What do you think?
Rate this book
Shero #1
Shero
"This is certainly one of the most delightful books I've read in 2011. No dodging into phone booths for this supershero, who makes Spiderman and Superman look downright dowdy. Shero is always well-dressed and prepared for any crisis. This girl knows who she is and is prepared to kick ass to prove it. Only the most mean-spirited (and Shero knows who they are) could fail to fall in love with this feisty character with killer nail polish. Long may she strut her stuff." -- CM Barret
"Wallen has done an admirable job of creating a colorful, over-the-top comedic take on the superhero genre and seasoned it with the tropes one would find in more traditional adventures. Shero is not your ordinary crime fighter; she is a transgendered superhero top to bottom and embraces herself totally and is also accepted by society. From her custom made, Kevlar coated black dresses to her poisonous fingernail polish, there is no shame in her game! And her compatriots are just as colorful, with their code names and awesome super powers. There are leagues for both the heroes and villains in this story, double crosses and secret histories. Clearly,Wallen has read more than a few comics in his day, and has turned out a new adventure here with a very clever twist." -- Benito
Shero is not your ordinary superhero … unless you consider a cross-dressing superhero normal. Besides having to deal with the every day challenges of evil villain-dom, Shero must combat broken heels, runs in his stockings, chipped nails, and the prejudice of public opinion.
In this first installment Shero finds the perfect black dress, a possible lover, a deadly shade of fingernail polish, some nasty, nasty foes, an internal superhero political war, and a narrator full of attitude.
Caution: You may find yourself yelling "You go girl!" which could certainly lead to public humiliation. You've been warned.
This is a novella-length book that will make you feel sexy as hell upon completing.
"Wallen has done an admirable job of creating a colorful, over-the-top comedic take on the superhero genre and seasoned it with the tropes one would find in more traditional adventures. Shero is not your ordinary crime fighter; she is a transgendered superhero top to bottom and embraces herself totally and is also accepted by society. From her custom made, Kevlar coated black dresses to her poisonous fingernail polish, there is no shame in her game! And her compatriots are just as colorful, with their code names and awesome super powers. There are leagues for both the heroes and villains in this story, double crosses and secret histories. Clearly,Wallen has read more than a few comics in his day, and has turned out a new adventure here with a very clever twist." -- Benito
Shero is not your ordinary superhero … unless you consider a cross-dressing superhero normal. Besides having to deal with the every day challenges of evil villain-dom, Shero must combat broken heels, runs in his stockings, chipped nails, and the prejudice of public opinion.
In this first installment Shero finds the perfect black dress, a possible lover, a deadly shade of fingernail polish, some nasty, nasty foes, an internal superhero political war, and a narrator full of attitude.
Caution: You may find yourself yelling "You go girl!" which could certainly lead to public humiliation. You've been warned.
This is a novella-length book that will make you feel sexy as hell upon completing.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2010
1 person is currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Jack Wallen
114 books117 followersJack Wallen is what happens when a Gen Xer mind-melds with present day snark. Jack is a seeker of truth and a writer of words with a quantum mechanical pencil and a disjointed beat of sound and soul. Although he resides in the unlikely city of Louisville, Kentucky, Jack likes to think of himself more as an interplanetary traveler, on the lookout for the Satellite of Love and a perpetual movie sign...or so he tells the reflection in the mirror (some times in 3rd person). Jack is the author of numerous tales of dark, twisty fiction including the I Zombie series, the Klockwerk Movement, the Fringe Killer series, Shero, The Nameless Saga, and much more.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 9, 2011
I am the author of this book. Here is the description:
Shero is the pride of SSH (Society of Super Heroes). Not only is he one of their best fighters, he's also the best dressed (in dresses and heels of course.) But when V.I.L.E. (Villains In League with Evil) plants the seeds of doubt and hate for Shero in the minds of the citizens, Shero is placed on inactive duty. But when SSH finds its back against a wall, Shero saves their hide from the shadows...a true hero.
Shero is the most unlikely of heroes on the surface. But once you get to know the man behind the mascara you understand that heros come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and genders. The Shero series offers up a humorous look into the world of super heroes, cross dressers, as well as human nature. With a narrator who is just as happy mouthing off as he/she is describing to the reader the action of the book, you will find yourself laughing at the situation, the attitude, and maybe even yourself.
Caution: You may find yourself yelling "You go girl!" which could certainly lead to public humiliation. You've been warned.
Shero is the pride of SSH (Society of Super Heroes). Not only is he one of their best fighters, he's also the best dressed (in dresses and heels of course.) But when V.I.L.E. (Villains In League with Evil) plants the seeds of doubt and hate for Shero in the minds of the citizens, Shero is placed on inactive duty. But when SSH finds its back against a wall, Shero saves their hide from the shadows...a true hero.
Shero is the most unlikely of heroes on the surface. But once you get to know the man behind the mascara you understand that heros come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and genders. The Shero series offers up a humorous look into the world of super heroes, cross dressers, as well as human nature. With a narrator who is just as happy mouthing off as he/she is describing to the reader the action of the book, you will find yourself laughing at the situation, the attitude, and maybe even yourself.
Caution: You may find yourself yelling "You go girl!" which could certainly lead to public humiliation. You've been warned.
October 15, 2012
SHERO by Jack Wallen is a fun, breezy yet still superheroic adventure with a very different kind of hero.
Shero, the hero(ine) of Wallen's story, is an intrepid crime fighter and member of the Society of Superheroes, doing it all and then some in fabulous couture and three inch heels. Shero is dedicated to protecting the innocent and being an exemplary leader in the SSH...until it's all turned upside down and she doesn't know who she can trust or where to turn to. Now instead of fighting crime and keeping the citizenry safe from VILE, the group of supervillains at odds with the SSH, Shero must clear her name and figure out who in the Society has it in for her and why.
Wallen has done an admirable job of creating a colorful, over-the-top comedic take on the superhero genre and seasoned it with the tropes one would find in more traditional adventures. Shero is not your ordinary crime fighter; she is a transgendered superhero top to bottom and embraces herself totally and is also accepted by society. From her custom made, Kevlar coated black dresses to her poisonous fingernail polish, there is no shame in her game! And her compatriots are just as colorful, with their code names and awesome super powers. There are leagues for both the heroes and villains in this story, double crosses and secret histories. Clearly,Wallen has read more than a few comics in his day, and has turned out a new adventure here with a very clever twist.
I really appreciated that Wallen was able to try his hand at telling a superhero story, especially with a protagonist such as Shero, and keep it fun and light. Just because there are gay characters in a story, too often it seems that the story will wind up in the gutter, with said characters winding up in the sheets. Wallen never takes it there and decides instead to titillate his readers, even in the scenes that involve the sensual temptress, Mephistopheles.
In fact it's with the scenes between Mephistopheles and Shero that I had a small issue with. It's stated that she is irresistible and she and Shero do have a past from years before but I felt that with a protagonist that is unapologetically transgendered, would this be the lover that Shero would really be with? Ultimately though, this is a superhero story, and I didn't think twice about it as the story rushed to it's climax. Wallen leaves the door wide open for a sequel (do I smell franchise?) and I'd be more than happy to see what shenanigans Shero will get into next.
This is NOT your classic superhero adventure but something different. Shero is a different kind of superhero indeed but still embodies what makes a person a superhero in the first place; she is honorable, forthright and true. And most importantly, true to herself. Pick up your copy here and you will enjoy Shero's adventures as much as I did.
Happy reading!
Shero, the hero(ine) of Wallen's story, is an intrepid crime fighter and member of the Society of Superheroes, doing it all and then some in fabulous couture and three inch heels. Shero is dedicated to protecting the innocent and being an exemplary leader in the SSH...until it's all turned upside down and she doesn't know who she can trust or where to turn to. Now instead of fighting crime and keeping the citizenry safe from VILE, the group of supervillains at odds with the SSH, Shero must clear her name and figure out who in the Society has it in for her and why.
Wallen has done an admirable job of creating a colorful, over-the-top comedic take on the superhero genre and seasoned it with the tropes one would find in more traditional adventures. Shero is not your ordinary crime fighter; she is a transgendered superhero top to bottom and embraces herself totally and is also accepted by society. From her custom made, Kevlar coated black dresses to her poisonous fingernail polish, there is no shame in her game! And her compatriots are just as colorful, with their code names and awesome super powers. There are leagues for both the heroes and villains in this story, double crosses and secret histories. Clearly,Wallen has read more than a few comics in his day, and has turned out a new adventure here with a very clever twist.
I really appreciated that Wallen was able to try his hand at telling a superhero story, especially with a protagonist such as Shero, and keep it fun and light. Just because there are gay characters in a story, too often it seems that the story will wind up in the gutter, with said characters winding up in the sheets. Wallen never takes it there and decides instead to titillate his readers, even in the scenes that involve the sensual temptress, Mephistopheles.
In fact it's with the scenes between Mephistopheles and Shero that I had a small issue with. It's stated that she is irresistible and she and Shero do have a past from years before but I felt that with a protagonist that is unapologetically transgendered, would this be the lover that Shero would really be with? Ultimately though, this is a superhero story, and I didn't think twice about it as the story rushed to it's climax. Wallen leaves the door wide open for a sequel (do I smell franchise?) and I'd be more than happy to see what shenanigans Shero will get into next.
This is NOT your classic superhero adventure but something different. Shero is a different kind of superhero indeed but still embodies what makes a person a superhero in the first place; she is honorable, forthright and true. And most importantly, true to herself. Pick up your copy here and you will enjoy Shero's adventures as much as I did.
Happy reading!
May 29, 2015
Shero is unlike any other Hero.
This is a story about being comfortable in your own skin despite what anyone else may think. Super Hero’s and perceived Villian’s.Not being afraid to seek out the truth and what is right regardless of the cost to yourself.
Shero is a loveable and smart hero unlike any you may have read about before. He can clean up the streets while dressed to the 9's,in Designer clothing, fashionable high heels with a perfect manicure.There are impressive battle scenes,catty sarcasm loyalty and friendship. But life is not a cake walk for Shero.Despite the narrow minded towns folks who can be easily manipulated by doctored photos and someone out to bring Shero down and cause him to fall from grace. Shero does his best to keep his oath he has sworn to serve and protect.
I enjoyed this story.Jack Wallen always brings his unique take on life to every story he writes,and for that I am Thankful.
This is a story about being comfortable in your own skin despite what anyone else may think. Super Hero’s and perceived Villian’s.Not being afraid to seek out the truth and what is right regardless of the cost to yourself.
Shero is a loveable and smart hero unlike any you may have read about before. He can clean up the streets while dressed to the 9's,in Designer clothing, fashionable high heels with a perfect manicure.There are impressive battle scenes,catty sarcasm loyalty and friendship. But life is not a cake walk for Shero.Despite the narrow minded towns folks who can be easily manipulated by doctored photos and someone out to bring Shero down and cause him to fall from grace. Shero does his best to keep his oath he has sworn to serve and protect.
I enjoyed this story.Jack Wallen always brings his unique take on life to every story he writes,and for that I am Thankful.
October 22, 2011
"Shero" by Jack Wallen is a fun romp in Size 14 patent-leather Mary Janes! It is full of sass and attitude, with a narrator who feels like a girlfriend gossiping over coffee and sweet stuff. The ultimate theme of this novel is one that everyone should learn -- it's a story about one man's (girl's!) struggle to remain true to himself in the face of a world that won't let him do so easily. I recommend this book for a read that is funny, full of life, and for a date with a character you'll want to hear more from after the book ends!
March 12, 2022
A fun tale about a transgendered superhero trying to live his (the pronouns that shero uses for himself) best life while fighting crime. So much humour from Jack and so enjoyable.
August 18, 2015
Shero, at it's most simplest of looks, might just appear to be a single high concept ideal based on selling books to an underrepresented part of the reading population. I mean, even I had my reservations about how well put together a book about the world's only transgendered superhero could really delve into the deep concepts behind what it's like to be transgender.
And, I'll admit that at the start of the book even, those reservations weren't immediately lost.
Shero likes to dress up in women's clothing, meaning that he likes to kick butt in a dress. And at first, we see Shero focusing a lot on the clothes, which, to be fair, if you like to dress up in the finest of female attire (whether male or female), it's probably something that does consume a fair amount of your brainpower (as a male who dresses poorly, I can't say anything for certain). But at first, I was nervous as it seemed almost to come across as the dialogue was written for some outmoded female stereotype where the person was more concerned about chipped nails than about their fellow man.
Luckily I read on, because it does quickly become apparent that there's much more to Shero than jokes about Wang dresses. In fact, it's even much more about finding acceptance as someone who is different than others (as we see most people have come to expect Shero to wear his reinforced heels and are disappointed when he comes in anything less than the most impressive fabrics). In the end, this is a story about doing what's right, even if it goes completely against what you've been told is right all your life. It's a story about being true to you, and getting down what really matters.
In other words, Shero actually has a rather amazing subtle message hiding among the humor (as this is a comedy title). It comes at the idea of being transgender (or different in any way) from an entirely different angle, and one that you might not notice if you weren't paying attention. It does it by questioning the norm, but being introduced to new ideas and finding that the ones you were told before were lies...but none of this actually relates at all directly to Shero's choice in clothing.
I could actually go on for quite some time about the devices Wallen uses to get his ideas across, but I won't do that here.
Instead, I'd rather focus on the fact that this well-crafted tale is something special. It's funny. Just the fact that Shero's superpower is that he can shoot his fingernails (covered in a variety of nail polishes which can induce a number of different status effects) is enough to make one smile. The narrator has this sense of irreverence that one can't help but think even he finds the whole event rather humorous.
It's a fun story, hiding a deeper meaning, that is a great quick read which will leave you begging for more.
Luckily, there's a second book out (and I believe a third on the way) to allow readers to get to know more about the man in the Prada (sorry...my knowledge of fashion is pretty limited here). I know it's on my to-read list.
And, I'll admit that at the start of the book even, those reservations weren't immediately lost.
Shero likes to dress up in women's clothing, meaning that he likes to kick butt in a dress. And at first, we see Shero focusing a lot on the clothes, which, to be fair, if you like to dress up in the finest of female attire (whether male or female), it's probably something that does consume a fair amount of your brainpower (as a male who dresses poorly, I can't say anything for certain). But at first, I was nervous as it seemed almost to come across as the dialogue was written for some outmoded female stereotype where the person was more concerned about chipped nails than about their fellow man.
Luckily I read on, because it does quickly become apparent that there's much more to Shero than jokes about Wang dresses. In fact, it's even much more about finding acceptance as someone who is different than others (as we see most people have come to expect Shero to wear his reinforced heels and are disappointed when he comes in anything less than the most impressive fabrics). In the end, this is a story about doing what's right, even if it goes completely against what you've been told is right all your life. It's a story about being true to you, and getting down what really matters.
In other words, Shero actually has a rather amazing subtle message hiding among the humor (as this is a comedy title). It comes at the idea of being transgender (or different in any way) from an entirely different angle, and one that you might not notice if you weren't paying attention. It does it by questioning the norm, but being introduced to new ideas and finding that the ones you were told before were lies...but none of this actually relates at all directly to Shero's choice in clothing.
I could actually go on for quite some time about the devices Wallen uses to get his ideas across, but I won't do that here.
Instead, I'd rather focus on the fact that this well-crafted tale is something special. It's funny. Just the fact that Shero's superpower is that he can shoot his fingernails (covered in a variety of nail polishes which can induce a number of different status effects) is enough to make one smile. The narrator has this sense of irreverence that one can't help but think even he finds the whole event rather humorous.
It's a fun story, hiding a deeper meaning, that is a great quick read which will leave you begging for more.
Luckily, there's a second book out (and I believe a third on the way) to allow readers to get to know more about the man in the Prada (sorry...my knowledge of fashion is pretty limited here). I know it's on my to-read list.
October 9, 2015
I really only have three criticisms of this book. Otherwise, it's good stuff and I look forward to the sequels.
First, the "snarky narrator" bit is too much. I have nothing against comedy - far from it! - but the story is serious, and the narrative voice clashes with that in a big way. It works okay in the "catty/playful Shero" scenes as a Deadpool-esque "battle of the caption boxes," but the numerous breaches of the fourth wall just felt gratuitous. I think making a brutal edit pass to chop that snark out would make the book much better; the story is strong enough to play it serious and leave the snarky commentary in Shero's head and in dialogue.
Second, the terminology is problematic in a couple of ways. Shero is referred to from the start as a straight male crossdresser who isn't trying to pass for or transition to a female persona, which threw me for a big loop when he repeatedly referred to himself as "transgendered." Aside from the preference for women's clothes, he seems to be a completely cisgender man. I would suggest considering "crossdresser" or "genderqueer," or at least qualifying the term "transgender" (and please, no -ed) to better convey the intended meaning - especially in the crucial first few chapters.
Finally, there are some copyediting and continuity goofs. Most of it is minor stuff, but in one memorable instance, a Black Squad member shifts from male to female and back to male within the space of a couple of paragraphs. Either Shero's not the only super who likes to mess with gender, or that needs to be fixed. Likewise, there's a very obvious background hole that could be fixed with a couple of careful omissions: why does a fingernail-firing superhero need manicures or care about breaking a nail? Just drop it and regrow; that seems to happen instantly anyway.
Aside from those, this is a very good story. The "hidden history" and "disgraced hero" tropes are used well, and the interactions felt authentic. Just as some people are fine with Shero's mode of dress, others are not, and it's good to see that spectrum of reactions. Some more information on certain motives would have been appreciated; we are told that a character did something shocking, but not shown anything of the thought processes behind it or even how that character obtained the one piece of knowledge needed to make the decision in the first place.
Recommended, but not without (the above) reservations. I intend to pick up the two sequels soon.
First, the "snarky narrator" bit is too much. I have nothing against comedy - far from it! - but the story is serious, and the narrative voice clashes with that in a big way. It works okay in the "catty/playful Shero" scenes as a Deadpool-esque "battle of the caption boxes," but the numerous breaches of the fourth wall just felt gratuitous. I think making a brutal edit pass to chop that snark out would make the book much better; the story is strong enough to play it serious and leave the snarky commentary in Shero's head and in dialogue.
Second, the terminology is problematic in a couple of ways. Shero is referred to from the start as a straight male crossdresser who isn't trying to pass for or transition to a female persona, which threw me for a big loop when he repeatedly referred to himself as "transgendered." Aside from the preference for women's clothes, he seems to be a completely cisgender man. I would suggest considering "crossdresser" or "genderqueer," or at least qualifying the term "transgender" (and please, no -ed) to better convey the intended meaning - especially in the crucial first few chapters.
Finally, there are some copyediting and continuity goofs. Most of it is minor stuff, but in one memorable instance, a Black Squad member shifts from male to female and back to male within the space of a couple of paragraphs. Either Shero's not the only super who likes to mess with gender, or that needs to be fixed. Likewise, there's a very obvious background hole that could be fixed with a couple of careful omissions: why does a fingernail-firing superhero need manicures or care about breaking a nail? Just drop it and regrow; that seems to happen instantly anyway.
Aside from those, this is a very good story. The "hidden history" and "disgraced hero" tropes are used well, and the interactions felt authentic. Just as some people are fine with Shero's mode of dress, others are not, and it's good to see that spectrum of reactions. Some more information on certain motives would have been appreciated; we are told that a character did something shocking, but not shown anything of the thought processes behind it or even how that character obtained the one piece of knowledge needed to make the decision in the first place.
Recommended, but not without (the above) reservations. I intend to pick up the two sequels soon.
October 17, 2016
While this was a breezy read, I just couldn't get a solid read on where Jack Wallen really stands on trans* issues. He kept conflating transvestite with transsexual. While I concede that you could have someone who is both and who may even be genderqueer, there was just too much stereotyping going on with the main character.
Apart from that, the book breezes along and follows the hero (or Shero in this case) who finds outs that things aren't what they seem and comes to the save the day.
Apart from that, the book breezes along and follows the hero (or Shero in this case) who finds outs that things aren't what they seem and comes to the save the day.
January 3, 2016
Reinforcing stereotypes. I just didn't care much for this superhero story. And the author's attempt of interjecting funny comments directly to the reader I didn't think was particularly funny. But, maybe that's just because I have a different sense of humor.
May 6, 2015
Shero is a Super Hero above all others. The Action starts off right away and is nonstop throughout the entire book! The author humor had me laughing out loud many times, the characters are bright and have great charisma. I'm looking forward to book 2 and 3!!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews