Thriller writer Brad Meltzer is returning to the area this week to sign his new book, Heroes for My Son. Meltzer is best known for his novels, but he’s also a comic-book geek. He wove the true story of the murder of  the father of Superman creator Jerry Siegel into his novel The Book of Lies. He’s also a comic-book writer, and has seemingly become the go-to guy when major companies want scenes of bizarre sex. Meltzer wrote the Justice League of America murder-mystery Identity Crisis, which featured the rape and eventual murder of Sue Dibney, the wife of the Elongated Man, who previously had been a generally humorous character. He’s currently writing Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 for Dark Horse Comics, and the entirety of the most recent issue consisted of super-powered Buffy and Angel fucking their way through the landscape. (Issue No. 34 if you want to rush out and buy it).

So, what’s his new book about? Here’s the description his wife Cori sent out: “As I think you know, since the night our son was born eight years ago, Brad has been writing a book for him. It’s a collection of heroes throughout history—-from Mr. Rogers and Rosa Parks, to Jim Henson and Eleanor Roosevelt. The result, Heroes for My Son, is on sale today. And I can only say, of all the books Brad has written, this is the one I hope he’s remembered for. Gandhi. John Lennon. Thomas Jefferson. Amelia Earhart. He didn’t just find great people—-he found the true moments that make each person great.” Meltzer himself called it” schmaltzy.” He’s back in town for two days and you can see if you agree with that description. Your hardened City Paper reporter will be buying a copy—-and perhaps a second for his daughter (who can’t read Identity Crisis until she’s 20 ).

Brad Meltzer appears tonight at 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Borders Bailey’s Crossing, 5871 Crossroads Center Way, Fairfax.