Joe Superhero

By Aaron Abilene

A man is transformed into a real life superhero after a series of accidents and he joins a group of misfit heroes to rid their city of crime.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron Abilene
• Release date: Jul 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223683025

Book preview

Joe Superhero

Aaron Abilene

Published by Aaron Abilene, 2023.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

JOE SUPERHERO

First edition. July 30, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Aaron Abilene.

ISBN: 979-8223683025

Written by Aaron Abilene.

Also by Aaron Abilene

505

505: Resurrection

Balls

Dead Awake (Coming Soon)

Before The Dead Awake (Coming Soon)

Carnival Game

Full Moon Howl

Donovan

Shades of Z

Deadeye

Deadeye & Friends

Cowboys Vs Aliens

Ferris

Life in Prescott (Coming Soon)

Afterlife in Love (Coming Soon)

Island

Paradise Island

The Lost Island

The Lost Island 2

The Lost Island 3

The Island 2

Pandemic

Pandemic (Coming Soon)

Prototype

The Compound

Slacker

Slacker 2

Slacker: Dead Man Walkin'

Texas

A Vampire in Texas

Thomas

Quarantine

Contagion

Eradication

Isolation

Immune

Pathogen

Bloodline (Coming Soon)

Decontaminated (Coming Soon)

Virus

Raising Hell

Zombie Bride

Zombie Bride

Zombie Bride 2

Zombie Bride 3

Standalone

The Victims of Pinocchio

A Christmas Nightmare

Pain

Fat Jesus

A Zombie's Revenge

505

The Headhunter

Crash

Tranq

The Island

Dog

The Quiet Man

Joe Superhero

Feral

Good Guys

Devil Child of Texas

Romeo and Juliet and Zombies

The Gamer

Becoming Alpha

Dead West

Small Town Blues

Shades of Z: Redux

The Gift of Death

Killer Claus

Skarred

Home Sweet Home

Alligator Allan

10 Days

Army of The Dumbest Dead

Kid

The Cult of Stupid

9 Time Felon

Slater

Bad Review: Hannah Dies

Me Again

Maurice and Me

Breaking Wind

The Family Business (Coming Soon)

Lightning Rider : Better Days (Coming Soon)

Lazy Boyz (Coming Soon)

Sparkles The Vampire Clown (Coming Soon)

From The Future, Stuck in The Past (Coming Soon)

Honest John (Coming Soon)

She's Psycho (Coming Soon)

Vicious Cycle (Coming Soon)

Romeo and Juliet: True Love Conquers All (Coming Soon)

Hunting Sarah (Coming Soon)

Random Acts of Stupidity (Coming Soon)

Born Killer (Coming Soon)

The Abducted (Coming Soon)

Broken Man (Coming Soon)

Graham Hiney (Coming Soon)

Paper Soldiers (Coming Soon)

Zartan (Coming Soon)

The Firsts in Life (Coming Soon)

Giant Baby (Coming Soon)

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Aaron Abilene

Joe Superhero

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Also By Aaron Abilene

Joe Superhero

Written by Aaron Abilene

––––––––

The Land of Enchantment was a city that thrived on chaos and disorder. Skyscrapers stretched into the smoggy sky, their neon signs casting eerie glows on the streets below. Sirens howled in the distance, a never-ending symphony to accompany the cacophony of gunshots and screams that filled the air.

The once pristine sidewalks were now riddled with cracks, littered with the debris of shattered dreams and discarded aspirations. Pools of murky water collected in the shadows, reflecting the twisted faces of desperate souls who wandered the city's underbelly.

Through the haze of exhaust fumes and perpetual twilight, citizens hurried about, their eyes darting nervously from side to side, as if they could sense the danger lurking behind every grimy corner. They clutched their belongings tightly and avoided eye contact, a silent pact among them to mind their own business in this treacherous jungle.

Hovering cars zipped past overhead, a tangled mess of metal and noise, weaving between crumbling buildings that seemed to teeter on the brink of collapse. The air was thick with tension, leaving a metallic taste in one's mouth that couldn't be washed away, no matter how hard they tried.

Gangs roamed freely, emboldened by the absence of any meaningful law enforcement presence. Their laughter rang out through the night, a sinister reminder of their control over the city. Meanwhile, the downtrodden inhabitants scurried like rats, living in constant fear of becoming prey to the predators that ruled the concrete jungle.

The chaotic energy of the Land of Enchantment was palpable, an electric current that thrummed beneath the surface, threatening to explode at any moment. It was a place where dreams went to die, swallowed whole by the darkness that lurked within its depths. And yet, there were those who still dared to hope for something better, searching for a light in the seemingly endless gloom.

––––––––

In the heart of the Land of Enchantment, amongst the chaos and fear, a solitary figure stood in stark contrast to his surroundings. Joe Church, a lanky 23-year-old with earnest eyes and a mop of unruly hair, navigated the treacherous streets with surprising grace.

Hey, watch it! shouted a passerby as Joe narrowly avoided colliding with him.

Sorry, muttered Joe, his thoughts preoccupied by the weight of his unsatisfying life.

Every day he clocked in at his dead-end job, working as a custodian for an unappreciative corporation. The endless hours spent scrubbing away grime and filth felt like a cruel metaphor for his own existence – always trying to clean up the messes around him but never truly escaping them. His dissatisfaction festered inside him like a wound that refused to heal.

Joe! You're late again! barked his supervisor through the crackling earpiece that connected them. Get your ass in gear or you'll be out on the streets!

Understood, Joe replied tersely, clenching his fist as he continued on his way to work.

As the son of a pastor, Joe was no stranger to the expectations placed upon him by his family. He had grown up surrounded by faith and hope, but the bleak reality of the Land of Enchantment had slowly chipped away at his once unwavering belief in something greater than himself.

Damn this place, Joe thought bitterly as he surveyed the crumbling buildings and skittish inhabitants. There has to be more to life than just surviving.

As he walked, the cacophony of traffic overhead and the distant cries of desperation filled his ears. He couldn't help but feel suffocated by the inescapable soundtrack of the city.

Hey, Joe! called out a familiar voice, breaking through his reverie. It was Mike, a fellow custodian and one of the few people Joe considered a friend in this godforsaken place.

Hey, Mike, Joe greeted him half-heartedly, attempting a smile that never quite reached his eyes.

Rough day? asked Mike, concern furrowing his brow as he studied Joe's haggard appearance.

Isn't it always? replied Joe with a bitter laugh. I just can't help but feel like I'm meant for something more than this.

Mike nodded sympathetically, clapping a hand on Joe's shoulder. You and me both, man. But we've got to play the hand we're dealt, right?

Right, Joe agreed, though the thought provided little comfort. His heart yearned for something greater, a purpose that would lift him from the crushing despair that held so many in its grip.

As he continued on his way to work, Joe couldn't shake the nagging feeling that somewhere within the twisted labyrinth of the Land of Enchantment, there was a path that led to a brighter future – if only he could find it.

––––––––

Joe stood in front of the small, dilapidated church his father pastored, its paint peeling away like old memories. He hesitated for a moment before pushing open the heavy wooden doors and stepping inside. The familiar scent of worn hymnals and stale incense greeted him, a mixture of comfort and suffocation.

Ah, there you are, Pastor Church said, looking up from arranging flowers on the altar. How was work?

Same as always, Joe replied with a shrug, avoiding his father's searching gaze. Just another day in paradise.

Son, I know it's not what you want to be doing right now, his father began, but Joe cut him off.

Neither is this, he gestured around the dimly lit sanctuary. Dad, don't you ever wish there was more to life than just... this?

Pastor Church sighed, setting down the bouquet. Of course, son. But our duty is to our faith, and to this community.

Is that really enough? Joe asked, frustration boiling beneath the surface.

Enough? his father echoed, incredulity lacing his tone. Joseph, the work we do here is vital. We bring hope to those who have none.

Hope? Joe scoffed, rubbing his temples. Dad, look around you. This city is eating itself alive, and no amount of prayers or sermons can change that.

Faith can move mountains, Joseph, Pastor Church said sternly, crossing his arms. It's not our place to question God's plan.

God's plan? Joe muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. Maybe my plan isn't following in your footsteps. Maybe I'm meant for something bigger, something that can actually make a difference out there.

Joseph! His father's eyes flashed with hurt and disappointment. You know I've only ever wanted what's best for you.

Maybe what's best for me isn't this, Joe said, motioning to the church around them. I have dreams, Dad. I want to help people in a real, tangible way. Not just with words and prayers, but with actions.

Pastor Church looked at his son, his face softening. I understand, Joseph. But God has called us to serve Him here, and we must trust His plan.

Even if it means letting this city crumble around us? Joe asked bitterly.

Especially then, his father replied gently. We are the light in the darkness, my son. And sometimes, that light shines brightest when all other hope is lost.

Joe looked away, the weight of his father's words settling heavily on his heart. He knew his father believed in their mission, but he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that there was something more out there – something that could truly turn the tide in the Land of Enchantment.

God, show me the way, he whispered to himself, praying for guidance even as his dreams tugged at his soul like an unrelenting tide.

––––––––

Joe stepped outside the church, the heavy wooden doors creaking shut behind him. The smell of smog assaulted his nostrils as he took a deep breath, trying to clear his head. The Land of Enchantment was anything but enchanting; the air was thick with pollution, and even the sunlight seemed to struggle against the haze.

Hey Joe! a voice called out, snapping him back to reality. He turned to see Old Man Jenkins, their neighbor who owned the corner store, sweeping trash off the sidewalk.

Hey, Mr. Jenkins, Joe replied, forcing a smile. He watched as the old man continued to sweep, grimacing at the never-ending stream of litter that blew across the pavement.

City's goin' to hell in a handbasket, Mr. Jenkins muttered, shaking his head. But don't you worry, son. Your pa's got a direct line to the Big Guy Upstairs. We'll be just fine.

Sure, Joe said half-heartedly, his eyes scanning the cityscape. Graffiti marred every surface, and the wail of sirens pierced the air like a relentless banshee. This wasn't the world he wanted, but it was the one he had inherited – a city choked by its own darkness, desperate for a hero. And he knew, deep down, that his father's words wouldn't be enough to save it.

Thanks, Mr. Jenkins, Joe said, finally tearing his gaze away from the chaos before him. I should get going.

Take care, Joe, the old man replied, returning to his futile task.

As Joe walked through the streets, he couldn't help but feel that the city was a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil. Every scream for help, every cry of pain, echoed in the hollow space within him. He wanted to do something – anything – to break free from the chains that tethered him to this life.

Please, he whispered under his breath, his eyes filling with tears as he looked up at the sky, seeking a sign from above. Show me what I'm supposed to do.

In that moment, the world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for some divine intervention. But there was only silence, and the relentless cacophony of the city's suffering. Joe sighed, wiping away a tear as he continued on his way – lost in a world that needed saving, and unsure if he would ever find the strength to be its hero.

––––––––

With every step down the cracked and debris-strewn sidewalk, Joe felt the weight of the city's darkness bearing down on him. The cries for help and the stench of fear filled the air like a suffocating fog. Just then, an old woman hobbled past him, her eyes glazed over with hopelessness.

Excuse me, ma'am, Joe said, reaching out to steady her as she stumbled. Are you all right?

Does it look like I'm all right? she snapped back, her voice weary and strained. Nothing's all right in this godforsaken place.

Sorry, Joe mumbled, his heart heavy with empathy. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was meant for something more – and that others shared his longing.

As he continued on, he spotted a group of ragged individuals huddled around a fire in a barrel, their faces gaunt and hollow with hunger. Their desperate attempts to keep warm seemed to mirror the spark of hope still flickering within Joe's chest.

Hey, buddy, one of them called out, beckoning to him. Got any spare change?

Sorry, man, Joe replied, patting his pockets. I wish I could help.

Story of our lives, another muttered, turning away with a resigned sigh.

Suddenly, the sound of sirens cut through the air, signaling trouble nearby. Joe felt his pulse quicken, an inexplicable urge urging him toward the danger. With each passing moment, the call to action grew stronger, yet the obstacles before him loomed larger than ever.

Looks like the Enforcers are at it again, a passerby commented, shaking his head. Somebody's gotta do something about this mess.

Maybe someday, someone will, Joe murmured, a knot forming in his stomach as he watched the emergency vehicles race past. He knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he couldn't ignore the burning desire to make a difference in this wretched city.

For now, though, he was just Joe Church, an ordinary man trapped in a life he didn't want. He could feel the weight of his father's expectations bearing down on him like the oppressive atmosphere of the Land of Enchantment. But if there was one thing he'd learned from the people around him, it was that they all longed for something more – something better than the hand they'd been dealt.

Maybe someday, he whispered to himself as he trudged onward through the streets, the future uncertain and the path before him shrouded in darkness. Maybe someday, I'll find my purpose.

––––––––

Joe walked through the narrow alleyways of the Land of Enchantment, the graffiti-covered walls telling stories of struggle and dreams unfulfilled. It wasn't long before he came across a street artist who was hard at work painting a mural. In it, a phoenix rose from the ashes, symbolizing hope and rebirth amidst the chaos and ruin that plagued the city.

Hey, what do you think? the artist asked Joe as he noticed him staring at the mural.

It's beautiful, Joe replied, drawn into the painting's vivid colors and striking symbolism. It makes me believe that change is possible.

Thanks, man. That's what I'm aiming for. The artist dipped his brush into a can of paint, then added a few more strokes to the bird's plumage. This place may be messed up, but we've all got something inside of us that can rise above it.

Maybe someday, Joe murmured, echoing the words he'd spoken earlier. He felt a strange connection to the phoenix, as if its struggle to break free from the ashes mirrored his own yearning for a better life.

By the way, have you seen the Nurse around? the artist asked. I heard she was in this area recently.

Who, the superhero nurse? Joe couldn't help but smirk. I haven't seen her, no.

Man, I'd love to meet her, the artist sighed. She's out there making a difference, saving lives and stuff. Not like the rest of us, just trying to survive.

Sometimes, survival is all we can manage, Joe said, his voice tinged with bitterness. But deep down, he knew the artist was right. The Nurse had found her purpose, and in doing so, had become a symbol of hope for others in the Land of Enchantment. She had risen above her circumstances, and Joe couldn't help but wonder if he could do the same.

As Joe left the alley, his thoughts swirling with dreams of a brighter future, he noticed the sky darkening above him. Ominous storm clouds rolled in, casting a heavy shadow over the city. A sudden gust of wind tore through the streets, scattering debris and causing the people around him to cling to their jackets and hats.

Looks like a storm's coming, someone muttered nearby. Better find some shelter.

Joe glanced back at the phoenix mural, its vibrant colors now shrouded in gloom. The storm seemed a fitting metaphor for the obstacles he was bound to face, and he couldn't shake the feeling that it was a harbinger of the trials ahead.

Maybe someday, he whispered once more, as the first drops of rain began to fall. Uncertainty weighed heavily on his heart, but he couldn't ignore the spark of hope that still burned within him.

––––––––

The morning sun cast long shadows across the packed freeway, which was choked with gleaming cars zipping and swerving along like a colony of ants in a frenzy. The cacophony of engines combined with the incessant honking creating an almost symphonic background to this chaotic dance of rush hour traffic.

Ugh, not again, muttered Joe, a middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a five o'clock shadow that never seemed to go away no matter how many times he shaved. He adjusted his tie and took a deep breath, eyes darting between the rearview mirror and the road ahead as he maneuvered his aging sedan through the labyrinth of vehicles.

Come on, people! We're all trying to get somewhere! Joe yelled, though he knew full well nobody could hear him in the insulated bubble of his car. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, the beat reflecting his growing impatience and frustration. His thoughts wandered to the presentation he had to give at work today, and the fact that his boss would have his head if he were late.

Of course it's on the day when I cannot afford to be late, he mused bitterly. A sudden thought struck him, and he reached for his phone to send a quick text to his assistant, hoping she could stall his boss if needed. As his eyes flicked back and forth between the screen and the road, he couldn't help but feel a wave of unease wash over him. Little did he know how drastically his life was about to change.

––––––––

Joe's eyes widened in horror as he witnessed the unfolding chaos ahead. An overturned semi, its cargo strewn across multiple lanes, had caused a chain reaction of swerving cars and panic-stricken drivers. A hazardous materials truck, caught off guard by the sudden traffic shift, jackknifed and spilled its dangerous contents onto the road.

Sweet mother of mercy! Joe exclaimed, fear gripping his voice. His heart raced as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel, knuckles turning white. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his rising panic at bay.

Okay, Joe... think, he muttered to himself, sweat beading on his forehead. The cacophony of car horns, sirens, and screeching tires filled the air, adding to the overwhelming sense of urgency and dread that consumed him.

Can't go left... can't go right... he mumbled, mentally calculating his options as he navigated through the chaos. Each swerve and sudden brake felt like a life-or-death decision, with the stakes increasing by the second.

Damn it, why did I send that text? he thought, cursing his earlier distraction. Focus, Joe! You need to get through this.

As he carefully maneuvered around the wreckage, he caught sight of the hazardous materials truck's logo – a foreboding skull and crossbones. The realization that whatever had spilled was likely toxic or corrosive sent shivers down his spine.

Please, God, don't let me end up like one of those hapless superheroes from a comic book, Joe prayed silently, hoping against hope that he could escape the freeway unscathed.

Come on, come on! he urged his car, willing it to speed up just enough to avoid the worst of the debris. His breaths came in short, shallow gasps as adrenaline coursed through his veins, propelling him forward into the heart of the