The expression 'what you see is what get', may not hold credence if you delve into the mystery behind the mind, or more specifically if you are given the ability to see behind the mask that conveniently camouflages each person. THE DARKER MASK makes a magnanimous attempt to take readers beyond the physical and submerge them in a series of images, actions and pseudo emotions.

The cast of contributors is as varied as the stories gracing the pages.  They are a virtual who's who in the zone of scientific and fantasy phenomenon.  The eighteen stories they present, have diverse yet similar themes.  THE DARKER COLLECTION is referenced to works by earlier Sci-Fi authors like Byron Preiss and Michael Chabon. This collection of

original prose stories celebrates superhuman beings that fight to save the world(s).  The stories have a certain uniqueness, which is enhanced by characters that bring a broader range to what constitutes a hero.  These heroes are not predominantly white and male, as in previous tributes.  They are more urbanized, and will give readers new legends and new myths, as it equips everyday people with the power and perception to become much more than ordinary.  Beings that will help foster a new melting pot, in other dimensions.
 
THE DARKER MASK: Heroes From The Shadows offers an eclectic mix of bestselling fiction writers and artists: Walter Mosley, L. A. Banks, Naomi Hirahara, Lorenzo Carcaterra, Tananarive Due and Stephen Barnes, Mike Gonzales, Gar Anthony Haywood, Ann Nocenti, Jerry Rodriguez, Reed Farrell Coleman, Doselle Young, Mat Johnson, Peter Spiegelman, Alexandra Sokoloff, Christopher Chambers, Gary Phillips, Victor LaValle, and Wayne Wilson, who commandeer some of the worlds most captivating and most abstract fantasies.  The stories are enveloping and provoking; they take readers beyond predictable. Prepare to take a ride that will feel like REM sleep.

Reviewed by aNN Brown
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers