by FrancisMacomber
Ok have to admit that was an entertaining read, and the end, loved it.
Great story
nothing left to say except for 5/5
The best ever. Brilliantly written. What are you doing here?
Great tale. In the end The cape was no longer needed as his confidence was back and the ex now wore a bag over her face. A happy ending also. Excellent.
I think this is the best story I've ever read on Loving Wives. The plot idea was brilliant and it was so beautifully told. I think it reveals valuable insights into how to deal with crises. The characters are real people, especially Alex in something so improbable as his Superman outfit. Having Elle as the narrator worked well. The 'guardian angel's contribution made an effective rounding off to the tale.
Very good work.
It was a pleasure to find a great story like this. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Thank you
is for ever a guardian angel or two. TK U MLJ LV NV
Weird Introduction but perpetual gentleness of narrative enticed me past first pothole of investing time in potentially creepy, costumed character. I was braced for a fight between lead character & the large, belligerent guy at the bar. It was surprising and gratifying, the tension dissolved with bonding & hug.
That was one of many deft little literary touches by F.M. . The beauty & pitfalls of New York was showcased very well. The author made 'The Big Apple' a supporting character in his story just as well as Woody Allen early efforts.
The discarding of cape with tights & explanation of why the costume had become ' superfluous' pretty much closed the show in bravura style. Lovely - this is the Superman story that should have been scripted for summer movie by my tastes. *****
A brilliant storyline. Very creative. Your best every! Five stars.
Back in the '70s and '80s I lived in NYC and have seen first hand how some people cope with life in the big city by doing things outside their normal personalities. For the most part as long as they weren't pushy or belligerent, they were accepted and life went on.
A very minor point -- at the beginning you mention a subway stop on Queen's Blvd. Queens is spelled without the apostrophe.
Other than that, 5 *s from me!
Excellent. Nice story and the hero won in the end. The villain lost of her own actions.
Liked the fact that you minimized the skank and put way more ink to the "hero".
Alright, I'm officially jealous.
I love many of your stories, the underrated Miz Sara series, Heart of the Prairie, and The Honey Trap come to mind.
This is so unique and creative it astounds me. What a great character, and incredible premise. Your best work to date.
I only wished it lasted longer, the ending almost seemed rushed, but the roommate Terri was terrific. Thank you for creating this memorable tale.
Good story, in many ways - more than a Loving Wives story. You lost it in the finsih, the ending was weak. If you wanted to tie things up with the roommate's meeting, it should have been more subtle, and a little less patronizing with the Yiddish. More should have been made of the transfer of humiliation from Alex to his ex. That is the real ending. The sense that justice has been done and he no longer has to live in shame and hide in a costume. How many people walk around out there hiding behind a persona to protect themselves from pain? That was where this was going but it got muddy in the end. ( I am being picky, but only because the writing and the plot were so good.)
How in the world did I just spend this time reading this story and enjoying it so much? I don't go on literotica to read well written, smart, funny, well developed characters. Literotica is just something I use to achieve a little self satisfaction. Not actually read a story and have my brain be stimulated. Now I guess I have to read more of your stories on here. Damn you for making me not want to read my porn! Well done.
Loved the Characters and the way the came together and to see The EVIL Ex get hers and her Chosen one to be dropped and sent packing was the Coup de Grace.
who'd thought to find a real modern days' fairytale on this site.
including three fairy godmothers, a prince of steel and the sweetest,
achingly modest cinderella. the horrible stepmother was once-removed,
so to speak, but she was very well suited to be hated with a vengeance.
loved it, really loved it all.
On rare occasions, Literotica does post a quality story. This is DEFINITELY one of them. Congratulations.
and don't let all of the syrupy praise swell your head! However, I have to agree with ALL of it! You are one of the best writers here. Most (if not all) of your stories knock it out of the park (including this one). The characters are always strong and well crafted. You pursue truly original ideas, and put them to paper in a very accessible style. You humanize pain and betrayal, yet still allow for growth and happiness. Readers want to root for your success, and can't wait for your next effort. We all wonder how you got to be so good at doing what you do, and are inspired in our own efforts by your high standards for quality. Please, never stop writing, and please continue to grace this site with your creative energies! Thank you!
And very well written. Thanks.
Maybe it should have been in the Romance category but if it was I might not have found it so thanks for putting it in Loving Wives too.
A very enjoyable read and please keep up the good work.
Another great story by a solid author. The story had a good plot, a nice pace and the background was nicely fleshed out. The softie in me loved that the bad guys got the shaft while the good guys prospered. Best of all, the good guys did nothing to demean their own character.
that the Francis Macomber who began to entertain his readers with the wonderful Miz Sara is back!! Liked reading this tale. No, edit that, LOVED this story.
The author must of put it the Loving Wife category because it has an EVIL EX and because it will get many more readers than in the Romance Category. It will also probably get a lower grade because he did not personally take care of revenge and did not even think of it, thank goodness.....
I loved the story and the newpaper reporter is an excellent character.
I usually like your stuff but this one was especially good. Guess I#m just an old softy but I loved it.
BTW how does Superman make love?
A;: Very Carefully.
Fantastic, it made my day to see your name on the new submiisions this morning. I loved it! Nobody does it better on Lit. TY
Jen
Over the top on building self estime. Many times it is your outlook that makes things happen for you. The Superman costume was just a prop to influence the outcome.
From:
Control_Master_ (Too lazy to sign in)
Superman fights for truth and justice and that is exactly what Alex got, simply by being a good man and deciding to exercise a little courage.
Great story.
This story was written by a superhero. Great read and worth a 5 any day of the week.
Thanks for sharing.
KK
Great read, great characters, great plot, great ending. Nuff said!
Glad to see the hero become a man instead of the usual bullies and psychopaths that litter the LW landscape.
for how hard it is to craft a plot that has not been used a hundred times before. Most of us that read stories should have guessed that it isn't easy since there are so few original, intelligent, well conceived stories. To have such varied, but excellent writers, like Angie, Triple T and Double K praise your work is the absolute best compliment you can achieve. As I read this story, I marveled at the plot and the character development. It was superb. It will likely sit on the "top ten" throne of Loving Wives stories for a very long time. The "hero" in this was a hero and believable. His Lois Lane, reporter for the Dailey Planet, was perfect. Just well thought out, right down to the newspaper connections. I have this great idea for Spiderman!
for how hard it is to craft a plot that has not been used a hundred times before. Most of us that read stories should have guessed that it isn't easy since there are so few original, intelligent, well conceived stories. To have such varied, but excellent writers, like Angie, Triple T and Double K praise your work is the absolute best compliment you can achieve. As I read this story, I marveled at the plot and the character development. It was superb. It will likely sit on the "top ten" throne of Loving Wives stories for a very long time. The "hero" in this was a hero and believable. His Lois Lane, reporter for the Dailey Planet, was perfect. Just well thought out, right down to the newspaper connections. I have this great idea for Spiderman!
A Five Star effort, thanks so much for this entertaining story. Nice to see that you have up your 'game' so to speak. I eagerly anticipate your next tale of woe. LOL...
You hit a home run with this one.
Plot and characters are just fine
I'm sure I'm missing out on a good story, but the formatting made this where I didn't want to read it. His story is important, but reading it like that turned me off.
This wasn't as good a story as, say, "The Honey Trap," but it was enjoyable enough. No significant flaws that I noticed. And it's a REALLY original premise. Good job. As I think I've noted before, it's always a good day when I see something new with your byline.
Once again I find myself wishing for a rating system with more nuance, as I think it deserves better than a "4," but don't feel it's quite up to a level that really justifies a "5." Growf. Grumble. Rowerbazzle.
So happy to see a FM story today. A 4*s flower among the LW crap bed today.
Smells sweet .
Keep writing FM.
AMerryMan
The story itself is pretty well done and the writer has serious talent.. But we have known that about this particular author for some time. The problem here is that once again ...as with Most of Francis Macomber stories... the husband is essentially a dead horse who gets beaten by everybody and every one
.
This author seems to have the fixation that no matter what happens in the story... no matter what sort of horrible behavior is committed by the wife... And the husband pretty much just lays there and takes shit.
The superman suit shows a guy who is not just emotionally shattered but somebody who is a very weak and is a rather sad and pathetic man. It never occurs to this zero of a human being to sue the law firm .
It never occurs to this is zero of a human being that his so called friends at the publishing house are not friends .. but are actually there to hurt HIM and protect the wife.
And when something bad finally happens to the ex wife where she ends up having to pay some sort of consequences to her deceit adultery and betrayal ... that happens ONLY because of a another woman doing or saying something.
.
In other words throughout the entire interaction between Glenda and the superman loser.... Glenda kicks his ass every single time.
In other words a typical FM story
Damn good story and 5*****.Yes!
@FM I hope you change your mind and will publish your stories on SOL (storiesonline dot net). If yes you would change your mind you could start with "The Six O'clock News Slot".
I can't agree with HVA - the ex wife was just a sour harpie who made a lot of noise. Was Alex a wimp or loser? NO he worked out how to deal with his plight. Come on HVA write something and impress us. As they say Put up or ...
Some commenters do not imagine the most people will not be Henry Ford, Einstein or Napoleon. To find the happiness does not mean to be the president of the GE, Toyota or Shell only.
To find the soul peace to get rid of a cheating wife and to change a BETTER WOMAN, who is more capable to be very good mother of the DNA test proof children and a good job..............
This story puts life back into the people who have been trampled on by those of the selfish inclination. Well, for a sort while any way. This is a nice break from heart rending news.
Outstanding! Your characters are real and you captured and described their emotions as well as anyone I've read. This was the first story from you that I've read. Now going back to read all the others. Thanks for sharing yourself with us.
Wifey is done. Supes has moved on. Great stuff, man!
5 HUGE Stars, and wish I could give it 5 more!
A really fine story by someone who knows how to craft wonderful characters and fresh story ideas. Thanks so much FM! *5 stars all day, every day, and twice on Sunday!!
When I read this, I initially rolled my eyes, considering that Superman is my favorite fictional character. But I read this and it was a well crafted story with characters I got involved with. A rare story that left a genuine smile on my face. Thank you. This story really made my day. 5 stars all the way!
What a pathetic fucking faggot! 'wifey left me for another man, I couldn't satisfy her, I am all devastated and destroyed, sob sob, so I am gonna play dress up and walk the streets'. Jesus, why didn't he just fucking kill himself already!?
I really liked the twist at the end - that was way cool (fits but I didn't see it coming). Excellent character development and well written, well paced story. I found myself really rooting for this couple.
In my day job, I have interviewed many nuts. So I know where Elle was coming from!
its a nice story but doesnt deserve so high ratings. 3/5. the guy was a bit of a wimp.
This one, though, not so much.
First, the premise, while original, was so far-fetched I couldn't get into it.
Second -- and worse, in my view -- is how this was virtually a clone of Ask Aunt Agatha. Guy struggles on the bottom rung os Corporatiana, while wifey is comparatively more successful, and gets swept up in glamour, wants a divorce, and is suddenly whisked away with no real retribution.
Also, there's a jarring shift near the end, when the young lovers leave, and the story downshifts into third-person, centering on Terri, with no demarcation.
Love your stuff, but not this one.
A yenta is a gossip. The Yiddish word for a matchmaker is a shadcham. Aside from this very minor technical glitch your story was absolute perfection. Also, thanks for bringing back the memories of all those years that I rode the E and F trains to get to work in Manhattan from Queens.
My one issue is that the wife turned into a total evil shrew too easily. No setup. Restbofvstory was based on how people think, but she was like cartoon character ( pun totally intended).
thanks for a wonderful read. yup. Up, up, and away, can't say it any better. A really uplifting story. Thanks
A classic by Francis,and with evil law firm people to boot *lol*.The nyc setting was great and others are correct,it is like an earky woody allen project,and the yiddish usage is perfect,don't let anyone break you over that.
So, the REAL superhero(ine) is Terri the Roomie! If this were a 'Stang story, the trio would have met on the island to chortle!
Nicely done. I was expecting that the manuscript Superman gave his boss was Sweetie's, but that would either be 'abusing his position' or 'way too coincidental!'
5*
Fine piece of writing my friend. Thanks for sharing this very entertaining story!!
What a fantastic character in Alex. The development of his persona was very original. Then to come up with the Superman costume was brilliant. So much emotion hidden behind the cape! Still have a great feeling for Terri Terrific. You could almost do a story based on her!!
Hope you have more in the works but you'll be hard pressed to top this one!!
Welcome back!! Looking forward to more from you.
You do good work, but this one was a bit special. A superman outfit??? I loved it. Oddly, the more I read the story, the more I felt that in real life people might just react as you had them react in the story. Well done.
Something about not spitting on Superman's cape? I do hope that his ex-wife had to leave town. And was it HIS publishing company that offered the contract? A nice touch that.
That is some piece of writing. It could easily fallen into bathos but you handled it just right. The sex scenes (what we all come here for, right?) were well written but not central to the story; I like that. I hope to read more from you.
This one was simply Perfection in Pose! Still one of your biggest fans
I try to give 5stars only to those stories that near perfection. This one is a 5 plus. The characters are well developed, the story flow was compelling, and the sense of completion was fulfilling.
Thank you for sharing your talent with me.
Brilliant!! simply brilliant!! This story reminded me of a Korean movie "A man who was superman', though the plots and storylines are way different. Mr. Macomber has never failed to deliver. Thanks.
FM, you often hit home runs with your writing. Characterization is nearly always flawless, story lines strong and clear. But this time you went way beyond excellence!
Every mistreated, betrayed or cheated human will likely let out a happy, "YES!!", for how you story unfolded.
Our hero didn't resort to BTB tactics (that we all enjoy from time to time), no animals were harmed in the making if this story, he gets a great lady in the end and the ex, Glenda, gets the payback she deserves......what's not to love?
So, one item: the book that Alex submitted that got him the promotion....might that be the same book Elle wrote under a pen name and that Terri submitted????????
Is there a second installment in the offing?
Anyway, methinks we could all use the help of a good Yenta at one time or other in our lives.
Steady on, Captain. West by south and on to Tartuga, as you order!!
i loved it. it was not what i expected which made me love it even more.
another great read by one of my favorite authors.
I think more readers would have read longer epiloge of this story as I would have like. JPB's custom is not too good to follow. If our brain works in the deep love state, it may be difficult for our some human fellows to switch this brain working state off quickly, as Alex's brain worked in this story. However more high EQ women find this type men to be good long term mates for themselves as here Elle thought......................Alex switched through his brain to be love in other (better) woman and get rid of the superman costume and his disapointment state...........
Very upbeat and with lessons for the reader about enjoying life and communicating and giving the gift of interest and appreciation to others! Thank you very much Francis.10 stars if possible. Dan
This is a great story. You are extremely talented. You seem to make the characters and story a focus more than just the sex. You are a serious writer and I love it.
You are truly exceptional with original plots.
Not only that but you back it up with superb dialogue and a realistic (I imagine) description of what it's like for a phallus to enter a vagina.
Most of all though, you got the emotions right.
Thank you.
...precisely because of what you said, except that I reverse your take on the emotions.
This is a semi-light_hearted look at life in a very expensive and intimidating city.
The cast is an odd one and it deserves an odd approach.
Please don't treat everything as if it's BTB vs RAAC - there is life in difference and you got a happy ending where two mice (lovely people that they are) roared!!!
Fabulous - I wish you could enjoy it for what it is but that's for you to judge.
This story is not only one of the best I've ever read on LIT, and as I've said before, there are some very good stories here, but it's one of the best I've ever read ANYWHERE! congratulations
DQS
I can't believe how close I came to missing the pleasure of reading this story. I started reading it yesterday and stopped, thinking it was just silly. Something pulled me back today, and I loved it. Thanks for yet another enjoyable story. Five stars!
Not the typical story found in the LW category. Thoroughly enjoyed the story from beginning to the end. The best I've read, so far.
Thanks for posting.
I almost didn't read this and that would have been to my displeasure. I started reading it and quit. Finished it today. Five stars for a great story.
I've come over all fluffy and sentimental. A brilliantly far-fetched fable - honed sparse (five pages is good for me) in thought process and the editing room to sheer readability perfection. Even the hackneyed ending hardly detracted it was so deliberate. You had to end the story somehow.
Personally, the way you drew the character of Elle, I didn't go for his chances too much with her in the long run, but that's a different story....5*
I haven't been able to read many stories lately, but the title caught my eye in the New Story list. With some hesitation (because of the category), I clicked on the link. Great story. It was nice to see a LW story that wasn't about revenge, but moving on. First time to read a story by this author. Will have to read more of his stories when I get a chance.
I saw the title and thought it would be a stupid story by one of the bad writers on lit. Then I saw the author's name and just HAD to read the story.
As usual, FM, you have come up with a different and wonderful story. It even has a bit of BTB in it (Glenda & her lover getting fired and humiliated). I've always loved your Miz Sarah stories and this one is as good as those were. I'm glad you don't post weekly. It gives you time to refine your stories. I gave you 5* and would give you more if I could.