Heroes!: The 2013 Origins Fiction Anthology

HEROES! is a collection of short fiction about superheroes, not-so-super heroes, and everyday people who find the hero within. This anthology includes a wide range of works that capture the entire spectrum of heroism in speculative fiction. Some of the protagonists have superpowers, others survive purely on their wits and sometimes dumb luck. Some of the stories focus on the battles between costumed crusaders and their enemies, and others focus on battles against the demons within. Our goal in this anthology is to both entertain you and engage you in the discussion of what it actually means to be a hero, and how that burden affects the person who carries it. We’ve also attempted to create characters that are diverse enough in background that readers will be left with a truly unique experience. Each of the stories in this anthology is beautifully illustrated by renowned artist Mark Dos Santos. In addition to illustrating each story in HEROES!, we’ve developed a beautiful original art cover for the anthology. Created by artist Dennis Loubet, best known for his work on computer and video games and pen & paper role-playing games, this cover captures the spirit and diversity of the characters found inside. Green Room by Aaron Allston Hero's Final Walk by Timothy Zahn The Breaking Point by Gail Z. Martin The Raven by Maxwell Alexander Drake He Was a Marvelous Man by Janine K. Spendlove The Never-Ending Battle by Steven Lyle Jordan A Blank Canvas by Patrick S. Thomlinson Waking Up by Dylan Birtolo Fellow Traveler by Donald J. Bingle By the Seat of Your Pants by Sheryl Nantus Invincible by Sarah Hans Blue Boy by Daniel Myers Bloom by Bradley P. Beaulieu Memories Like Crystal Shards by Jennifer Brozek The Caretaker of Mire by Gregory A. Wilson SF by John Kovalic The Commodore by Bryan Young Sunny Acres Home for the Specialized Care of the Elderly by Addie J. King Barely There by Jim Bernheimer A Fixed State by Aaron Rosenberg Interview R.T. Kaelin By Blood and Fang and Song, We Call You by Jaym Gates Bindings by Steven Saus Cheshire Moon by Tracy Chowdhury The One Where the Dad Dies by Kelly Swails Field Trip by Michael A. Stackpole Empowered by Alan Dean Foster Fulgid Shade by Jean Rabe