Mysterion, January 2026
“The Pit Of Babel” by Kofi Nyameye (Jan. 12th, reprint, not reviewed)
“A Tap on the Forehead” by Frederick Gero Heimbach (Jan. 26th)
Reviewed by Eric Kimminau
I have truly appreciated the opportunity to review Mysterion, and the fact that this author hails from my own backyard in Ann Arbor, Michigan, it was the icing on the cake. In Frederick Gero Heimbach’s “A Tap on the Forehead,” the narrative follows a dedicated individual who braves a harsh northern winter to deliver supplies to a reclusive figure harboring a mysterious and sought-after ability. This encounter explores the complex history between the two parties, revealing deep-seated tensions and the internal struggle of a man burdened by a gift he views as a mentally exhausting, repetitive, and hollow obligation.
As the interaction unfolds within the isolation of a remote cabin, the dialogue delves into the nature of redemption and the personal costs of extraordinary expectations. The story concludes with a powerful moment of realization regarding the protagonist’s own need for the peace he provides to others, set against a backdrop of unforgiving environmental conditions. If you possessed a power so unique that you were one of only seven people in the world to have one, yet it was frustratingly specific and of limited value, how would you choose to “retire” once the global demand became a burden? If your gift provided comfort and happiness to others but left you with nothing but contempt and despair, would you remain in the public eye or retreat for your own sanity? Disappearing from humanity to live off the grid is likely the first solution that comes to mind; overall, this is a deeply thought-provoking contribution to an alternative superhero genre that I sincerely enjoyed.
Eric Kimminau is a BBS geek turned IT professional seeking the next Great Adventure. Let’s Go!