Vaudevillain

Dylan, a self-proclaimed nerd, leads a double life. By day, he's an architect; by night, he indulges in games and media, with a particular fondness for superheroes. His childhood fascination with Saturday morning cartoon villains—their bumbling yet dangerous schemes and predictable defeats—inspires him when he dives into a new virtual reality MMO called World of Supers! This game allows players to choose hero or villain roles. Dylan aims to embody the spirit of those classic, comical antagonists, finding delight in their absurd plots and inevitable "Curses! Foiled again!" moments. However, the game offers a lucrative promotion: players with high reputations can become permanent raid bosses, earning a salary as company employees. This attracts serious gamers focused on a career within the game, creating a stark contrast with Dylan, who plays purely for fun. The synopsis questions the outcome of Dylan's lighthearted approach clashing with these dedicated players. The novel is noted for its comedic undertones, crime elements, evil protagonist, game mechanics, and virtual reality setting.