Folks often ask me for space-opera recommendations. I usually reference examples of the past, like Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Tom Corbett ... Rocky Jones. However, there's a new space hero on the galactic block named Captain Eddie Atomic, and he hails from the clever mind of DC Larson, an author who darn well knows the distinct flavor of vintage, cosmic adventure.
Captain Atomic patrols the galaxy in the Year 3042 for the lofty Leaugue of Planets in his sleek saucer-rocket, X-9. He's accompanied by his gutsy pilot Spunky and girl-robot Kioko: one of the most alluring androids imaginable (think "Lost in Space'"s Verda meets "Voyager'"s Seven of Nine), who's as conveniently analytical as she's aesthetically designed.
In Larson's brilliant "Stratosphere Boogieman", the intrepid trio faces the mad scientist Dr. Wonder, who seeks conquest via nine-foot-tall, mechanical men, straight from one's favorite movie serials. His snooty ambition not only threatens the Leaugue of Planets, but Atomic and his pals, who in their attempt to stop Wonder's invasion, tackle a tentacled terror, messy meteor men and an astonishing, arachnid deity.
Larson does an awesome job bridging the story with the quaint hi-tech we'd find in decades past, referencing radio, video and electronic-paper transmissions. Even the likes of Texaco and good ol' Rootie Kazootie visit the story. The character exchanges are especially perky: ideal for the colorful settings Larson presents. In addition, Wonder's maniacal "Up, science! Down, humanity!" and Spunky's "Jeely Jupiter!" should become pop-cultural catchphrases. (Shoot, I plan to use 'em at work as soon as the opportunity arises!) Oh, and then there are Gary McCluskey's superb illustrations, which bring Larson's descriptions to vivid life.
Above all, "Stratosphere Boogieman" hits all the right, moral marks. Indeed, there's comic-book camp throughout, but like the '60s "Batman", a clear-cut distinction between good and bad is drawn. That makes Larson's novella suitable for decent folks of any age, any background: an admirable achievement, considering today's literary, muddled clutter.
If you've a hankering for a breezy, space sojourn and ebullient retro storytelling, Captain Atomic will meet all of your galactic needs. Engage today at ... https://retroriffbooks.blogspot.com/ (for printed copies) and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017N0VXUK/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4 (for Kindle).
(PS: "Stratosphere Boogieman" is capped by Larson's nifty Chaney-inspired short story, "Final Performance", which is certain to thrill and chill, as well as please every Mitchell/Petrillo connoisseur out there!!!)
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