Those Who Walk in Darkness

Those Who Walk in Darkness is a novel authored by John Ridley and released in May 2003. The story centers on a member of an elite Los Angeles police unit tasked with pursuing superpowered beings referred to as metanormals. Its follow-up, What Fire Cannot Burn, was published in 2006.

Plot summary

Set in a reality where confrontations among individuals possessing extraordinary metanormal abilities once ravaged urban areas, the federal government has since prohibited both the use of these powers and the existence of metanormals after a devastating conflict obliterated San Francisco. Consequently, all metanormals—regardless of alignment—are deemed threats by the LAPD's specialized G Platoon, known as the Metanormal Tactical Unit ("MTac").

The main character, Soledad O'Roark, is a newly inducted MTac officer whose animosity toward metanormals surpasses even that of her colleagues. She earned the nickname "Bullet" after employing a customized O'Dwyer Variable-Lethality Law Enforcement gun to eliminate a pyrokinetic assailant. Her arsenal includes color-coded ammunition designed to exploit specific vulnerabilities of different metanormals. Although her actions save lives, Soledad faces possible demotion and legal repercussions for wielding an unregistered firearm, with her attorney suspecting internal sabotage.

Michelle, a winged individual capable of averting catastrophes or reviving the deceased, lives covertly alongside her telepathic spouse Vaughn and an ally named Aubrey who can manipulate metal. When Michelle attempts to prevent a fatal street collapse, Soledad fatally shoots her, dismissing public outrage by labeling Michelle as "just another freak." This act provokes Vaughn to declare open hostility against MTac.

The narrative continues in the sequel What Fire Cannot Burn, where Soledad teams up with fellow MTac officer Eddi Aoki to investigate a serial murderer targeting metanormals in Los Angeles—potentially implicating members within their own police department.

In film

A 2003 animated adaptation featured rapper Lil' Kim portraying Soledad. Developed using Adobe Flash technology, it was initially made available online before receiving a DVD release through Lightyear Entertainment.