Behind the Mask is a multi-author collection with stories by
award-winning authors Kelly Link, Cat Rambo, Carrie Vaughn, Seanan
McGuire, Lavie Tidhar, Sarah Pinsker, Keith Rosson, Kate Marshall,
Chris Large and others. It is partially a prose nod to the comic
world - the bombast, the larger-than-life, the save-the-worlds and
the calls-to-adventure. But it's also a spotlight on the more
intimate side of the genre. The hopes and dreams of our cape-clad
heroes. The regrets and longings of our cowled villains. That
poignant, solitary view of the world that can only be experienced
from behind the mask. The authors in this collection, both
established and new, are all dexterous and wonderfully imaginative,
each deserving of their own form-fitting uniforms and capes. Some
of the stories pulse with social commentary, like Cat Rambo's
whimsical and deft "Ms. Liberty Gets a Haircut" and Keith Rosson's
haunting "Torch Songs." Others twist the genre into strange and new
territories, like Stuart Suffel's atmospheric "Birthright," Kate
Marhsall's moving "Destroy the City with Me Tonight," and Adam
Shannon's reality-bending "Over an Embattled City." Some punch with
heart and humor, like Matt Mikalatos's satisfying "The Beard of
Truth" and Chris Large's adventurous "Salt City Blue," while others
punch with bite and grit, such as Michael Milne's evocative
"Inheritance," Aimee Ogden's poignant "As I Fall Asleep," and
Jennifer Pullen's heartfelt "Meeting Someone in the 22nd Century."
Some of the stories feature characters who might not be superheroes
in the traditional sense, yet are heroic nonetheless, such as Sarah
Pinsker's imaginative "The Smoke Means It's Working" and Stephanie
Lai's majestic "The Fall of the Jade Sword." Some shine a unique,
captivating spotlight on supervillains, like Keith Frady's dramatic
"Fool" and Carrie Vaughn's romantic "Origin Story." Some are
somber, ponderous works, where our heroes consider their impact on
the world, like Lavie Tidhar's regret-tinged "Heroes" and Nathan
Crowder's resonant "Madjack." Others tread more light-hearted
waters, with heroes adjusting to the sometimes-comical,
sometimes-stressful life in the public eye, like Seanan McGuire's
entertaining "Pedestal" and Patrick Flanagan's lively
"Quintessential Justice." And then there are the softer, quieter
moments between heroes, as they navigate their extraordinary lives
in their own unique ways, such as Ziggy Schutz's tender "Eggshells"
and, of course, Kelly Link's captivating "Origin Story."
Publisher's Weekly - "Reeks and Richardson have pulled together a
treasure trove of 20 stories . . . exploring the lives of
superheroes when they're not saving the world. . . . There is nary
a miss in this diverse and thoughtful collection, which will have
readers considering what it means to be human." Kirkus Reviews -
(starred review) "A momentous, readable collection, its sole
downside being that there are only 20 superhero stories."
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