Tad Williamsª Mirror World: An Illustrated Novel

Only two issues of Tad Williams's popular TechnoComics Mirror World series were ever printed--issues 0 and 1. Mirror World laid down an imaginative alternate history for Earth worthy of such an unpredictable and original author: Just before the turn of the millennium, giant mirrors sprang up all over the world, and an army of super-sized insects poured out, capturing countless thousands and dragging them back through the mirrors into the unknown. The mirrors stuck around, and eventually some humans made the (one-way, they realized later) trip to the other side, to an Earth-like--and mysteriously superbug-less--parallel dimension. A number of these intrepid souls were souped-up "biotroopers," sent by the UN in pursuit of the giant bugs. These biotroopers were the focus of Mirror World, and they also provide the common thread in this release.

Strangely, Williams didn't write any of the three stories in the richly illustrated Tad Williams' Mirror World. While he did hand-pick the book's authors, none is quite the equal of the talented and creative Williams. The writers clearly understand and appreciate Williams's world, though, and while not entirely polished, their efforts show enthusiasm and innovation. This book would definitely be at home on the bookshelf of any Mirror World fan, with dozens of illustrations and computer-readout-style dossiers on notable biotroopers. --Paul Hughes