Only Kids Are Afraid of the Dark

Published 1967


Following Maester Sam 's lead from last year, I've begun exploring GRRM's non-ASOIAF and non-1000 Worlds works. 

This story, Only Kids are Afraid of the Dark, is by far the worst story I've ever read. I don't mean GRRM's worst. I mean the worst, period. LOL 

And yet, I can see why GRRM might look upon it with fondness and whimsy. The guy is a true comic book nerd, and was one long before it became fashionable. While this story is very much Marvel/DC fan fiction, it also shows how much GRRM wanted to contribute to the superhero genre. 

I don't think I would be wrong to characterize Only Kids are Afraid of the Dark as the foundation stone of GRRM's favorite literary endeavor, Wild Cards. 

It's bad. Really bad. So I can't in good conscience recommend anyone read it, but if anyone ever does or has, I welcome your thoughts.