Mark Misercola has written a simultaneous whodunnit and homage to Superman (and most Golden Age heroes) in his e-novel, DEATH TO THE CENTURION, an engaging and witty look at the hoopla around the "Death of Superman" issues at DC Comics. The Centurion is scheduled for a messy but sales-peaking end, and the forces-that-be determined that---just as happened to Superman---a "resurrecton" in excrutiatingly bad taste not long after would spike sales even more.
Except there is a madfan who decides that the desecration of a hero who has been around since the late thirties' is not to be borne, and starts killing those responsible---which makes their efforts even more unique and valuable in the crazy world of comic book collector's editions. Still, the killings and the injokes therein are cathartic to those of us who remember this period.
...as a look at the odd, greed-obsessed world that produces the heroes that our children dream about (and some of us adults remain fascinated with) and often takes creators' heroes and warps them beyond recognition---it succeeds admirably, and is an excellent read, overall.
I just wish that I didn't have a sneaking sympathy for the killer, an impulse to cheer as he one by one gets rid of lowlifes who live, parasite-like, on other peoples' creations. I suspect ---you will, too.
Reviewed by Al Schroeder for Nova Notes
Al's Cosmic Comic Web Page
So like I was saying last time, lots and lots of projects don't get the publicity and exposure they deserve. One of them is a comic book related novel called 'Death to the Centurion' written by Mark Misercola. Mark works as a public relations executive in the real world and teaches college classes. I'm pretty impressed, since I can barely go to school, work a chump job and write this column. Of course I sleep a lot. Anyway, Mark's novel is being published on line by Twilight Times Books in November.
I'm pretty wary of on-line novels, since the debacle that Stephen King went through, but Mark seems to have everything together, and the novel itself…well reading it is a very engaging, very rewarding experience. I never could tell the difference between satire and parody, other than knowing that satire is what closes on Saturday night. In the novel, a writer who has just broken into the comic book biz is assigned one of the most recognized and revered characters, the Centurion. The powers that be at the gigantic comic book company order him to kill the lead character to increase sales, and that's where the plot twists. People involved with the comic book start turning up dead. There are tons of references for those of us who've grown up reading comics, since the plot is based around the very famous comic book death of another stellar hero.
...Try it, you'll like it.
Reviewed by Rick Beckley of Comics Digital for his column in Digital Webbing, "Whistling Past the Graveyard."
"I really enjoyed it. A 'must read' for all comic books fans... Superman fans especially will get a buzz out of some of the 'in jokes' ...placed within."
Steve Younis, Editor-in-Chief, Superman Homepage
Just finished Death to the Centurion. I LOVED it !!
It took me back to the comic stories of my youth. The nostalgic feelings made my day.
In addition, your "insider" references (Barbara Gordon, "Wait'll they get a load of me", Jack Larson, etc.) made it even more enjoyable.
I wish you the best on this publication and any future books you may write.
Thanks for the preview.
Reviewed by Steve Hanes in a post on rec.arts.sf.superma
