Wildcard (novel)

Wildcard is the second novel in the Wild Cards series, a shared universe anthology of superhero fiction edited by George R.R. Martin. Published in 1987 by Bantam Books, Wildcard continues the story begun in the first volume, Wild Cards, exploring the aftermath of the release of the Wild Card virus over New York City in 1946.

The novel is written as a mosaic novel, meaning it is composed of interconnected stories written by different authors. This allows for multiple perspectives and expands the world-building of the Wild Cards universe.

Wildcard further develops the established characters from the first book, such as Dr. Tachyon, Jetboy, and Golden Boy, while also introducing new Aces (those granted superpowers by the virus) and Jokers (those mutated in grotesque or debilitating ways). It delves deeper into the political, social, and personal ramifications of the Wild Card virus and the emergence of powered individuals. The narrative weaves together themes of power, discrimination, and the struggle to define morality in a world fundamentally altered by the Wild Card virus. The stories contribute to an overarching plot involving the investigation of mysterious deaths and the escalating tensions between different factions within the Wild Card community.

Key authors who contributed stories to Wildcard include George R.R. Martin, Melinda M. Snodgrass, Lewis Shiner, Walter Jon Williams, Howard Waldrop, and Gail Gerstner Miller.