The alien virus arrived on Earth just after World War II - and the world was never the same. For those who become infected, there are two results: death, or transformation. And depending on the recipient, death is sometimes the preferable outcome.
Only a few lucky ones become superhuman "aces" as a side effect of the virus; the rest are turned into horrible, grotesque "jokers". It's a strange and wonderful, terrible and terrifying world where anything can go. A world that, in a twist of fate, could lie just outside your door.
Features stories from Roger Zelazny, Stephen Leigh, Melinda M Snodgrass, George RR Martin, Edward Bryant, Leanne C Harper, Victor Milan, John J Miller, Lewis Shiner, Howard Waldrop, Walter Jon Williams.
