Original superhero novels
Can we call superhero fiction fantasy? It’s certainly much less rigorous than traditional science fiction, although many superhero stories borrow heavily from that genre. However, fantasy fans have also been reluctant to claim superheroes as part of their fold. More and more, superhero fiction is considered its own separate genre, and that’s been fine as long as it stayed confined to the primary medium of comic books.With the growth of superheroes into other genres, though, it might be time to re-evaluate the place of superhero fiction. One place to start might be by looking at the increasing number of superhero novels. For our purposes, we’ll avoid licensed characters and stick to completely original stories.
- Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman: This first novel is actually composed of two intertwining stories: one told by uber-villain Doctor Impossible and the other by cyborg hero Fatale. Unlike most tales of superheroes in the real world, this one takes a more humorous approach than the majority of dark deconstructions.
- The Darker Mask edited by Gary Phillips and Christopher Chambers: A collection of 18 short stories by different authors focusing on tales of ordinary people with startling powers and secrets. The stories in this collection cover a wide range of tones, so every reader is sure to find at least something to pique their interest.
- Sentinels (series) by Van Allen Plexico: Plexico plans to issue 21 novels in his Sentinels superhero/sci-fi series, and is more than a third of a way through completing that goal. His novels focus on a group of super-powered agents dealing with world-shaking threats. Anyone who is looking for the serial thrill of comics in prose form should definitely check this out.
- Ex-Heroes by Peter Clines: Zombies have been overtaking mainstream superhero comics properties as of late (see: Marvel Zombies and DC’s Blackest Night), and this debut also skillfully combines those two properties. A healthy dose of dark humor only sweetens the pot for this already addictive read.
- The Nyctalope (series) by Jean de La Hire: For a historical perspective, take a look at some of Hire’s early pulp fiction novels, first published starting in 1911. The Nyctalope is capable of seeing in the dark and also has an artificial heart. Brian Stableford has translated three of these works into English.
- Brave Men Run: A Novel of the Sovereign Era by Matthew Wayne Selznick: If you’re interested in a clever blend of teenage angst and superhero action, check out this alternate history tale set in 1985. The novel begins with the public declaration that superhumans exist, and then deals with the ramifications of that announcement on the world, and on one high-schooler in particular.