Everything changes, though, when the nefarious plans of her current employer, Electric Eel, are foiled by Supercollider (with assistance from Accelerator and Quantum Entanglement). It isn’t glamorous – data entry is data entry, no matter what the profession – but her patchwork freelance life keeps her in ramen. For Anna, temporary work as a henchperson to supervillains is just a way to make ends meet, a logical extension of the gig economy. Rousing and irreverent, Hench is an entertaining adventure that challenges the stereotypes of heroes, villains and the humble temp.Anna Tromedlov, the anti-hero of Natalie Zina Walschots’s stunning debut novel, Hench, isn’t drawn to villainy because of any deep-seated issues or evil intent. Wry observations about the corporate world, our litigious society and how our chaotic lives are ruled by dry-cleaning tickets and family obligations are sprinkled throughout. (Guess who gets the latter title.) While there is some bloodshed and gore, the attention falls mostly on the often humorous dialogue and commentary by Anna and her cohorts. Toronto writer and journalist Natalie Zina Walschots deftly choreographs the dynamic skirmishes between superheroes and villains, who sport suitably fabulous names like the Electric Eel, Glassblower, Quantum and Auditor. The villains are more efficient and professional than the so-called “good guys.” Even the downtrodden Anna, who becomes a dangerous asset when she wields her database skills, continues to wrestle with self-doubt despite her success. Superheroes carelessly cause damage while fighting for justice. They’re targeting one superhero in particular: Supercollider, who caused Anna’s downfall and, ultimately, her rise.įamiliar tropes are turned upside down in this fast-paced caper, and no one is perfect.

Anna’s database goes viral, and she is soon employed by Leviathan, a mysterious and powerful villain who uses Anna’s expert skills in collecting and collating data to bring down superheroes by the numbers. So she does what she does best: runs the numbers to discover the extent of damage caused by those supposed do-gooders. When she is badly injured during a battle between the forces of good and evil, she finds herself broke, broken and unemployed. Fresh and funny, Hench exposes the inner lives of superheroes, villains and sidekicks with all their mundane vulnerabilities.Īnna Tromedlov is a struggling, hapless temp who “henches” for evil villains.

Hench by natalie zina walschots