Masked

6:00 pm 23 July 2010
Masked - Lou Anders, Matthew Sturges, Mark Chadbourn, Marjorie M. Liu, Ian McDonald, Bill Willingham, James Maxey, Paul Cornell, Mike Carey, Mike Baron, Daryl Gregory, Gail Simone, Stephen Baxter, Chris Roberson, Peter David, Kathleen David, Joseph Mallozzi 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.