The Audio File: Superheroes

Superheroes have certainly become big in recent years. Every year seems to bring even more movies, and television shows, featuring character once found only in the pages of comic books. However, one medium where superheroes are still somewhat underrepresented is prose fiction. That is where this latest edition of The Audio File comes in. We're taking a look at short stories that feature superheroes and supervillains. These stories are brought to us by the folks at Escape Pod, PodCastle, Drabblecast, Lightspeed Magazine, Clarkesworld Magazine, Cast of Wonders, Tales to Terrify, The Overcast, The Truth, and Earbud Theater.

With all of that out of the way, grab your capes and suit up, because it's story time..

Escape Pod

"Nemesis" by Nathaniel Lee
Narrated by Mat Weller
An Escape Pod Original

This story follows high school student Quentin, whose best friend Adam is the superhero Atom Boy. He does he best to help out Adam and be supportive, but secretly he’s always been a little jealous of Adam’s powers. One day Quentin discovers a ring that transforms into a suit of power armor. This could be the chance he’s been waiting for, but what path will he choose?

I liked how this story showed the world of superheroes from a non-superhero perspective; in this case, from the best friend/sidekick’s point of view. I enjoyed Adam’s happy-go-lucky personality and how that contrasted with Quentin’s more down to Earth and conflicted view of things. I shouldn’t give the ending away, but I can say it’s very heartwarming. Nathaniel is one of my favorite writers from Escape Pod, and this story was no exception.

I thought that Mat did a great job with the narration. All in all a great story about superheroes from an average person’s point of view. Very much recommended.

"Origin" by Ari Goelman
Narrated by Veronica Giguere
Originally published in Strange Horizons

Being a expectant parent is always a stressful time, but especially so when you’re a superhero. This story follows Margret aka Ice and Fire, a superhero who has unexpectedly become pregnant, as she and her alien partner Carter do their best to prepare for the baby. Margret finds unexpected help in the form of one of her villains, Dr. Ambrosius Urbinski. However, Dr. U’s assistance might not be an innocent as it seems.

As someone with various potentially genetic issues this story really spoke to me and my fears of what might happen if I ever have kids. It was also interesting how this story examined the potential problems pregnant superhero might encounters; as well as the whole getting pregnant in the first place issue. I also liked how it knowingly winked at some of the more absurd elements, like how Carter, whose eyes lack irises and pupils, can somehow still see even though logically he shouldn’t be able to.

As for the narration, I thought Veronica did an excellent job. It’s another great story I happily recommend.

"Observer Effects" by Tim Pratt
Narrated by A Kovacs
Originally Published in Diet Soup

This story follows a former supervillain who has joined a team of heroes. The team’s leader, Liberator, thinks he can bring world peace by creating machines to allow everyone on Earth to view any one they want any time they want. However, our protagonist isn’t so sure, and before long things go to hell in a hand basket. The protagonist soon finds herself wondering if maybe she should have stayed a villain.

This story is a really great example of capepunk. What is capepunk? Capepunk is a somewhat new punk that explore how superheroes might play out in the real world. It’s unofficially been around since works like Spider-Man and Watchmen, but it’s become something of a trend in prose superhero fiction in recent times.

Anyway, Tim Pratt is the undisputed king of the Escape Artists podcasts, and this was yet another great story of his. He always does a really good job writing strong female characters. Just generally Tim does a really great job. You probably suspect that I’m going to say I liked the narration…and you’d be right.

All in all a great capepunk story from a great writer. Very much recommended.

"Astromonkeys" by Tony Frazier
Narrated by Norm Sherman
Originally Published in Jim Baen’s Universe

This story follows a superhero named Digger bringing his friend Dave to a bar for Dave’s first beer. Digger also recounts how he and Dave first met. A tale that includes chili burgers, green space monkeys, superheroes and much more.

Okay, maybe that sounds a little crazy, but I promise this is a good story. Maybe it is a little crazy, but that’s half the fun. I enjoyed how Digger was something of a working class superhero. I also enjoyed the green space monkeys in this story; because how many other times am I going to be able to write a sentence like that? Norm’s the host of The Drabblecast, more on them momentarily, and obviously he did a top notch job.

A fun little story. Give it a try.

"Origin Story" by Tim Pratt
Narrated by Serah Eley
An Escape Pod Original

This story is told as a one-sided conversation between the narrator and another person. The narrator is the brother of the superhero The Aerialist, and at one time was a big supporter of his brother’s crime fighting. Now, however, he’s out for revenge against The Aerialist.

It’s easy to this story as a meta commentary on the history and movements of the comic book industry. The Aerialist’s adventures start out idealistic and lighthearted, much like comics’ Golden and Silver ages, before getting progressively darker and more cynical. I really enjoy these sort of one-sided conversation stories, and Serah did a great job with the narration. As a bonus, you get to hear the song Skullcrusher Mountain in its entirety after the story.

Another great capepunk story from Tim Pratt. Very much recommended.

PodCastle

"Stranger vs. The Malevolent Malignancy" by Jim C. Hines
A Full Cast Production
Originally Published in Unidentified Funny Objects 2

In this story we follow a superhero named Stranger as he comes to terms with his terminal cancer. Stranger recounts these events to his fellow hero Jarhead. Due to Stranger’s ability to communicate with inanimate objects, his own tumor often cuts in with snarky comments.

Okay, this is another story who’s summary doesn’t do it nearly enough justice. When I listened to this story I was very much reminded of All-Star Superman, both due to the theme of a superhero confronting his own mortality and Stranger being something of a Superman analog. It might seem like some pretty heavy stuff, and the story doesn’t shy away from those themes, but there’s still plenty of humor and lighthearted bits. Hey, it was published in Unidentified Funny Objects 2 after all. One of the things I liked was how Stranger stuck to his morals even we he could have taken the easy way out. True heroes do what’s right even when there’s little to no reward after all.

A full cast production always has an advantage over a single narrator, and that was certainly the case here. It’s a humorous and touching story that I couldn’t recommend more.

"Super-Baby-Moms Group Saves The Day" by Tina Connolly
A Full Cast Production
Originally Published in Unidentified Funny Objects 3

This story is told as a series of emails from an online group for moms, and a few dads, with superpowered kids. At first it’s just typical advice and apologizes, but then things start to get serious when the number of superpowered kids dramatically spikes at the local pre-school. The kids throw a collective temper tantrum and the moms have to intervene to save the day.

Again, the summary doesn’t make it sound like much, but I swear it’s a good story. I liked how this story was presented as a series of emails; it was a nice twist on the short story format. I also enjoyed how this story examined how unpowered parents might deal with their superpowered kids. It’s another one of those funny with a touch of heartwarming stories. As for the narration, the full cast, this one slightly different than the last time, has done it again.

It’s another story I happily recommend.

"Doctor Diablo Goes Through the Motions" by Saladin Ahmed
Narrated by Roberto Suarez
Originally Published in Strange Horizons

This story follows a supervillain named Doctor Diablo as he goes through the motions of a supervillain meeting, and his internal monologue snarks all the way.

Sometimes time is not kind to a story. Case in point, this story. When I first read it I liked it. Upon revisiting it, however, I've noticed several flaws. The main character is pretty much just a mouthpiece for Saladin Ahmed's views. The whole story basically boils down to Dr. Diablos whining about how he became a supervillain because society is racist against minorities, and thus society is to blame. I will concede that certain aspects of America society, such as the War on Drugs, do often unfairly target minorities. I would add the caveat that is an unintentional consequence and not by design.

However, it is also true that many minority communities all too often point the finger at society, rather than accept responsibly and accountability for their own well-being. I've known blacks who grew up in absolute poverty, busted their asses, and made better lives for themselves. Now, I will concede that poverty often does force people into breaking the law. It would have been nice to see this reflected in the story. It would be nice, but that requires nuance and tact; two things Saladin Ahmed lacks in his stories set in the present day. There's also a swipe at superheroes like Iron Fist being "cultural appropriation." That's fairly judgmental coming from a mixed race man, just saying.

What's sad is that I usually enjoy Saladin's work, but tins really is best when he keeps is political opinions to himself. Thumbs down, don't waste your time with this one.

"How to Survive in Room 105" by T. Jane Berry

Narrated by Jen R. Albert

A PodCastle Original

This story follows a superhero who has been sentenced to community service for damaging historical landmarks. She is serving as a substitute teacher for a kindergarten class. Ah, but this isn't an ordinary kindergarten. This is a school for young superheroes. The story is told as a series of directions about how to handle the different students.

This story pairs quite well with "Super-Baby-Moms Group." It was a fun twist to present the story as a series of directions. If you're a teacher, and you feel your students are getting to be a bit much, just listen to this story. You'll feel much better about yourself. Jen's narration also pairs quite well with this story.

Another superhero school story that you won't want to miss. I recommend it.  

The Drabblecast

"Captain Confederation" by Jim Robb
Narrated by Rich Fish
Originally Published in AEscifi.ca

Captain Confederation is one of the top superheroes in Canada. He’s faced many enemies in the path, but now he’s about to take on his great foe yet: government bureaucracy! Various government agency have been putting increasingly stricter regulation on him, and Captain Confederation finds himself considering a move to America.

Superheroes are often thought of as a quintessentially American concept, and it was nice to get a non-American perspective on them. Okay, so maybe Canada isn’t that different, but still. You could easily see this story as an metaphor for all those Canadians who chose to move to America for various reasons. As a bonus you get to hear the song "Magneto and Titanium Man" in its entirety after the story is over.

Rich Fish (yes, his real name) did a spot on job with the narration. A Canadian take on superheroes that I happily recommend.

"The Heroics of Interior Design" by Elise R. Hopkins
Narrated by Veronica Giguere
Originally Published in The Colored Lens #1

This story follows a woman who’s superpower is…the ability to turn anything blue into yellow. She lives in a world filled with heroes possessing more impressive abilities. A protagonist must come to terms with who she is and find her place in this world.

This story is very much about finding your place in the world and coming to terms with who you are. Maybe the protagonist doesn’t have the most impressive powers, but she does her best to make her life meaningful in little ways. That doesn’t mean there isn’t doubts along the way, and by the end she’s done some boarder line illegal things. Still over all it was a pretty good story.

A story about finding meaning in mundane life. I recommend it.

"A Matter of Size" by Robert Jeschonek
Narrated by Norm Sherman
A Drabblecast Original

This story follows Manchild, a member of the Small Wonders superhero team. Someone has been kidnapping members of the team and using them to make snuff film porn. Everyone of them could be marked men, but Manchild, who has the power to turn into a seven year old, has personal interest in this case.

This story is something of a superhero noir, and it was nice to see the mixing of the styles. Though, word of advice, this story contain some potentially heavy subject matter so you might want to listen with the headphones on. The Drabblecast always does such a great job incorporating sound effects and music into their stories, and this one was no exception.

A hard boiled superhero noir that I very much recommend.

"Morton" by Adam Carvin

Narrated by Norm Sherman

A Drabblecast Original

This story follows a man who is picking up his wife's cousin Morton. Morton is a fat, lazy slob with an addiction to anime porn. He's the last person you'd want to receive superpowers, but fate has other ideas.

This story is pretty much an extended joke of sorts. The idea being, what if a complete loser, someone totally unworthy, got superpowers? It certainly makes Morton sound unpleasant. He's basically a walking stereotype of the worst aspects of weeaboos. That is, those who glorify Japan to the detriment of their own nations, and base all their knowledge of Japanese culture on anime and manga. Still, for what this story is, it isn't too bad.

This was one of the earliest Drabblecast episodes, so Norm's narration isn't quite up to the usual standards. Still, all things considered, not too bad. Not the best story, but also far from the worst. It is worth checking out.

Lightspeed Magazine

"Tonight We Fly" by Ian McDonald
Narrated by Paul Boehmer
Originally Published in Masked

This story follows an older former superhero named Chester Banres, formerly Captain Miracle. He longs for the days before he spent most of his time yelling at kids on his lawn. Fortunately, he receives a letter from an old villain of his, Dr. Nightshade, asking to meeting him in the park and fly one last time.

First of all, I have no relations to this Mr. McDonald. Anyway, Ian is from Northern Ireland, and that means more of than non-American perspective on superheroes. It was an interesting choice to make the protagonist an older superhero. It thought that Paul did a great job narrating, as he usually does.

Another non-American take on superheroes that I recommend.

"Origin Story" by Carrie Vaughn

Narrated by Gabrielle De Cuir

This story is set in the same world as Carrie Vaughn's After the Golden Age duology. It follows a woman named Mary who finds herself in the middle of a supervillain bank robbery. She's incredibly shocked to discover that her old boyfriend Jason is now the supervillain Techunter. The story follows them as they reconnect with each other.

Okay, first of all, you don't have to know anything about After the Golden Age in order to enjoy this story. Now then, as I've said before, I always enjoy these stories that examine what it's like to be an average person in a world of superheroes. It had the feel of an Astro City story. That's good, as Astro City is one of my favorite comics. I also liked some of the more mundane details. For example, Mary always dreamed of being an edgy fashion designer and bucking the system. Yet she wound up working for the system instead. Sadly, that's how it goes sometimes. At least she finds new opportunities with Jason.

Once again, Gabrielle does an excellent job with the narration. A story about what it's like to be an average person in a superhero world. I happily recommend it. 

Cast of Wonders

"Random Play All and League to Awesome" by Shane Halbach

Narrated by Justin Thomas James

Originally Published in Oomph: A Little Super Goes aLong Way, and collected in Year's Best YA Speculative Fiction 2013

This story follows a boy named Cyrus and his friends Milo and Rudy. They all have low level superpowers; Cyrus receives premonitions from his MP3 playlist, Milo is good at finding information, and Rudy has the power to never be bored. They're teaming up to investigate Cyrus' mom's business partner, and the strange activity he's been getting up to.

This story was fun from start to finish. It had the feel of those kid hero stories, like the Hardy Boys, but with slightly older protagonists. Admittedly, you could write off our hero's powers as being merely coincidence. Then against, some of Cyrus' playlists certainly seem a little too convenient. Still, not all heroes need powers. Batman for example...was trained in martial arts, has a bunch of gadgets and money. Okay, Batman's not the best example, but the point still stands. Like I said, this story was a joy to listen to from start to finish.

Justin Thomas James' narration was also a joy to listen to. Do I really need to say that I recommend this one?

Clarkesworld Magazine

"Cassandra" by Ken Liu
Narrated by Kate Baker

This story follows a reluctant supervillain with the ability to predict the future. She’s tried to get others to understand her, especially the local superhero Sup…er, I mean, Showboat. At the same times she wonders if she’s actually making a difference or if the future is set in stone.

Ken Liu is one of my absolute favorite writers, and it is always a joy to find a new story of his. So, he’s written a story featuring a superhero with blue tights, a red cape, has the letter S on his chest but the word Superman never appears anywhere in the story. Nice legal gymnastics there Ken. There’s been a few Ken Liu stories questioning if we truly have free will, and I liked that this one didn’t give any solid answers to that tricky question. Also, love the mythology reference in the title; never a bad time for a mythology reference. This story is another great example of the capepunk sub genre.

Now, Clarkesworld is one of those podcasts that only has one narrator, and so things are always a bit hit and miss. Fortunately, thought, Kate did a pretty good job narrating this story. It’s a Ken Liu story, so I kind of new this was going to be great, and it goes without saying that I give this a hearty recommendation.

Tales to Terrify

"Letter to the Editor" by David D. Levine

Narrated by David D. Levine

Originally Published in The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination

This story is told in the form of a letter to a newspaper. It is written by a mad scientist named Dr. Talon. He is convinced that the superhero Ultimate Man isn't all that he seems. In fact, he argues that Ultimate Man is putting the world in serious danger simply by his mere existence.

So we've got a story with thinly-veiled versions of Lex Luthor and Superman. Not a complaint, just an observation. It is certainly an interesting twist to see a superhero horror story. I will say that Talon certainly does make a pretty convincing case that Ultimate Man really is an inhuman monstrosity. Still, I wonder if it is a sign of how cynical society has grown that we can't assume someone like Superman really would be all he appears to be, and with no hidden agendas.

David also does an absolutely fantastic job with the narration. A deconstructive superhero horror story that I happily recommend.  

The Overcast

"Stand Up" by Josh Roseman

Narrated by J.S. Arquin

This story follows an autistic boy who has decided to be a superhero. He doesn't have any superpowers, but he has decided to stand up for those in need. The story follows him through his day, and helps a fellow autistic student in need.

I felt that this story captured the mind of an autistic person especially well. As someone who is on the autism spectrum, I always appreciate when stories do that. The protagonist describes things in a very detailed and matte-of-fact sort of way. I've said before about how not all superhero have powers, and I certainly liked the down to Earth feeling of this story. The slice of life aspects were really nice. Don't get me wrong, I do love speculative fiction short stories, but I do wish we had more diversity of genre in the podcast space. Gets some slice of life and down to Earth type stories in there as well.

J.S. Arquin did an exceptionally good job with the narration. A slice of life superhero story that I happily recommend.

The Truth

"Justice Battalion" by Casper Kelly

A Full Cast Production

This story follows a team of superheroes called the Justice Battalion. They fight for Truth, Justice and the American Way. Recently, America has elected a new, and highly controversial, president. Bright Star, the team leader, believes that the president must be stop by and means necessary. He's evening willing to kill the president and overthrow the government. The other members must stop him before it is too late.

This episode had some strong Silver Age vibes to it. In particular, you can tell that Super Friends was a pretty big influence. The main characters are also thinly-veiled stand-ins for the Justice League. Bright Star is Superman, Night Wolf is Batman, and Captain Kilowatt is Wonder Woman. They even fight a Joker analogue named Crying Clown. The only member without an obvious counterpart is Silicon Savior. Though he is a robot like Red Tornado.

Still, even amidst the silliness, there is a deeper message. The message seems to be, even if you disagree with the current government, that doesn't justify killing or resorting to drastic measures. The humor and parody help the message go down smoother. I also appreciated that the humor never got too self-referential or self-indulgent. It was like Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, but with much better writing.

The voice acting is absolutely phenomenal. Erica Schoeder does a pitch perfect rendition of the Super Friends version of Wonder Woman. Likewise, Marc Thompson gives a great performance as Night Wolf. Kind of a combination of Christian Bale and Diedrich Bader's takes on Batman. Billy Bob Thompson sounds exactly like Mark Hamill's take on Joker. Great performances all around.

A fun and humorous story complete with a deeper message. I can't recommend it enough.

Earbud Theater

"Pete the Creature" by Nicholas Thurkettle

A Full Cast Production

This story follows two girls named Mala and Evel. They are students at a school for supervillains. They're competing in the school's upcoming mad science fair. They're planning on creating a creature, but the strains of competition may also strain their friendship.

This was the first episode of Earbud Theater that I ever listened to, and is still one of my favorites. They're great juxtaposition in this story. One second it sounds like a typical school story, and then you get a reminder that the main characters are at a school for supervillains. There's also a great message about how winning isn't everything, and you shouldn't let competition consume you. This is slightly underminded given the nature of the twist at the end, but I won't spoil that for you.

Great performances all around from the cast. Another fun story that I'll happily recommend to you.

Conclusion

So here we are at the end of the list once again. My schedule has cleared and I should be able to get these to you more often. I know I say that a lot, but still. Like always, I hope you're all enjoying this as much as I am. Without anything else to say, I will see you all next time.