Has anybody else ever read the Wild Cards series?

[Walt Starr]

Just asking. I just purchased some used copies of several books numbered 8 through 11 as I had l;oaned my previous copies out to a guy who moved and never returned them. I'm probably going to hit the entire thing again very soon. Always loved Tachyon and Croyd as characters.

[LeftCoast]

1. I'm always on the lookout for an interesting series

What are they about? Can you give a brief synopsis? :hi:

[Walt Starr]

2. From Wikipedia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Wild Cards is a science fiction anthology series set in a shared universe. The series was created, and mostly edited by, George R.R. Martin. There were 12 volumes published between 1987 and 1993 before it switched publishers, beginning a 'new cycle', with (initially) different numbering. This published three new volumes between 1993 and 1995; a fourth appeared belatedly in 2002.

The series relates an alternate history of the earth after World War II. In 1946 an alien virus that rewrites human DNA is accidentally unleashed in the skies over New York City. It kills 90 per cent of those who come into contact with it. However, 9 per cent mutate into deformed creatures (known as 'Jokers') and 1 per cent gain superpowers (known as 'Aces' - there is also a class known as 'deuces'; Aces who have acquired useless or ridiculous powers, such as the ability to levitate up to two feet, or to grow bodily hair at will.)

Examples of these abilities or curses include The Turtle, who can lift massive objects telekinetically, The Lizard King, who can hypnotize and disorient people, Croyd Crenson, whose abilities alter with every sleep cycle - he alternates randomly every month between ace and joker, and Jube, a man whose appearance resembles a giant walrus.

Wild Cards was inspired by superhero comics, and many of the authors play with the conventions of the medium, while some characters are based on existing heroes (eg, Jetboy was modelled on pulp adventure heroes of the 1930s such as Airboy). Many of the authors were also inspired by the roleplaying game Superworld, and many modelled their characters on their in-game persona.

<snip>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Cards

[LeftCoast]

3. Sounds like fun

Would I be correct in assuming it doesn't matter so much if you read them in order?

[Walt Starr]

4. I would definitely try to read them in order

Especially the first six as events are fairly chronological wihtin them.

The first six have been reprinted and are easily available from Amazon or other books stores. Start with Wild Cards, then on to Wild Cards II: Aces High, Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild, and so forth.

Very good books. Some can be read out of order, but reading them in order has an entire history unfold before your eyes from 1946 to pretty much late 20th century.

There are lots of political statements about race and bigorty contained within the sotries, as well as other political statements.

[LeftCoast]

5. Thanks for the advice

I'll keep an eye out for them now. Maybe I can pick up the whole series next time I'm down at my favorite used book store. :D

[HawkerHurricane]

6. Read them

I was always fascinated by the 'card code' developed to describe the effects of the 'wild card' virus.

Ace: recieved superpowers
Joker: deformed. Some Jokers also recieved superpowers, and were called 'one-eyed jacks'
Duece: useless power
Black Queen: lethal varient. Some 'Black Queens' were temporary superpowers that would eventually kill the recipient...

[Walt Starr]

7. Only one person ever drew the Black Queen and lived to tell about it.

Demise.

Look into his eyes, and you get the Black Queen!