Wild Cards Books
Wild Cards Graphic Novel - 1990
Wild Cards: The Comic Book adapts the first Wild Cards anthology, set in a post-WWII world altered by an alien virus creating Aces (superpowered) and Jokers (deformed). It follows Jetboy, Dr. Tachyon, and the Great and Powerful Turtle navigating politics, crime, and heroism in a reshaped society.
The Original Triad
Wild Cards I – 1986
Wild Cards I, edited by George R.R. Martin, is the first book in the Wild Cards shared-universe series. It explores an alternate history where an alien virus released in 1946 grants superpowers to a few ("Aces"), mutates many into deformed beings ("Jokers"), and kills most. The book follows various characters navigating this transformed world.
Aces High - 1987
Aces High continues the alternate-history saga where an alien virus grants people superpowers or deformities. As New York’s Aces and Jokers face rising threats—including alien invaders and a deadly cult—heroes and villains alike struggle for survival and dominance.
Jokers Wild - 1987
Set in an alternate-history New York on “Joker’s Day,” multiple storylines intertwine as aces, jokers, and criminals clash. Conspiracies unfold, vendettas ignite, and a mysterious assassin, the Astronomer, threatens chaos in the wild, superpowered city.
The Puppetman Quartet
Aces Abroad - 1988
Aces Abroad follows a global goodwill tour of politicians, journalists, and Aces—superhumans affected by the alien Wild Card virus. As they visit various countries, they encounter diverse political and social issues, uncover conspiracies, and witness how the virus shaped different cultures.
Down and Dirty - 1988
Down and Dirty is the fifth book in George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards series, a shared-world anthology set in an alternate history where an alien virus grants some people superpowers while others suffer deformities. The story follows multiple characters in Jokertown amid political intrigue, gang wars, and escalating tensions.
Ace in the Hole - 1990
Ace in the Hole is set in an alternate history where an alien virus grants powers to some and deforms others. The story unfolds during a political convention, where assassination plots, secret agendas, and powered individuals shape a tense, unpredictable election.
Dead Man's Hand - 1990
Dead Man’s Hand, by George R.R. Martin and John J. Miller, is a murder mystery set in the Wild Cards universe. Investigators Jay Ackroyd and Yeoman hunt for the killer of Chrysalis, uncovering a conspiracy tied to the Jokertown underworld. The novel blends noir, superpowers, and political intrigue.
The Rox Triad
One-Eyed Jacks - 1991
One-Eyed Jacks follows a world where an alien virus grants superpowers to some and deforms others. As political tensions rise in New York, chaos erupts among aces, jokers, and criminals, with betrayals, conspiracies, and violent power struggles shaping the narrative.
Jokertown Shuffle - 1991
Jokertown Shuffle follows the mafia-like Card Sharks, who manipulate public sentiment against Jokers. Doctor Tachyon battles for control of his clinic, while Joker vigilantes fight back. Meanwhile, chaos erupts as political conspiracies and personal vendettas collide.
Dealer's Choice - 1992
Dealer’s Choice is the final book in the Wild Cards "Rox" trilogy, edited by George R.R. Martin. Set in the shared superhero universe, it follows a deadly showdown inside the alien Rox pyramid, where aces and jokers battle the powerful Astronomer. Betrayal, sacrifice, and high-stakes action shape the finale.
Bantam Solo Novels
Double Solitaire - 1992
Double Solitaire follows Dr. Tachyon, an alien telepath, and his traitorous granddaughter, Blaise, who steals his body and flees to their homeworld, Takis. Tachyon, trapped in another’s body, fights to reclaim his identity and stop Blaise’s dangerous ambitions amid political intrigue and war.
Turn of the Cards - 1993
Turn of the Cards by Victor Milán is a Wild Cards novel set in George R.R. Martin’s shared superhero universe. It follows Mark Meadows, a pacifist hippie-turned-superhuman drug-enhanced Joker-Ace called Captain Trips. Fleeing U.S. authorities, he embarks on a dangerous global journey, encountering war, politics, and moral dilemmas.
Card Shark Triad
Card Sharks - 1993
Card Sharks is the first book in the Wild Cards "Card Sharks" trilogy, edited by George R.R. Martin. It follows a secret conspiracy, the "Swarm," manipulating world events using the Wild Card virus. As various characters uncover the truth, they face deadly threats, political intrigue, and hidden agendas.
Marked Cards - 1994
In Marked Cards, the 14th Wild Cards book, a reporter and a team of jokers and aces uncover the Card Sharks, a conspiracy aiming to eradicate those with the Wild Cards virus. They race to expose the group before its deadly plan succeeds, edited by George R.R. Martin.
Showdown - 2025
In Showdown, the final book of the Card Shark Triad, the Card Sharks unleash the Black Trump, a lethal biological weapon targeting all Wild Card virus carriers. Aces and jokers worldwide, from Jokertown to Vietnam, fight to stop the ticking viral bombs as time runs out.
The iBooks Revival
Deuces Down - 2002
Deuces Down is an anthology in George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards universe, focusing on "Deuces"—aces with minor, often quirky powers. Unlike their more powerful counterparts, these characters navigate crime, mystery, and adventure with unconventional abilities. The stories explore the struggles, humor, and unexpected heroism of these underdog jokers.
Death Draws Five - 2006
Death Draws Five is a novel in George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards series, written by John J. Miller. It follows a young boy, Billy Ray, who gains miraculous healing powers, making him a target for religious extremists and secret organizations. Daniel Brennan, aka Yeoman, must protect him from deadly threats.
The Committee Triad
Inside Straight - 2008
Inside Straight is a mosaic novel in George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards universe. It follows a new generation of aces competing in a reality show, American Hero, while political tensions rise in the Middle East. As the contestants navigate fame, some must become real heroes amid unfolding global crises.
Busted Flush - 2008
Wild Cards novel Busted Flush follows the Committee, a group of Aces tackling global crises, including genocide, terrorism, and natural disasters. Conflicting morals, power struggles, and hidden agendas challenge the heroes as they confront dangerous adversaries.
Suicide Kings - 2009
Set in an alternate history where an alien virus grants superpowers, Suicide Kings is a Wild Cards novel which follows various "aces" and "jokers" caught in a brutal conflict in Africa. Themes of power, redemption, and survival drive the interconnected narratives.
Mean Streets Triad
Fort Freak - 2011
Set in Jokertown, a New York neighborhood populated by mutants ("Jokers"), the story follows a police precinct handling bizarre crimes. A rookie cop uncovers dark secrets while veteran officers navigate corruption, superpowers, and intrigue.
Lowball - 2014
Lowball, edited by George R.R. Martin, is the 22nd installment in the Wild Cards series. Set in Jokertown, it follows detectives investigating a series of missing persons cases tied to underground gambling. As tensions rise, they uncover a sinister plot targeting Jokers, forcing them into a dangerous confrontation.
High Stakes - 2016
High Stakes is the 23rd book in George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards series. Set in a nightmarish, virus-infested world, it follows a team of heroes investigating a deadly, supernatural crisis in the Middle East. As reality unravels, they battle monstrous forces threatening to consume both Jokers and Aces alike.
The American Triad
Mississippi Roll – 2017
Mississippi Roll is a Wild Cards mosaic novel edited by George R.R. Martin. Set in an alternate history shaped by an alien virus, the story follows the Natchez Queen, a haunted riverboat carrying passengers with extraordinary abilities. As supernatural forces clash, secrets unravel, and danger threatens everyone aboard.
Low Chicago – 2018
Low Chicago is a mosaic novel edited by George R.R. Martin, set in the Wild Cards universe. It follows a high-stakes poker game in 1990s Chicago, where a mysterious artifact triggers time-traveling chaos. Various aces and jokers navigate crime, politics, and supernatural threats across different eras.
Texas Hold ‘Em - 2018
Texas Hold 'Em follows a group of young aces on a trip to Texas for a convention, but their plans are derailed by a local crisis. They face prejudice, corruption, and danger, forcing them to fight for justice.
The British Arc
Knaves Over Queens - 2019
Knaves Over Queens is the first Wild Cards novel set in the UK. It explores the impact of the alien Wild Card virus on British history, from post-WWII to modern times. The anthology follows various Aces and Jokers navigating politics, crime, and heroism.
Three Kings - 2020
In Three Kings, Queen Margaret, dying, tasks Alan Turing, a joker ace, to find her missing son, Henry, hidden due to his joker status. Margaret's elder son Henry becomes king, sparking tensions with his anti-joker stance. Chaos ensues as militant jokers and war goddess Babh emerge.
Other
American Hero - 2020
Wild Cards: American Hero is a tie-in novel to the Wild Cards series, edited by George R.R. Martin. It follows reality TV contestants—superpowered "Aces"—competing for fame. When a disaster strikes, some contestants abandon the show to help, facing danger and moral dilemmas in a world altered by an alien virus.
Joker Moon - 2021
In Joker Moon, Theodorus, a visionary Joker, dreams of colonizing the moon to escape Earth’s prejudice. Facing powerful enemies, political schemes, and shifting alliances, he navigates the Wild Cards universe’s dangers. His ambitious plan sparks conflicts that challenge the balance of power among aces, jokers, and humanity.
Full House - 2022
Wild Cards: Full House is a collection of short stories set in George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards universe, where an alien virus grants people extraordinary abilities—or horrific mutations. Featuring a mix of new and classic characters, the anthology explores superpowered conflicts, crime, and heroism across different eras and settings.
Sins of the Father – 2023
In Sins of the Father, set in George R. R. Martin's Wild Cards universe, uninfected detective Francis "Franny" Black investigates a bizarre murder in Jokertown. As he delves deeper, Franny uncovers hidden conspiracies and startling truths about his late father's past, challenging his perceptions and sense of duty.
Now and Then - 2023
In Now and Then, Earth Witch (Ana Cortez) and allies probe Brazil’s Aurora Mission, a charity for Wild Card virus victims. Uncovering dark abuses, they face moral dilemmas and dangerous foes, questioning their heroic actions in a world where superpowers can’t solve everything, in George R.R. Martin’s universe.
Pairing Up - 2023
In Pairing Up, love takes center stage in the Wild Cards universe. Amidst the chaos of an alien virus that grants superpowers or mutations, aces and jokers navigate romance, heartbreak, and personal gain. Stories include a jewel thief's seductive quest, a snail's Cyrano-like love, and a butterfly woman's transformative connection
Sleeper Straddle - 2024
In George R. R. Martin Presents Wild Cards: Sleeper Straddle, Croyd Crenson, known as "The Sleeper," awakens from hibernation split into six distinct versions, each with unique abilities. The joker-ace hybrid Tesla is tasked with reuniting these incarnations before Croyd's next sleep, navigating a journey through his complex past.
House Rules - 2025
George R. R. Martin Presents Wild Cards: House Rules is an anthology set in the Wild Cards universe, focusing on Loveday House, a mysterious mansion on Keun Island, Cornwall. Owned by the enigmatic Lord Branok, the mansion hosts legendary parties amidst a world altered by an alien virus granting random superpowers or mutations.
Ante Up - 2025
Ante Up, a 2025 Wild Cards graphic novel by George R.R. Martin, Kevin Andrew Murphy, and John Jos. Miller, follows a young ace named Rosa Garza unraveling a modern Robin Hood mystery. Set in the virus-altered Wild Cards universe, it blends superhero intrigue with a quest to unmask a cunning thief.
short stories & novellas
The Button Man & the Murder Tree - 2013
In The Button Man & the Murder Tree by Cherie Priest, a deadly assassin, the Button Man, faces a supernatural tree tied to crime and revenge. Interweaving past and present, the story explores John Fortune’s role in a chilling confrontation, blending supernatural horror with the Wild Cards universe.
The Elephant in the Room - 2013
In The Elephant in the Room by Paul Cornell, Tusker, a telepathic Joker elephant, sues for personhood in a bizarre court case. As legal battles unfold, tensions rise over Joker rights, exposing societal prejudice and fear in the Wild Cards universe’s struggle for equality.
Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza - 2014
In Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza by Carrie Vaughn, Ana Cortez, an Ace with earth-manipulation powers, aids immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. When supernatural forces threaten, she confronts dangerous powers and her past to protect those seeking refuge in the Wild Cards universe.
Prompt. Professional. Pop! - 2014
In Prompt. Professional. Pop! by Melinda M. Snodgrass, a journalist investigates pop star Cameo, whose Wild Card ability channels the dead via objects. As secrets unravel, the story explores fame, deception, and the consequences of hidden powers in the Wild Cards universe.
Discards - 2016
Discards by David D. Levine is a Wild Cards universe story about a homeless man named James "Jam" Robinson, who is infected by the alien Wild Card virus. He develops the power to temporarily duplicate objects but struggles to survive on the streets while navigating newfound abilities and dangers.
The Thing about Growing Up in Jokertown - 2016
In The Thing About Growing Up in Jokertown, Rustbelt mentors young Ace Robin, a shapeshifter, navigating adolescence in Jokertown. Facing prejudice and family pressures, Robin embraces her unique identity, exploring resilience, mentorship, and self-acceptance in the Wild Cards universe’s divided society.
The Atonement Tango - 2017
In Stephen Leigh's Wild Cards story The Atonement Tango, Michael "Drummer Boy" Vogali's life is shattered by a terrorist attack that kills his bandmates in Joker Plague. Struggling with grief and survivor's guilt, Michael embarks on a quest for revenge, confronting deep-seated prejudice against jokers and seeking redemption amid personal turmoil.
When the Devil Drives - 2017
In When the Devil Drives by John Jos. Miller, British intelligence agent Noel Matthews, an Ace with teleportation and shapeshifting powers, investigates a missing woman. Navigating political intrigue and supernatural forces, he faces danger in the Wild Cards universe’s complex web of power and prejudice.
Evernight - 2018
In Evernight by Victor Milán, Marcus “The Infamous Black Tongue” Morgan, a snake-like Joker, navigates a world of prejudice and conspiracies in the Wild Cards universe. Fighting for survival, he uncovers dangerous plots, battling enemies and societal fears in a gripping tale of resilience and intrigue.
The Flight of Morpho Girl - 2018
The Flight of Morpho Girl is a Wild Cards universe novella by Caroline Spector and Bradley Denton. It follows a bio-enhanced girl, Morpho, escaping a devastated New York. As she struggles with identity and survival, she uncovers dark secrets about her origins and the Wild Card virus’s effects.
Long is the Way - 2019
In Long is the Way by Carrie Vaughn and John Jos. Miller, Michael “Drummer Boy” Vogali, an Ace, navigates a dangerous world with his lover, Lilith. Hunted by a relentless investigator, he struggles to retain his humanity while facing prejudice and survival challenges in the Wild Cards universe.
The City That Never Sleeps - 2019
The City That Never Sleeps by Walter Jon Williams is a Wild Cards universe short story. It follows Croyd Crenson, the Sleeper, whose powers and appearance change each time he sleeps. As he navigates New York’s underworld, he encounters danger, intrigue, and the unpredictable nature of his abilities.
Naked, Stoned, and Stabbed - 2019
Naked, Stoned, and Stabbed by Bradley Denton is a Wild Cards universe short story about a washed-up rock musician, Jerry, who gains unexpected powers from a Joker-affecting virus. When a mysterious murder occurs, Jerry must navigate betrayal, drugs, and supernatural elements to uncover the truth—while barely surviving himself.
Ripple Effects - 2021
In Ripple Effects from Joker Moon, Moon, a Joker, and Theodorus, a dragon-like Ace, navigate a lunar colony altered by the Wild Card virus. Their actions ripple through society, sparking conflicts and revealing the unintended consequences of superhuman powers in a divided world.
Skin Deep - 2021
Skin Deep by Alan Brennert is a Wild Cards universe novella following Billy Ray, aka Carnifex, a Joker-Ace hybrid with superhuman strength and a monstrous appearance. Tasked with investigating a mysterious Joker-related case, he uncovers secrets that challenge his loyalties and force him to confront his own identity.
Hearts of Stone - 2022
In Hearts of Stone by Emma Newman, Jerry Strauss, an Ace with shapeshifting powers, grapples with love, loyalty, and morality in a Wild Card-altered world. Facing tough choices, he navigates prejudice and survival, questioning what it means to be a hero in a society divided by powers.
Grow - 2022
Grow is a Wild Cards universe novella by Carrie Vaughn. It follows a young joker named Cody, who possesses plant-based abilities, as he struggles to find his place in a world divided between aces and jokers. Through resilience and growth, Cody discovers his true potential.