Commander Rick examines the shared world concept in science fiction and comics with a special look at some of the most popular multi-author books available. James Morrow (contributor to the What Might Have Been series), points out the difference between shared worlds and theme anthologies. George R.R. Martin discusses the incredibly popular Wild Card series which he created and edits. C.J. Cherryh discusses writing for Thieves' World, Heroes in Hell and creating her own shared world in Merovingen Nights. Neil Gaiman discusses designing shared worlds (Temps, The Weerde and Villains) and working within the DC Comics universe (The Sandman). Rick examines the shared universe at Marvel Comics with X-Men contributors Fabian Nicieza, Walt Simonson and John Byrne. The Star Trek universe is scrutinized by contributing authors Peter David, Garfield and Judith Reeves-Stevens and J. M. Dillard. And finally, Harlan Ellison, creator of the ground-breaking shared world Medea, gives his thoughts on the proliferation of shared world projects.