From Goodreads:A thrilling, unique anthology of original super hero fiction, with contributions from luminaries in both the comic book and science fiction fields.
Introduction: The Golden Age by Lou Anders
"Cleansed and Set in Gold" by Matthew Sturges
"Where their Worm Dieth Not" by James Maxey
"Secret Identity" by Paul Cornell
"The Non-Event" by Mike Carey
"Avatar" by Mike Baron
"Message from the Bubblegum Factory" by Daryl Gregory
"Thug" by Gail Simone
"Vacuum Lad" by Stephen Baxter
"A Knight of Ghosts and Shadows" by Chris Roberson
"Head Cases" by Peter David & Kathleen David
"Downfall" by Joseph Mallozzi
"By My Works You Shall Know Me" by Mark Chadbourn
"Call Her Savage" by Marjorie M. Liu
"Tonight we fly" by Ian McDonald
"A to Z in the Ultimate Big Company Superhero Universe (Villains Too)" by Bill Willingham
This anthology is an exploration of the superhero and villain. It explores a lot of aspects never seen before within this genre. You have superheros of various sexual orientations, religions and races. It also explores the reality of someone trying to be a superhero in the real world without any special powers as seen in Avatar. There is also a few villain stories. One where the villain isn't evil, but because he looks evil fights for that side as seen in Thug. You also have other stories as to why a villain becomes a villain. Plus, I can't forget the story of the superhero that was a jerk and you felt for the former villain as in Downfall. You even get superheros and villains past their prime as well as all out battles. Also, most have a twist in the story usually at the end as all good superhero stories have.
It's a fun anthology especially those that all lovers of superheros and villains should read. It's also good for those that love short stories with complex characters and plots. I gave this book 4 stars and really enjoyed reading all the short stories.
And on a personal note... I am sorry again that this took me so long to get to and write. Just keep remembering those huge kitty eyes, please. :)
Looks like an overwhelming male field, Melissa. Are there some superheroines, I hope??
ReplyDeleteThis seems really interesting, I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to apologize for breaking your perfectly round number of 200 followers, it's now 201. ;)
Missy @ Missy's Reads & Reviews
@Stephanie... mostly the main characters are male, but female heroines are very much in the stories. Marjorie M. Liu has a whole story with a female hero as the lead character. One of my faves.
ReplyDelete@Missy... hey anyone with a great name like that can make 201 just sound perfect. ;D
This sounds like a cool fun read. :) Glad you enjoyed it. I am really curious about those villian stories, we don't seem to get many of those. Great review!
ReplyDeleteYou have an award waiting for you over at my blog. Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteMissy @ Missy's Reads & Reviews
Thanks Missy! Very sweet of you.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm not much of an anthology reader I have had my eye on this book as it looks like it could be a lot of fun. I'm glad to see that you enjoyed it and I hope to get to read it myself soon.
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