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In a world where superhumans are bought and sold by corporate interests and children are pressed into heroism whether they like it or not, it can be difficult to tell the good from the evil. For Velma “Velveteen” Martinez, there was never any real chance for a normal life. Her parents sold her to the Super Patriots, Inc. as soon as her powers manifested, reasoning that the world’s largest superhuman management company would be better suited to care for her...and the money didn’t hurt. Before she knew what was happening, Vel was swept into a world of appearances and expectations, molded to become a hero and manipulated by the people she was meant to trust.

Is it any wonder she walked away as soon as she had the opportunity?

Now an adult, Vel has found herself swept back into the superheroic world, entangled with seasonal powers and fighting the people who were once her friends as she tries to retain her freedom, her independence, and her sense of right and wrong. What’s someone whose only power is bringing toys to life supposed to do? And is there any chance that justice will prevail?

These short stories encompass the first two volumes of Velveteen’s adventures, from the very beginning to her climactic battle against the Super Patriots, Inc.

It hasn’t been very long since the Super Patriots, Inc. were defeated by Velveteen and her friends, and the echoes of a world where superhumans could be bought and sold by corporate interests are still shaping the greater landscape. In order to achieve their victory, Velveteen had to make a devil’s bargain with Santa Claus himself, and now the cost of his aid is coming due. Even as the rebuilding begins, she has to leave for the Seasonal Lands and fulfill the terms of service she agreed to, or she’ll never be able to come home again, and never be able to enjoy the world she’s fought so hard and sacrificed so much to achieve.

And of course, there’s the matter of what comes after her sentence has been served.

In the aftermath of the fall of the Super Patriots, Inc., Velveteen will have to overcome the greatest challenge she’s faced to date: how does she move forward with her life and become an independent adult, when that’s the one battle she’s never been prepared for? And what about all the other problems she hasn’t defeated yet, from super villains to death itself? She’s already won, so why does it feel like the fight will never end?

These short stories continue Velveteen’s adventures, from her service with the Seasons to her attempt to find a way to live a normal life in a superheroic world. Includes the original volume three, along with the sixteen stories in the never-before-published volume four.