The streets of New York have erupted in celebration of Wild Card Day—the annual event held every September 15th to remember the dead and cherish the living. It is a day for fireworks and street fairs and parades, for political rallies and memorial banquets, for drinking and fighting in the alleys. With each passing year, the festivities become larger and more fevered. And this year—1986, the fortieth anniversary—promises to be the biggest and best Wild Card Day ever.

But lurking in the background is a twisted genius who cares nothing for fun and festivity. The Astronomer has only one concern: destruction...