28.2.11

Take a walk down 'Crooked Little Vein'

Warren Ellis' "Crooked Little Vein" is a warped little walk in the shoes of private Dick Michael McGill, a man for whom without bad luck he'd know no luck at all.

Twisted tales are no stretch for Ellis - known by most for his work on graphic novels "Transmetropolitan," "Planetary" and "Nextwave." His newest comic book, "Doktor Sleepless" (published by Avatar Press) is a science fiction story of a discontented future. In his first novel, Ellis proves that his crazy creations only get better as they get longer. "Crooked Little Vein" is deliciously disturbing all the way through.

Ellis wastes no time with pleasantries before greeting the detective with a visit from the chief of staff - a heroin-addicted man with a mission to find the political Holy Grail. According to the chief of staff, there is an alternate Constitution - a presidential book of secrets that forces those nearby to read the text and obey the message. This book, which he claims can restore America's morality, is missing. If McGill can find and return the book he'll receive a payment beyond his wildest dreams. In the meantime, he has the chief of staff looking over his shoulder.

Finding a book sounds easy - even a rare antique shouldn't be too hard to find when you have leads. But this is no ordinary book. McGill suddenly finds himself in a world of underground depravity that make even his strangest days past look like Disney films.

First, he finds a link to a branch of the porn industry involving large lizard (Godzilla-type creature) enthusiasts. There he meets Trix - who is not actually a large lizard enthusiast, but a student writing her thesis on extreme self-inflicted human experiences - a sexy and lustful young woman who agrees to work as McGill's assistant while he looks for the book. Things just get weirder from there.

During whirlwind travels that begin with a group of men who enjoy injecting salt water into their nether-regions, and then a beef and bull soaked trip through Texas, McGill and Trix discover they've only reached the tip of the conspiracy theory iceberg. Ellis jabs at American politics - not with a knife but a broad sword - cutting social commentary without losing the wit, intrigue and shock soaked through the heart of the novel.

Not for general consumption, "Crooked Little Vein," will offend many and cause projectile vomiting in the faint of heart (and right-wing conservatives). But for those who want to join Ellis on this perilous journey, the reward is great.

Originally published in The Chronicle in September 2007.

No comments:

Post a Comment