Wild Cards I

Wild Cards I, curated by George R. R. Martin and the Wild Cards Trust, is a groundbreaking addition to the genre of shared-world anthologies. Set in an alternative history, it explores a fascinating "what if?" scenario rooted in the aftermath of World War II. An alien virus, known as the Wild Card virus, devastates the Earth, randomly altering the genetic makeup of its survivors. Most are killed, but for the fortunate few, this virus bestows extraordinary abilities or, conversely, horrifying mutations.

Amongst the survivors, those blessed with superhuman abilities are known as Aces, while those damned with physical deformities are termed Jokers. As society grapples with these new heroes and outcasts, individuals navigate their transformed realities by choosing either paths of heroism or villainy. Wild Cards I unfolds the stories of these super-powered beings, navigating their diverse roles against a backdrop of chaos and transformation.

This volume presents a captivating tapestry of tales crafted by renowned authors including Roger Zelazny, Walter Jon Williams, Howard Waldrop, Lewis Shiner, and George R. R. Martin himself. Each story within this collection contributes to the rich and varied universe of Wild Cards, blending the boundaries between good and evil, human and inhuman, familiar and fantastical.

In this newly expanded edition, readers are treated to additional stories penned by acclaimed contemporary authors such as Hugo-winner David Levine, screenwriter and novelist Michael Cassutt, and New York Times bestseller Carrie Vaughn. These new tales delve deeper into the origins of the Wild Cards universe, enriching the lore and dynamics of this unique literary realm.

Embark on an enthralling journey through the Wild Cards universe with its original triad:

The Original Triad
#1 Wild Cards
#2 Aces High
#3 Jokers Wild

As the series unfolds, immerse yourself in the following exciting installments:

The Puppetman Quartet
#4: Aces Abroad
#5: Down and Dirty
#6: Ace in the Hole
#7: Dead Man's Hand

The Rox Triad
#8: One-Eyed Jacks
#9: Jokertown Shuffle
#10: Dealer's Choice

#11: Double Solitaire
#12: Turn of the Cards

The Card Sharks Triad
#13: Card Sharks
#14: Marked Cards
#15: Black Trump

#16: Deuces Down
#17: Death Draws Five

The Committee Triad
#18: Inside Straight
#19: Busted Flush
#20: Suicide Kings

The Fort Freak Triad
#21: Fort Freak
#22: Lowball
#23: High Stakes

The American Triad
#24: Mississippi Roll
#25: Low Chicago
#26: Texas Hold 'Em

Rediscover a universe where the extraordinary becomes the norm, and destiny is forged from chaos and mutation. Wild Cards I invites you to explore a complex world where history is rewritten by the lucky draw of the Wild Card. Whether you are meeting these characters for the first time or revisiting this iconic series, the tales contained within promise a riveting and fantastical adventure.