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