Commander Rick examines the mythic quest, and why this kind of story has been so popular throughout the ages. Featuring authors: Robert Silverberg (Lord Valentine's Castle), Michael Moorcock (Elric of Melnibone), Clive Barker (The Thief of Always), Charles de Lint (Jack, the Giant-Killer), Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff (The Meri), Sean Stewart (Nobody's Son), Lucius Shepard (Life During Wartime), Greg Bear (Anvil of Stars), Connie Willis (Doomsday Book), Geoff Ryman (Was), plus comic book creators Jack Kirby (co-creator/artist, The Fantastic Four) and Neil Gaiman (writer, The Sandman).