My Favorite Superhero Books
As someone who has read his fair share of superhero novels, I thought I'd share my favorites in case you're looking for something good to read.
That of course assumes you haven't already read the superhero novels I myself have written. If you haven't, HOW DARE YOU?! Stop what you're doing and rectify that atrocity right now. ;)
Here are the superhero books I've enjoyed immensely.
1. Devil's Cape by Rob Rogers
This is my top superhero novel of all time. It tells the origin story of several superheroes and the villains they face. Part crime novel, part supernatural thriller, and part action-adventure yarn told against the backdrop of a corrupt New Orleans-style city, it's all awesome.
Unfortunately, though the end of the book tees up a sequel, Mr. Rogers never wrote one. Mr. Rogers, if you happen to read this, please get to writing.
Rob Rogers, I mean, not the other, more famous Mister Rogers. Though if the latter Mister Rogers decided to write a superhero book, I’d read the heck out of it.
Right after I got over the shock of a dead man writing a book.
2. Ex-Heroes by Peter Clines
Speaking of dead men come to life, here's the quickest way to sum up Ex-Heroes: Zombies plus superheroes in a post-apocalyptic setting.
I never would have thought the mash-up would work, but it does. There are currently five books in this series, with Ex-Heroes as the first. I've only read the first three books, and Ex-Heroes was definitely the best of the bunch.
3. Jumper by Steven Gould
This is not a traditional superhero tale in that there aren't costumes and masks found anywhere in the book. I still categorize it as a superhero novel, though, because the main character develops superpowers. In this case, he develops the ability to "jump"--that is, teleport--from place to place.
It's been many years since I've read it, but this book is quite good. There are a few follow-up books as well. A movie loosely based on the book was made in 2008 but, as is often the case, the movie was nowhere near as good as the book.