I keep hoping some smooth writing word-smither will come along and write a costumed hero story that really “gets it.” To date, this is a small but growing sub-genre of speculative fiction (thanks to the successful movie franchises) that has not yet translated well into the ungraphic novel form, at least the several examples that I have read.Īndrew Vachss' Batman: The Ultimate Evil was a very good Batman novel, but that was less superhero than straight crime fiction. This offering was fun and some time was pleasantly diverted but I still can’t help but feel a somber lack of fulfillment in the end product. You’ve only got so many rounds and it’s going to be a long day, so make sure you get as many as possible with each one.

See the world of “righteous do-gooders' through the eyes of someone who doesn’t particularly care for them.Īnd remember - Losing an argument with a group of rioters isn’t a good excuse to start lobbing tear gas indiscriminately at them. Will he avoid selling out his principles for a paycheck and a pardon? Can he resist the camaraderie of being on a super team? Does he fall prey to the ample charms of the beautiful Olympian Aphrodite? How will he survive the jealous schemes of Ultraweapon, who wears armor so powerful it makes Cal’s look like a museum piece? Immerse yourself in his epic battles and see what it’s like to be an outsider looking in at a world that few have ever experienced.Ĭlimb into Cal’s battlesuit and join him on his journey. Follow his exploits as he gets swept up in a world domination scheme gone wrong and ends up working for this weak willed, mercy loving heroes. He’s a sarcastic, down on his luck armored villain. Those are the words of Calvin Matthew Stringel, better known as Mechani-Cal. It’s not like it’s going to change the outcome or anything.” Will his unique vocals, fashion style and determined attitude mean his audition will screen across Australia? Or will the top producers shoot him down before he has a chance? NOA takes you into a world of TV auditions, music videos, profit-seeking producers and a music industry that preys on the vulnerable.Ĭonfessions of a Villain is keenly observant and insightful, a guide for others on the road to becoming creative, unique and well-known stars.“Being a supervillain means never having to say you’re sorry … Unless it’s to the judge or the parole board.

But his difficult and violent past has taught him a thing or two, and he won't give up that easily. He never dreamt it would be this competitive, brutal almost. NOA, an aspiring young boy from a broken home in the 'burbs, nervously awaits a singing audition for an Australian TV talent show. Imagine yourself to someday become a famous singer? Hang onto your microphone, you're in for more than what you bargained for.

Confessions of a Villain by Noa