Struggling to Make Ends Meet

Anna Tromedlov, a henchwoman for hire, is caught in a financial quagmire, struggling to make ends meet. Her bank account is in overdraft, and she fills her grocery cart with the cheapest items available. She anxiously awaits a call from the temp agency, hoping for a job that will help her pay the bills. Her life is a constant balancing act, trying to survive in a world where heroes and villains clash, and she is caught in the middle, trying to eke out a living.

The Temp Agency's Call

Anna receives a call from the temp agency, addressing her by her alias, "The Palindrome," a name she regrets ever using. The agency offers her a screening session for a job that matches her skills. Despite the short notice and her lack of preparation, Anna agrees to attend, knowing she can't afford to miss any opportunity for work. She quickly gets ready, reflecting on her life as a hench and the challenges she faces in a world dominated by heroes and villains.

Meeting June and the Agency

Anna meets her friend June, another henchwoman, outside the temp agency. June has been in the business longer and has been a valuable mentor to Anna. They share a bond over their shared experiences and struggles in the henching world. Inside the agency, they encounter other henches, all vying for limited job opportunities. The atmosphere is tense, with everyone trying to appear intimidating and competent. Anna and June navigate the agency's bureaucracy, hoping for a job that will keep them afloat.

A New Job Opportunity

Anna secures a remote data entry job with Electrophorous Industries, a villainous organization. The work is mundane but offers stability and the possibility of an extension. As she delves into the data, Anna realizes she is building a database of superhero identities, a task that intrigues her. The job provides a sense of purpose and a break from the uncertainty of henching. However, it also ties her deeper into the world of villainy, a path she is both drawn to and wary of.

The Press Conference Disaster

Anna is unexpectedly thrust into fieldwork when her boss, the Electric Eel, invites her to a press conference. The event turns into a disaster when Supercollider, a famous hero, crashes the scene. In the chaos, Anna is injured, her leg shattered by the hero's careless actions. The incident leaves her hospitalized and questioning her place in the world of heroes and villains. It is a turning point that forces her to confront the dangers of her chosen profession and the impact of heroes on ordinary lives.

Hospital Recovery and Betrayal

While recovering in the hospital, Anna receives a fruit basket from Electrophorous Industries, only to find a termination letter inside. The organization severs ties with her, leaving her without a job or support. Feeling betrayed and abandoned, Anna grapples with her physical and emotional recovery. Her friend June offers support, but Anna is left to navigate the aftermath of the press conference disaster alone. The experience fuels her growing resentment towards heroes and the systems that enable them.

The Injury Report's Birth

Driven by her experiences and the injustices she has faced, Anna begins compiling data on the collateral damage caused by heroes. She creates the Injury Report, a blog that quantifies the human and economic costs of superhero actions. The report gains traction, attracting attention from both supporters and detractors. Anna's work challenges the narrative of heroism and exposes the darker side of the superhero world. It becomes a platform for her to voice her grievances and seek accountability for the harm caused by heroes.

Leviathan's Recovery and New Resolve

Leviathan, once a formidable villain, is now recovering from his injuries. The process is slow and frustrating, but he is determined to regain his strength. He undergoes regular evaluations, with Leviathan himself overseeing some of the assessments. Anna, who has been instrumental in his recovery, finds herself increasingly attached to Leviathan's attention. As Leviathan heals, he becomes more focused on his plans for the future, determined to take down the heroes who have wronged him.

Quantum's Betrayal and Unexpected Alliance

Quantum Entanglement, once a hero, finds herself betrayed by the very system she served. She seeks out Anna, hoping to find answers and a way to clear her name. Despite their past as adversaries, Anna and Quantum form an uneasy alliance. Quantum reveals that Leviathan is still alive, and together they plan to rescue him. Their partnership is fraught with tension, but they share a common goal: to bring down the corrupt system that has wronged them both.

Supercollider's Downfall and Quantum's Power

The confrontation with Supercollider is intense and brutal. Quantum, using her powers in ways she never has before, manages to incapacitate him. She folds his body into itself, rendering him helpless. This display of power is a turning point for Quantum, who realizes her true potential. With Supercollider defeated, Anna and Quantum have a clear path to rescue Leviathan. The victory is bittersweet, as it comes at a great personal cost to both women.

Leviathan's Return and New Ambitions

With Supercollider defeated and Leviathan rescued, the focus shifts to rebuilding and planning for the future. Leviathan, grateful for Anna's efforts, begins to see the potential in her strategies. He envisions a new world where heroes are held accountable for their actions. Anna, though uncertain of her place in this new order, is determined to help Leviathan achieve his goals. Together, they plan to dismantle the corrupt systems that have allowed heroes to act with impunity.

The Draft's Collapse and Future Plans

The publication of a damning article exposes the truth about the Draft and its manipulation of heroes. The public outcry is immense, leading to the collapse of the organization. With the Draft in disarray, Leviathan and Anna see an opportunity to reshape the world. They plan to hold heroes accountable and create a new order where power is balanced. As they look to the future, Anna and Leviathan are united in their vision, ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.

Characters

Anna Tromedlov

Anna is a resourceful and determined henchwoman trying to survive in a world dominated by heroes and villains. She is intelligent and skilled, but her financial struggles and the precarious nature of her work leave her constantly on edge. Her friendship with June provides support and camaraderie, but Anna is also fiercely independent, navigating the challenges of her profession with resilience. Her experiences with heroes, particularly Supercollider, fuel her growing resentment and drive her to create the Injury Report, challenging the status quo.

June

June is Anna's close friend and mentor in the henching world. She has been in the business longer and provides valuable guidance and support to Anna. Despite her tough exterior, June cares deeply for Anna and is a source of strength and humor in her life. She is pragmatic and resourceful, navigating the challenges of henching with a mix of cynicism and determination. Her friendship with Anna is a lifeline in the chaotic world they inhabit.

The Electric Eel

The Electric Eel is Anna's boss at Electrophorous Industries, a villainous organization. He is charismatic and theatrical, with a flair for dramatic gestures and a keen interest in Anna's well-being. Despite his villainous nature, he shows a surprising level of care for his employees, though his actions often have unintended consequences. His involvement in the press conference disaster highlights the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the villainous world Anna is part of.

Supercollider

Supercollider is a renowned hero known for his strength and heroics. However, his actions often have unintended and destructive consequences, as seen in the press conference disaster that leaves Anna injured. He represents the larger-than-life heroes who dominate the world Anna inhabits, often causing more harm than good. His encounter with Anna is a turning point, forcing her to confront the realities of heroism and its impact on ordinary lives.

Greg

Greg is a tech-savvy friend of Anna's who provides support and assistance in her endeavors. He is resourceful and knowledgeable, often helping Anna with technical challenges and offering a different perspective on the world of heroes and villains. His friendship with Anna is characterized by humor and camaraderie, providing a sense of normalcy in the chaotic world they navigate.

Leviathan

Leviathan is a complex character, recovering from his injuries and planning his next move. He is determined to hold heroes accountable for their actions and sees Anna as a key ally in achieving his goals. His relationship with Anna is complicated, marked by mutual respect and a shared vision for the future.

Quantum Entanglement

Quantum is a former hero who finds herself betrayed by the system she once served. Her alliance with Anna and her defeat of Supercollider mark a turning point in her character. She is determined to clear her name and hold heroes accountable for their actions.

Vesper

Vesper is a key member of Anna's team, providing technical expertise and support. He is resourceful and reliable, often helping Anna with her plans and offering a different perspective on the world of heroes and villains.

Plot Devices

The Injury Report

The Injury Report is a blog created by Anna to quantify the human and economic costs of superhero actions. It serves as a platform for Anna to challenge the narrative of heroism and expose the darker side of the superhero world. The report gains traction and attracts attention, becoming a catalyst for change and accountability. It is a key plot device that drives Anna's character development and highlights the impact of heroes on ordinary lives.

The Press Conference

The press conference is a pivotal event that thrusts Anna into the spotlight and leads to her injury at the hands of Supercollider. It serves as a catalyst for Anna's transformation, forcing her to confront the dangers of her profession and the impact of heroes on her life. The event sets off a chain reaction that leads to her creation of the Injury Report and her growing resentment towards heroes.

Electrophorous Industries

Electrophorous Industries is the villainous organization where Anna works, led by the Electric Eel. It represents the complex dynamics of the villainous world, where loyalty and betrayal coexist. The organization's actions, particularly their termination of Anna's contract, highlight the precarious nature of henching and the challenges Anna faces in her quest for stability.

The Rescue Mission

The rescue mission is a pivotal plot device that drives the narrative forward. It involves a complex plan to defeat Supercollider and rescue Leviathan from captivity. The mission highlights the themes of loyalty, redemption, and the fight against corruption.

The Article

The publication of a damning article serves as a catalyst for change. It exposes the truth about the Draft and the corruption within the hero system. The article's impact is far-reaching, leading to the collapse of the Draft and setting the stage for a new order.

Quantum's Powers

Quantum's powers are a significant plot device, showcasing her true potential and strength. Her ability to defeat Supercollider and protect Anna is a turning point in the story. Her powers symbolize the potential for change and the fight against injustice.

Analysis

"Hench" by Natalie Zina Walschots is a compelling exploration of the superhero genre from the perspective of those often overlooked: the henchpeople. The novel challenges the traditional narrative of heroism by highlighting the collateral damage caused by heroes and questioning the systems that allow them to act with impunity. Through Anna's journey, the book delves into themes of power, accountability, and the blurred lines between good and evil. It offers a fresh perspective on the superhero world, emphasizing the importance of questioning authority and seeking justice for those harmed by unchecked power. The story resonates with modern readers, encouraging them to consider the impact of heroism on ordinary lives and the need for systemic change.

Last updated: March 17, 2025