Brightonomicon Review

BrightonomiconIf you like funny science fiction stories or stories with fantastical elements generously mixed in with comedic moments, characters and wordplay, then I suggest settling in to read this review. It is The Brightonomicon by Robert Rankin.

The Brightonomicon traces the footsteps of a mystery-solver and his assistant whilst sort out puzzling cases and save the world (and their neighboring suburbs in England) from various evils. All these cases are connected and are meant to help the main protagonists rid the world of the greatest villain it has ever seen.

So far, the story sound pretty standard, doesn't it? Some might even suggest that it is a bit cliché. Well, here's the bit I have been holding back until now. The detective in question is none other than Hugo Rune! Yes, those who are familiar with Rankin's work will be chuckling away by now. And guess what? The author has slotted him as the perfect parody of Sherlock Holmes. I don't know if he did that on purpose but the constant references to paper-throwing and consequential reading over breakfast does bring the duo into mind. Who plays Watson? I finally found out at the end of the book and unfortunately I can't give that away. Suffice it to say that it is a young bloke (called Rizla until the very end of the novel) who is suffering from amnesia and has a penchant for flapping him arms when he is scared. These two good albeit somewhat alcoholic fellows are striving to save us all from the devious Count Otto Black who in turn aims to steal a television that offers a glimpse into the past. The keyword here is a diabolical plan for world domination.

Robert Rankin's books make delightful reading for a number of reasons. For one thing, the characters are quirky, eccentric and a bit over the top. This is a refreshing change from the goody-two-shoes larger-than-life folks in most fantastical stories. But then, they do call this genre absurdist science fiction for a reason. One noteworthy character is Fangio, the bartender. Irrespective of the situation and location, he pops up wherever there is a bar or social event. And desperately vies for some 'on-screen' time which adds to the appeal.

What got me hooked was his British style humor. Think BBC stand-up comedy in the “Yes Prime Minister” and “A bit of Fry and Laurie” tradition. This will conjure up images of clever wordplay, innuendos and a bit of dirty jokes on the side. That's right, Rankin's got them all and then some.

My favorite was the heavy metal reference. Rizla and Rune trot off to a heavy metal gig to solve one of their weird little mysteries. Of course, Rune gets to dress up stylishly while Rizla, underdog that he is, ends up as cross-dressing. It all turns horribly wrong and yet, they accomplish a lot of their initial goals. Later on, Rizla wistfully thinks about the follies of the world, about the great evils that walk the Earth and how there must always be a Rune to save everyone. He thinks to himself, “That's how it is. Aah, it's sad but true.” Then quickly notes how that was also one of the songs he really liked from their Rock/Metal night.