DERRIK J. LANG conjures up three remedies to get you through the superpower show's summer hiatus that don't involve Spidey or the Silver Surfer.
They're no "Heroes," but they'll do in a pinch. (AP Photo/HO/NCsoft)
Got "Heroes" withdrawal this summer? Check out "Soon I Will Be Invincible." (AP Photo/Courtesy of Pantheon)
We feel your pain, "Heroes" fans.
It's been a few weeks since NBC's freshman TV superhit about a group of everyday people with powers went into summer hiatus hiding. Nothing has been able to replace the breakout drama's weekly watercooler buzz.
The new season -- and spinoff, "Heroes: Origins" -- won't launch until the fall. And the first season DVD doesn't even fly onto store shelves until Aug. 28.
If rewatching DVR'd chapters for clues, browsing the online graphic novels and watching streaming online episodes with cast commentary at NBC.com has become mundane, these three new distractions kinda capture the spirit of the show and just might help you fill the superhuman void in your heart.
___
BOOK: "SOON I WILL BE INVINCIBLE"
This novel by first-time author Austin Grossman makes like painter-of-the-future Isaac Mendez, looking beyond the fall like a possible outline of season five or six of "Heroes."
The superpower of this book is its surprising depiction of self-aware good guys and bad guys that, just like "Heroes," is draped in thoughtful realism that transcends comic book clichés.
Narration duties bounce back and forth between evil Doctor Impossible and moody cyborg Fatale, who recently joined a Justice League-like organization.
These superhumans question their purpose in life. They fight inner and outer struggles with a wink. And they bemoan their over-the-top albeit necessary costume choices.
"Soon I Will Be Invincible" is a novel that's accessible to both comic geeks and average citizens. Unfortunately, it's too quick of a summer read and will probably only strengthen your hunger for new "Heroes" episodes.
___
VIDEO GAME: "CITY OF HEROES"
Why just watch "Heroes" when you can actually be one?
Launched in 2004, "City of Heroes" is an immense multiplayer online game that invites players to create their own superhero identity and battle evildoers. The game was recently upgraded with new missions and the ability to invent gadgets, enhancements and costumes (but not paint the future).
An upcoming "City of Heroes" update will feature an invasion by an alien race. Extraterrestrials? Maybe that's how our "Heroes" got their powers.
With thousands of digital garments, powers and accessories available in "City of Heroes," it's completely possible to create a low-key Peter Petrelli-like character -- bangs and all -- within the immense virtual world. Claire's cheerleader uniform, however, would require a little more creativity.
If you're more of a Sylar than a Claire, there's a rascally version called "City of Villains."
___
REALITY TV: "WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO?"
Yes, a cable reality TV show can barely replicate the epic quality of "Heroes," but last summer's silly surprise hit reality series will surely bring a smile to your face, just as "Heroes" class clown Hiro Nakamura and sidekick Ando did during their time traveling adventures.
The premise is simple: Everyday folks don makeshift costumes and pretend powers to compete to be immortalized by comic book legend Stan Lee.
The second season of "Who Wants to Be a Superhero?" flies back to the Sci-Fi Channel in July. The new season will star such homemade superheroes as Whip-Snap, The Defuser, Ms. Limelight and Braid, who's a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom in "real life."
It's gonna be a long summer.
___
Derrik J. Lang is an asap reporter and blogger for The Slug.
___
Want to comment? Sound off at soundoffasap@ap.org .
©2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.
