Review of 'Armageddon the Musical'
Armageddon the Musical by Robert Rankin
The earth has survived a nuclear apocalypse mankind is holed up in bunkers spending their time watching television. The prime show to watch is the one staring Dalai Dan (the 153rd reincarnation of the Dalai Lama) whose shows incredible brutality. From a distance an alien race watches The Earthers - a soap opera that consists of filming humans in their current situation. Rex Mundi has been hired by the Dalai to infultrate a sect of cannibals but people keep trying to kill him. Rex's adventures lead him to revelations that the world is not all it seems and revolt against the powers that rule. Of course, I have not mentioned the return of the King (no, not him, ELVIS, of course) who, with the aid of a Time Sprout seems determined to take down the establishment…with lethal force!
Rankin is quite amusing but most of it is “in” humor that regular readers will follow but others miss. I did find this amusing, if someone difficult to follow and understand what exactly is going on (though, perhaps, this is not the point). Rex is certainly not what one would call a “hero” but his stumbling and innocence serves to throw light into this confusing scene. Rankin has followed this up with not one but two sequels…so obviously someone really liked it! I am not sure if I will read the next, but it is certainly interesting.
Amusing, odd, but interesting.
Rating: “It is OK but I have some issues”
Review Date: 2012-11-30
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Corgi
Publication Date: 1990