
Rex, and their daughter Astra. The First Family illustration on 4:back
cover also features the face of Madame Majestrix, Rex's mother. First
Family headquarters is on Mount Kirby. There is a "100% Authorized"
First Family comic book.
Article in 1:8.1, transcribed in its entirety:
Famous "Firsts"
45 Years and Three
Generations of Adventure
Dr. Augustus Furst arrived in his hometown of St. Paul,
Minnesota, this past May, to give the commencement address at the
Harold Jordan Memorial High School graduation exercises. There
was a brass band and a parade, and throngs of admirers from as
far away as Boston, Massachusetts, and Fairbanks, Alaska. But
there were also people who know Dr. Furst personally, and who've
known him since he was a students at "H.J.'s", as the locals put
it. "He was a science nerd then, and he's a science nerd now,"
says Mamie Didrickson, 64, Furst's date to his high-school senior
prom. "But he's a really, really famous science nerd."
Indeed. In between high school and today have come four wives,
innumerable enemies, a pair of super-powered adoptive children
(born to an ex-wife and an exotic enemy), a marriage for one of
those children that shocked the world, the globe's most famous
grandchild and, of course, a lifetime of adventure and lasting
fame as head of what the world has come to know as "The First
Family."
It's been a heady ride for Dr. Furst and for his younger brother
Julius, starting back in 1950 with what was supposed to be a
research field trip to Romania. "Some fancy scientific
muck-a-mucks had been having trouble with something behind the
Iron Curtain," says Julius. "They thought is [sic] was some
unreadable energy flux whatsit that was drainin' energy from
one'a their manufacturin' plants--they didn't know it was Onggu
the Omnivorous. Nobody knew about that until Gus got there.
"Anyway, they'd seen some stuff Gus wrote in one'a those science
journal things he used to clog up the livin' room with--he
[transcript ends.]
[Harold Jordan Memorial High School is an homage to Hal "Green Lantern"
Jordan.]
The First Family is also seen in headline, 2:2.1: "First Family to
City: Good-Bye!" Also in 2:2.1, "Rex and Natalie: It's a Girl!" refers
to Astra, "the globe's most famous grandchild". In headline, 3:6.1,
"Dr. Furst Battles 'Space Spiders' ". In 3:18.1, the First Family is
"out of town", with the implication that they're regularly *in* town,
despite the headilne of 2:2.1. Life Magazine, 5:10.0: "Special First
Family album issue". Headline, 5:11.3: "First Family Leaves City". The
First Family trophy room in 2.3:22.1 contains three giant robots
apparently named "Mo", "La", and "Cu", a reference to the Three
Stooges.
* Flamethrower: 4:12.5. Supervillain, member of Unholy Alliance. Uses a
powered suit.
* Fox-Broome University: 1:8.6, 3:6.1. A university in Astro City. Giant
paramecia cause havoc at its bio labs and are stopped by Samaritan, 8
Aug 1995. Mentioned in context with the Experimentals; probably the
home institution for their creator. [Ref to Gardner Fox and John
Broome, GA and SA writers for DC Comics.]
* Frontiersman: 2:2.1,2:3. 1950's-era hero. Headline: "Final Frontier."
Advertisement: "The Frontiersman says `For smoothness and taste, my
choice is Frontiers!' Frontier Brand Cigarettes". Wears Davy
Crockett-type costume.
* Furst, Augustus: 1:8.1 et al. A scientist and inventor, founder of the
First Family. Has been married four times, once to Nadia (NLN).
Adoptive father to Nick and Natalie Furst. According to Kurt:
[Augustus] doesn't smoke. He used to, but he quit years ago.
However, he kept misplacing his mini-energenerator, which requires
open airflow around it. So he decided to keep it where he'd always
be able to find it. And yes, it's the same kind of energy [as Nick's
and Astra's].
* Furst, Julius: 1:8.1 et al. Elder brother to Augustus Furst and member
of the First Family. Uses a variety of weapons designed by his brother.
[In name and appearance, an homage to legendary editor Julius
Schwartz.]
* Furst, Natalie: 2:2.1 et al. The daughter of Nadia (NLN) and Prince
Kaspian, the adopted daughter of Augustus Furst, and a member of the
First Family. Married to Rex. Mother of Astra. Can grow to giant size
and turn intangible.
* Furst, Nick: 4:17.4 et al. The son of Nadia (NLN) and Prince Kaspian,
the adopted son of Augustus Furst, and a member of the First Family.
Engaged to Darcy Conroy. Can project energy in various forms.
* Gaines River: 3:6.1. Mentioned in article. Probably the river adjacent
to the Sweatshop. [Ref to M.C. Gaines, the inventor of the comic book
in its modern form, and/or his son, William Gaines, EC publisher.]
* Gemension Jewel: 2.3:4.3. Focus of a conflict between the First Family
and Madame Majestrix.
* Generica Books: 2.3:11.4. A store in Astro City.
* Gentleman: 2.1:10.3. A flying, superstrong superhero in a tuxedo.
Possibly related to Max O'Millions. The Gentleman may appear in his
secret identity in 2.1:1.4. [The Gentleman's face resembles that of the
Fawcett Comics hero Captain Marvel, which was patterned after actor
Fred MacMurray.]
* Gibson [St?]: 2.5:5.4. A street in Astro City, with a bar frequented by
criminals. [Ref?]
* Gleason: 3:9.2. Criminal (caught by the Confessor?). [Probable ref to
Lev Gleason (see 3:9.4), publisher of Crime Does Not Pay.]
* Glowworm: 4:14.2. Supervillain, member of Unholy Alliance. Transformed
by an accident. Can fire energy blasts. May be unable to speak.
* Glue-Gun: 2.4:18.1. A supervillain armed with a high-pressure epoxy
gun. [Homage to Marvel villain Paste-Pot Pete, aka the Trapster.]
* Gnomes: 1:10.1. On 8 Aug 95, Cleopatra II reports "gnomes massing in
the mountains." Q.v. Gnomicron.
* Gnomicron: 5:5.1,5:7.1. A mechanical creation of the mountain gnomes of
Glittertinden, Norway. It is powered by a mystic furnace. It has been
destroyed and rebuilt at least once. Limited to mountain areas, whether
by necessity or nature of activity is unclear. Foe of Cleopatra.
* Godfrey, Jedson: 2.4:14.2. Proprietor of Butler's. Butler to Anders Van
Rupert (probably Leopardman) and inheritor of much of his estate. He is
the very model of a perfect gentleman's gentleman.
* Goldenboy: 6:13.3. Uses enhanced charisma to ensnare women. Defeated by
Beautie.
* Goodman-Donenfeld: 3:1.3. A place of employment across the river from
the Sweatshop. [Ref to Martin Goodman and Irwin Donenfeld, original
publishers of Marvel Comics and DC Comics respectively; probably a
satirical nod to Marvel and DC's past and present work conditions.]
* Gorilla Swarm: 2.2:14.1. Insect-headed, gorilla-bodied hive-mind
entities. The gorilla swarm ramets go berserk when the hive mind is
disrupted.
* Goscinny's: 6:7.4. A fine dining restaurant. [Ref to Rene' Goscinny,
co-creator of Asterix the Gaul.]
* Grandenetti Ave.: 4:2.1. A street in Shadow Hill. [Ref to artist Jerry
Grandenetti.]
* Grandenetti Cathedral: 5:7.3, 2.5:7.1. A cathedral in Astro City.
Associated with an abbey; constructed by Cardinal Enzio Grandenetti
from 1869 to his death in 1908. Occupies 14 city blocks. [Ref to artist
Jerry Grandenetti. Visually based on the Sagrada Familia Cathedral
built by Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona.]
* Grant, Miller, Conroy, McConnell, and Ingersoll: 4:6.1. A law firm.
Rising star Darcy Conroy is Nick Furst's fiancee. [Ref to Paul Grant,
Harris Miller, Mic McConnell and Bob Ingersoll, lawyers and comics
semipros and fans.]
* Groza's: 4:2.2. A bakery/coffee shop in Shadow Hill. [Ref?]
* Guilloteam: 2.5:15.4. A band of villains mentioned by the Confessor.
* Haney, Senator: 6:7.1. NAI. [Ref to writer Bob Haney.]
* Hanged Man: 4:2.1. A mute, telepathic, flying, effigy-like being who
patrols Shadow Hill. Can grow to hundreds of feet in height.
* Headstone: 2.5:8.3. A mobster operating in Astro City since at least
1976. At one time, employed former Queen's Bishop Sean Hanrahan.
* Helia: 2.1:20.3. Probably an ancient sun goddess, married to
Thunderhead.
* Honor Guard: 1:9-11, 2:12-18, etc. Founded by Max O'Millions in 1959 in
order to oppose the Legions of Midnight. Initial membership included
N-Forcer, Cleopatra I, Leopardman and Kitkat, Starwoman, and Silver
Agent. Aided on occasion by the Bouncing Beatnik, the Old Soldier, and
the Lamplighter. Membership as of 8 Aug 95: Samaritan, M.P.H., Black
Rapier (current chairman), Cleopatra II, Quarrel II, N-Forcer (in
updated armor), Beautie. On 8 Aug 95, headquarters is in camouflage
mode over the Midwest. Previous membership includes the Living
Nightmare (in marine pilot mode) for two separate periods. Headline,
2:2.1: "Aliens Routed by Honor Guard" (the Zonn?). In 3:18.1, the Honor
Guard is apparently handling the Disastroids.
* Hood County: 2.4:8.3. The county which Buchanan Corners is in.
[Possibly "hood" = "superhero costume" as in WATCHMEN's Hollis Mason's
UNDER THE HOOD.]
* Human Weasel: 3:6.1. Foe of Jack-in-the-Box, appears, indeed, to be a
humanoid weasel.
* Iger Street: 2:19.3. Has a subway station. [Ref to Golden Age artist
Jerry Iger.]
* Ingels St: 3:13.4. NAI. [Ref to EC artist 'Ghastly' Graham Ingels.]
* Insectra: 2.3:17.1. An enemy of the First Family, currently in custody.
Her helmet may be on display in 2.3:22.1.
* Insiders: 2.3:13.1. The minions of Lord Volcanus. May be related to the
Scavenger Peoples.
* Iron Horde: 6:5.1. Fought Winged Victory and Samaritan at some time.
Possibly equivalent to the Iron Legion.
* Ironhorse: 2.4:10.1. The Human Locomotive, from the mid-19th century.
One of the first superheroes. Steam-powered and apparently stronger
than Rex. Considerably over 130 years old.
* Iron Legion: 2.1:4.2. Armor-suited goons. Possibly equivalent to the
Iron Horde.
* Irregulars, The: 5:2ff. Formally known as the Astro City Irregulars.
Misfit teenage heroes, including Ruby, El Robo, Palmetto, Jailbait,
Juice, and Stray. Headline, 1:9.1: "Shouldn't They Be in School?"
Headline, 5:10.0: "Irregulars Wanted for Questioning".
* Jack-in-the-Box: 1:7.3; 3. A street-level hero in clown costume.
Headline, 8 Aug 95: "Jack-in-the Box captures Brass Monkey". Secret ID
Zachary Johnson, a black man, owner of Z.J. Toys. Possibly the second
Jack-in-the-Box; there is a 5 1/2 year gap in Jack's career, and
Johnson looks too young to have had a thirty-year career (according to
small-time hood "Eyes" Eisenstein, no older than late thirties, Jack
looks younger than he does). The timing is about right for the first
Jack to have been the current Jack's father. Jack's career started in
1964 (5:18.1) when he saved some hostages ("a violent and goofy
debut"--Astro City Rocket). On or about 7 April 1968, Jack exposed
corruption on the Astro City wharfs (apparently in the aftermath of a
confrontation with the Chessmen). On or about 9 September 1976, Jack
defeated Morningstar. On or about 13 October 1983, Jack was trapped in
a fiery explosion and feared dead. On or about 5 May 1989, Jack
returned to intervene in a gangland slaying. [Jack's appearance and
modus operandi suggest a variety of Steve Ditko characters, but Jack is
not otherwise a direct homage.]
* Jailbait: 5:3.1. Knife-throwing member of the Irregulars.
* Jesus Freaks: 2.4:2.5. A pejorative name for the Crossbreed (q.v.).
* Johnny Crash: 2.4:8.1. Wrote memoirs. NAI.
* Juice: 5.3. (Named in 2.1:lettercol). Living electricity member of the
Irregulars.
* Junior Dynamo: 2.0.5:9.3. See Slugger.
* Kamen's Deli: 3:13.5. Formerly on Ingels St. [Ref to EC artist Jack
Kamen.]
* Karnus: 2:10.2. The head acolyte of Shirak the Devourer in 1959.
* KACT: 6:8.4. TV station. Typo for KAST?
* Kaspian: 2.3:7.1. Prince of the Animal-Men, father to Nick and Natalie
Furst.
* KAST: 2.1:1.4. TV station, channel 7 in Astro City.
* KBAC: 4:5.4, 5:22.2. News radio 71 (bus ad), TV channel 3.
[Self-reference.]
* Kiefer St.: 4:2.1. A street in Shadow Hill. [Unknown ref.]
* Kinney, Brian: 2.4:1.4. See Altar Boy.
* Kitkat: 2:13, etc. Member of Honor Guard, 1959. Sidekick to Leopardman.
Powers include ability to cling to sheer side of stalactite.
* Klein Ave.: 5:18.4. A street in Astro City. [Ref to inker George
Klein.]
* Klodhopper Shoes: 2.3:11.4. A store in Astro City.
* K'ntar: 5:6.2. Apparently an alien dominion, whose royal family
includes Starwoman.
* Kratorr: 2.3:15.1. An enemy of the First Family, probably a resident of
the moon. First fought Augustus and Julius Furst in 1954. Has a lot of
minions.
* Krunch: 2.4:9.3. A patron of Bruiser's. [Apparently an homage to
Popeye.]
* Lamplighter, The: 2:3. Announces retirement, 1959. LIFE article,
2.0.5:10.5: "Who is the Lamplighter?"
* Legions of Midnight: 2:13.1. Group whose activities led to the
formation of the Honor Guard as opposition.
* Leopardman: 2:13, etc. Member of Honor Guard, 1959. Mentor to Kitkat.
Apparently a Batman-type vigilante. Believed to have been the late
Anders Van Rupert, but unproven.
* Living Nightmare: 1:19.4, etc. Quoting Samaritan's description:
The Living Nightmare was created years ago by a psychologist who
tried to eliminate fear. Instead, all he did was externalize it,
creating a violent, destructive creature that lashes out at
anything that threatens it. Over the years, the Nightmare's
taken many forms, even twice, with a marine pilot's mind
superseding the creature's consciousness, becoming a member of
Honor Guard. These days [1995] it's in an exceptionally annoying
configuration. It appears out of nowehere, it's drawn to the
super-powered beings that have so often contained it, and it
leeches off our energy so that I can't harm it and every time I
hit it I grow weaker. And it always--always!--attacks when I'm
tired.
* Ljinders, Astrid: 2.3:6.6. A pseudonym used by Astra.
* Loony Leo: 2.1:5.3. A cartoon lion come to life who has his own
restaurant.
* Lord Volcanus: 2.3:13.1. An enemy of the First Family, master of the
Magma Palace, and lord of the Insiders.
* Lummox: 2.4:9.3. A patron of Bruiser's from out of town.
* Madame Majestrix: 2.3:4.2; 4:bc. Sometime ruler of Monstro City, mother
of Rex.
* Magma Palace: 2.3:13.1. The ruling citadel of Lord Volcanus.
* Mama Angka's Yak Palace: 6:7.4. Probably a gag. In Tibet, if real.
* Maneely's: Store in Astro City, 1959. [Ref to Atlas artist Joe
Maneely.]
* Maritime Museum: 1:14.2. NAI.
* Marston, Judge: 6:7.1. NAI. [Ref to William Moulton Marston, creator of
Wonder Woman.]
* Max O'Millions: 2:12, etc. Founder of Honor Guard. Giant, at least 12
feet tall. Dresses in red formalwear.
* Melody Fine Coffees & Teas: 2.1:24.2. A kissaten in Astro City. [Homage
to Sylvie Rancourt's semi-autobio series of the same name and
logotype.]
* Menagerie Gang: 1:11.2. At least seven crooks who wear animal masks
(cat, owl, fox, frog, bear, others?). Defeated (easily) by Honor Guard
(1995). [Homage to Batman's foes The Terrible Trio, Marvel villains the
Ani-Men?]
* Mentoverse: 2.2:10.1. An alternate dimension.
* Microspore: 1:17.4. Buildup material, apparently like dust, in the
Closet.
* Middleman: 3:12.2. Apparently normal man, dealing in stolen goods.
* Mister Smartie: 2.2:10:6. A computer construct who serves as Astra's
tutor.
* Mob: Article, 3:6.1. Speculative reading of squiggles suggest that
Astro City mob figures in 1976 include Mr. Gallows, "Lucky" Lorenzo, ,
the Headstone (Q.v.), the [Big?] Boss, the Crime-King, and the Head
Man, but identification is insufficient to warrant separate entries.
* Monstro City: 2.3:1.3. The undersea home of Rex, ruled by Madame
Majestrix.
* Morningstar: 3:6.1. An armored criminal, defeated by Jack-in-the-Box on
or about 9 Sept 1976.
* Mount Kirby: 4:1.1. Mountain on the west side of the Shadow Hill
neighborhood of Astro City. [Ref to Jack "King" Kirby, possibly the
greatest American comic book artist ever.]
* M.P.H.: 1:10.3, etc. Member of 1995 Honor Guard. Speedster. 15% alien
overlay on his physiology, concentrated in his nervous system. Has a
speedometer mounted on the chest of his costume.
* Museum of Modern History: 5:5.1. Features a Starwoman retrospective.
* Nadia: 2.2:5.2. No last name known. Native Yugoslavian, rescued from
alien energy field by Augustus Furst, whom she later married and
abandoned. She left Furst for Prince Kaspian of the Animal-Men. She
later turned up missing and her twin infant children, Nick and Natalie,
who had been affected by the alien energy field, were adopted by Furst.
* N-Forcer: 1:10.2, 2:12, etc. Member of Honor Guard 1959, 1995. Has
updated armor, presumably multiple times over years. Can project
energy. Appears to be energy being partially contained by metallic
armor. Headline, 5:10.0: "N-Forcer Saves Senate".
* Neural-Net: 2.2.:14.1. A device built by the Silver Brain that
amplifies his psionic commands.
* Night Creatures: 4:1.5. The "lesser" night creatures may be found in
Shadow Hill at night.
* Nightingale: 5:19.3. A darkness-projecting superheroine. Partnered with
Sunbird. [Probable homage to Nightwing and Flamebird, two superheroes
from Kandor.]
* Nordling's: 5:1.1. Department store, established 1921. [Possible ref to
Klaus Nordling(?), artist of Lady Luck.]
* Novick Avenue: 2.0.5:9.1. In 1943, a street on which was the First
National Bank. [Ref to artist Irv Novick.]
* Old Soldier: 2:16.2, etc. Mythological figure. Believed dead in 1863,
1898, 1918, 1944. Aids Honor Guard against Shirak the Devourer in 1959.
Appears at fall of Saigon, 1975. Modus operandi seems to be to appear
at the critical turning points of American wars. Carries broadsword,
flintlock pistol, canteen, grenades, and rifle with bayonet; wears
armor, draped in American flag, bandages on head.
* Omniac: 2.3:10.1. Probably a mechanical intelligence. Allied with or
created by Praetor.
* Onggu the Omnivorous: 1:8.1. Encountered in Romania in 1950 by Dr.
Augustus Furst and his brother Julius. [Homage to 1950s Atlas/Marvel
monster comics.]
* Otter: 2.1:15.1. A minor supervillain captured by Nightingale and
Sunbird. Wears a scuba-like facemask.
* Outcalt Bridge: 2.4:2.2. A bridge over the Gaines River. [Ref to R.F.
Outcault, creator of the Yellow Kid.]
* Palmetto: 5:3.1. A.k.a. Cockroach, 'Roach. An insectoid human (or
possibly humanoid insect). Member of the Irregulars.
* Pawn: 3:6.1. Don Kent of Darbyville, a grisly murderer and member of
the Chessmen.
* Power Pyramid: 2:15.3. A spell cast by Cleopatra I.
* Praetor: 2.3:10.1. An enemy of the First Family and creator or ally of
Omniac.
* Prochnow, Dr.: 1:20.4. Someone whom Samaritan plans to consult about
the Living Nightmare.
* Pyramid: 1:7.1, 1:10.1, 3:17.1. Presumably an organization; employs
assassins in Turkey and has attacked the UN Security Council. Weapons
confiscated in Samaritan's raid on the Turkey base end up in the
Middleman's hands.
* Quarrel I: Implied existence by existence of Quarrel II. NAI.
* Quarrel II: 1:9.5, etc. Jessica Darlene Taggart. Uses armband-mounted
projectile weapons. Member of Honor Guard 1995. Operates in Astro City.
Has or had personal relationships with Street Angel and Crackerjack.
Apparently from a small town in Kentucky. Headline, 5:10.0: "Stolen Art
Recovered by Quarrel".
* Queen's Bishop: 2.5:8.3. Sean Hanrahan, the "original" Queen's Bishop
in the Chessmen, later one of Headstone's lieutenants. Imprisoned in
1987, paroled in 1992.
* Ravagers: 2:11.3, etc. Humanoid shark warriors of Shirak the Devourer.
* Razorhawks: 2.0.5:3. A group of criminals who fought Jack-in-the-Box
while wearing flying suits.
* Rensie Avenue: 4:4.1. A neighborhood in Astro City. [Ref to a pseudonym
used by Will Eisner. Also suggests Eisner's "Dropsie Avenue".]
* Rex: 2:2.1 et al. Son of Madame Majestrix, one of the greatest enemies
of the First Family. Rex is married to Natalie Furst and father of
Astra. Rex's family name is apparently Zorus. Rex is a quasi-reptilian
being possessing great strength and toughness. Rex is a prince of
Monstro City.
* Robinson Prep: 2.5:11.2. A prep school attended by Altar Boy. One of
the dorms is Sprang House. [Ref to Batman artist Jerry Robinson.]
* Robo, El: 5:2.1. Manuel de la Cruz, a heavily cyborged member of the
Irregulars. Vulnerable to magnetic fields.
* Rocket: see Astro City Rocket.
* Rockslide: 2.4:9.3. A patron of Bruiser's.
* Romeyn Falls: The original name of Astro City. A headline from the
Romeyn Falls Democrat-American is displayed in the Deadline, 1959. [Ref
to Romeyn, first cartoonist known to have signed his work.]
* Ruby: 5:2.1. Crystalline humanoid member of the Irregulars.
* Samaritan: 1, etc. Member of 1995 Honor Guard. Secret ID Asa Martin, a
* Samaritan: 1, etc. Member of 1995 Honor Guard. Secret ID Asa Martin, a
fact-checker at Current (the Astro City Feature Weekly). ID is [Image]
artificial, an anagram of "Samaritan". Real name unknown.
Samaritan originated in a dystopic 35th century and was sent back in
time to change the past, which resulted in the complete erasure of his
time line by a more utopian alternative. His powers came about as a
result of exposure to the primal energy of time and space during his
passage through time. (Samaritan believes this to have been unplanned,
although this is by no means certain.) Samaritan's hair is naturally a
bright blue, although he uses his power to leach the color out as Asa.
Uses a zyxometer, a kind of organic/crystalline computer. Powers
include flight, super strength, invulnerability and life support, and
the Empyrean web, a kind of force field. Samaritan is in constant
contact with the zyxometer, which monitors all sorts of emergency
broadcasts, via a receiver in his earlobe. Samaritan is able to access
the Closet, which is apparently a kind of extradimensional storage
space. Was named according to his remarks to a reporter after his
saving of the space shuttle Challenger (January 28, 1986) [homage to
Superman's naming in Man of Steel #1]. Headline, 5:10.0: "Tidal Waves
Quashed by Samaritan".
* Scavenger Peoples: 5:2.1. Race or races that live below the surface of
the Earth, capable of building mechanical monsters to threaten the
surface dwellers. Possibly related to the Insiders.
* Sea Blaze: 1:14.2. A ship sunk off the Florida coast in 1665. Raised by
Samaritan on 8 Aug 95.
* Sekowsky Street: 6:24.2. NAI. [Ref to DC Silver Age artist Mike
Sekowsky.]
* Shadow Hill: 4:1.1. Eastern European/Gothic horror neighborhood of
Astro City, under the shadow of Mount Kirby.
* Shattered Rock: 2.1:21.3. A mythological reference made by Thunderhead.
* "She's Twins": 2.3:12.4. A television show, probably a sitcom. [Appears
in the _Creepy_ story referenced under "Tooth and Claw".]
* Shirak the Devourer: 2:11.3, etc. An extra-dimensional chondrichthiform
godlike being. First known attack on Earth occurs in 1959, foiled by
Honor Guard, the Bouncing Beatnik, and the Old Soldier. First public
attack occurs in 1964.
attack occurs in 1964.
[Silver Agent]
* Silver Agent, The: 2:5.1, etc. Armor-clad, gun-toting
superhero, member of Honor Guard. His gun fires smoke bursts. Real
name, Alan Craig, born 1932, debuted 1956, died 1973. His epitaph reads
"To Our Eternal Shame"; other indications also suggest that his death
was tragic. Headline, 3:6.1 (8 April 1968): "Silver Agent Quells Riot
in Bakerville [District]/Joins Vigil For Reverend King". [Date of debut
is homage to Showcase #4, featuring debut of Flash II, often cited as
start of Silver Age. Date of inner story in 2:3.1, 1959, is significant
as the debut of Green Lantern II and Hawkman II. Death of Silver Agent
is same date as Amazing Spider-Man 122, the issue when Gwen Stacy died,
which Kurt cites as the end of the Silver Age. "Craig" is probably a
ref to artist Johnny Craig (q.v. Craig Avenue). Ref for "Alan"?]
* Silver Brain: 2.2:13.2. Sergei Vlataroff, a scientist who figured out
how to become pure brain. Exiled to the Mentoverse.
* Silversmith: 2.1:3.1. Boston superhero.
* Skrek: 2.3:4.1. An inhabitant of Monstro City.
* Slamburger: 4:14.2. Man-monster supervillain, member of Unholy
Alliance.
* Sledgehammer: 2.4:9.3. A patron of Bruiser's.
* Slugger: 2.0.5:9.3. AKA The Junior Dynamo. Partner of the All-American.
* Spice: 4:14.2. Dominatrix-like supervillain, member of Unholy Alliance.
Formerly partnered with the late Sugar.
* Sprang House: 2.5:11.2. A dorm at Robinson Prep. [Ref to Batman artist
Dick Sprang.]
* Stallman Street: 6:8.2. NAI. [Ref to Manny Stallman, artist on Raven.]
* Starwoman: 2:12, 5:6.2. Pr'slla of K'ntar, a member of the royal family
of K'ntar, with the standard flight and energy-manipulation powers.
Member of Honor Guard, 1959. Apparently absent from Earth in 1995. The
contact matrix in the Starwoman retrospective at the Museum of Modern
History may be functional.
* Steel Devil: 5:16.2. Armored devil-motif bank-robbing villain. Has a
flame-throwing or energy-projecting trident.
* Stray: 5.2. (Named in 2.1:lettercol). Anthropomorphic wolf member of
the Irregulars.
* Street Angel: 5:7.2. Apparently a street-level superhero, presumed dead
(in present), at one point in a personal relationship with Quarrel II.
Headline, 5:10.0: "Street Angel Presumed Dead".
* Sugar: 4:17.1. Now deceased partner of Spice.
* Sunbird: 5:19.3. A light-projecting superheroine. Partnered with
Nightingale. [Probable homage to Nightwing and Flamebird, two
superheroes from Kandor.]
* Super Lore: 5:10.0. A book in the library of Bridwell.
* Sweatshop: 3:1.2. Neighborhood in Astro City formally known as Chesler.
* Szenic's: 4:2.6. A market in Shadow Hill. [Ref?]
* Techsperts: 5:19.3. High-tech thieves, at least three in number.
* Temblor: 2.4:3.1. San Francisco-based opponent of the Crossbreed.
* Tempus Fugitives: 2.0.5:9.2. The henchmen of the Time-Keeper.
* Thunderhead: 2.1:8-9.1. A cosmic entity, probably an ancient weather
god. Married to Helia. Responsible for the destruction of Draketown,
Alaska.
* Time-Keeper: 2.0.5:9.2. A super-villain with a time-control motif; he
fought the All-American and later fractured the time stream in a
conflict with Eterneon.
* "Tooth and Claw": 2.3:16.2. A television show. [Ref to a Busiek-written
story in _Creepy_ a few years back.]
* Torres Island: 3:7.1. Site of explosion involving Jack-in-the-Box. [Ref
to EC artist Angelo Torres.]
* Toth's Fineries: 2.3. In 1959, a store in Astro City. [Ref to artist
Alex Toth.]
* Tourist: 1:10.5. "Extraterrestrial gadabout." Friend of Beautie. The
alien pictured in 2.0.5:13.3 is not the Tourist.
* Trenchers: 2.3:4.4. Enemies of the inhabitants of Monstro City;
probably natives of oceanic trenches.
* Tripp's: 2:3. In 1959, a store in Astro City. [Ref to Irving Tripp,
finisher on "Little Lulu".]
* Tripp, Stanley: 2.2:6.2. The host of "Astro Kidz 2-Day". [Ref to John
Stanley and Irving Tripp, collaborators on "Little Lulu".]
* UAC: 5:8.5. Probably University of Astro City.
* Unholy Alliance: 4:4.2 et al. A gang of supervillains, including
Demolitia, Flamethrower, Glowworm, Slamburger, and Spice.
* Ugly Max: 2.3:17.1. An enemy of the First Family, currently in
catatonia.
* Uranium: 2.2:1.5. Astra's pet fish, either a rare deep-sea angler fish,
a mutant fish, or a non-terrestrial fish-like animal.
* Vampires: 4:7.2f. There are "some" vampires in Shadow Hill.
* Van Rupert, Anders: 2.4:14.2. Third-generation copper millionnaire,
believed to have been Leopardmen. Now deceased.
* Veidt St: 3:7.1. NAI. [Ref to actor Conrad Veidt.]
* Vestry: 2.5:8.1. The secret headquarters of the Confessor, located in
Grandenetti Cathedral.
* Wallace St.: 5:18.4. A street in Astro City. [Ref?]
* Winged Victory: 3:9.3 et al. A winged superheroine. Changes from secret
ID using amulet. Was given her powers in order to inspire women and
deliberately concentrates on protecting them. (Has never joined Honor
Guard in order not to dilute her accomplishments.) Operates fourteen
schools for women for self-defence and empowerment. Considered one of
"Astro City's 25 Loveliest Luminaries", according to Current magazine
(1:13.4). [On 4:front cover and 4:4.4, Winged Victory is carrying Kurt
Busiek, Alex Ross, and Brent Anderson. Q.v. 1.3:9.6] In 2.5:6ff,
denounces various religious institutions, probably as a result of being
replaced by "Bridwell" aliens (q.v. Crackerjack).
* Wodehouse Mews: 2.4:14.1. Location of Butler's. Near Museum Row. [Ref
to author P.G. Wodehouse; a mews is an urban stable.]
* Wotan: 6:16.1. Presumptive name of an axe-wielding giant, with large
W's on his knees, who attempted to extort tribute from Chicago.
Defeated by the First Family, Black Rapier, and N-Forcer.
* Wrestla: 2.4:9.3. A patron of Bruiser's from out of town.
* Xenoform: 1:10.4. Presumably an alien; "three tons of murderous
shape-shifting protoplasm", imprisoned in Leavenworth (1995).
* Z.J. Toys: 3:15.2. Small but growing toy firm owned by Zachary
"Jack-in-the-Box" Johnson.
* Zonn: 1:10.2. Presumably an alien race who attacked Earth (before
1995).
[You are now leaving ASTRO CITY. Please drive carefully.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix: In 5.7, the alien spy Bridwell differentiates between "global" and
"international" superhero activity. Kurt Busiek explicates:
I don't know if I'll ever get to explain this in a story, so I'll
do it here. It refers mostly to travel capabilities -- a hero
who has an "International" range could turn up in Berlin or
Moscow or Nairobi, but if they're in Nairobi, they're unlikely to
be able to get to Berlin all that fast. A hero with a "Global"
range can be anywhere, almost any time.
If you do some globetrotting, your range is International. If
you have an old-style JLA teleporter, it's Global. Or if you're
Samaritan, you're Global without any outside help at all.
Acknowledgements:
(0.0)
Astro City, the rocket logo, all quoted text and all clip art are ):
and . or TM Juke Box Productions.
(1.0)
Issue:page.panel notation created by Sidne Gail Ward. Dick Briefer IDd
by Todd Beard and Jim Murdoch. Lee Elias, Al Feldstein, and Joe Maneely
IDd by Jim Murdoch. Menagerie Gang correction by Andrew Farrell. Homage
to Showcase #4 by David Goldfarb. Al Feldstein and Menagerie Gang
additions and Maneely ID by Lawrence Watt-Evans. Cleopatra, Black
Rapier, and Romeyn Falls confirmations and Romeyn ID by Kurt Busiek.
Old Soldier modus operandi by J. Spitzberg. Harold Jordan homage by
David Oakes.
(2.0)
Bakerville tease; boilermaker, Bill Elder, various Mob, and Veidt
corrections; and FBU/Fox-Broome connection by Kurt Busiek again. Kamen
and Ingels ID by Marcello Nicola. Baker possible ID and Craig, Davis,
Elder, Ingels, Kamen, Torres IDs by Robert Klarer. Criag, Davis,
Ingels, Kamen, Torres IDs by Tony Rose. Tripp possible ID by Steve
Bowen. Chesler and many EC IDs by Lawrence Watt-Evans again and Jim
Ottaviani.
(3.0)
Fass and Rensie ID, Baker confirmation, and Gaines correction by
Lawrence Watt-Evans. Grant, Miller, etc. ID, Baker confirmation,
Derbyville correction and addition, and Szenic's addition by Kurt
Busiek. Max O'Millions addition and Astro-Naut theory by Jim Cowling.
Gleason and Eisenstein possible IDs by MC Rogers.
(4.0)
Some clarifications by Jim Cowling. Klein Avenue correction, Irregulars
formal team name, and activity definitions by Kurt Busiek.
Jack-in-the-Box and Street Angel additions by David Goldfarb. Some
headlines by Katie Schwarz.
(5.0)
Estrada ID, Beautie details, M.P.H. speedometer by Kurt Busiek. Natalie
Furst powers observation by David Goldfarb. Cool HTML background by
John Gaushell. Arriola ref by Goldfarb and Carl Pietrantonio. Nordling
ref, Rensie Ave addition, and Nightingale/Sunbird homage by Tony Rose.
Stallman ref by Scott Stewart. Cicero ref by Pietrantonio. 1959 ref,
Silver Agent death date, and Nightingale/Sunbird homage by Pete Coogan.
(6.0)
Gentleman speculative secret ID appearance by Christopher Bird.
(7.0)
Melody's ID by Dwight Williams.
(7.1)
KBAC 1/2 entries made possible by a grant from Juke Box Productions.
Some FF corrections by Kurt Busiek.
(8.0)
Klein ID by Gregory Tiede. Razorhawk ID by Kurt Busiek. Bolling ID by
Tom Galloway.
(8.1)
"Tooth and Claw" ID by David Goldfarb. Beefy Bob info by Kurt Busiek.
(10.0)
Stanley Tripp and Tripp's IDs by Scott Rowland. Grandenetti Cathedral
visual ID by Anthony Marrano.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and
the pessimist fears that this is true."--James Branch Cabell
elmo [m--rr--w] at [physics.rice.edu]
http://www.bonner.rice.edu/morrow