Picture an American storyteller who mixes punk rock vibes with cosmic horror, crafting tales that leave you laughing and shivering—meet Robert Brockway! Known for his Vicious Circuit trilogy, this former Cracked.com editor has carved a niche in speculative fiction with his razor-sharp wit and fearless genre-blending. From post-apocalyptic nightmares to cyberpunk adventures, Brockway’s stories challenge reality itself.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Brockway’s journey from comedy writer to horror maestro is as wild as his plots. With a knack for dark humor and a love for the bizarre, he’s become a cult favorite for readers who crave something bold and unconventional. Let’s dive into the world of this literary renegade!
The Making of Robert Brockway
Growing up in Los Angeles, Brockway was steeped in a cultural melting pot that fueled his imagination. Inspired by sci-fi legends like Philip K. Dick and cyberpunk pioneer William Gibson, he developed a taste for stories that twist reality. His early career as a senior editor and columnist at Cracked.com honed his comedic edge, where he crafted viral articles laced with sharp humor. This gig wasn’t just a job—it was a creative bootcamp that shaped his irreverent voice. Brockway’s leap into fiction came with a desire to blend his humor with the unsettling, leading to his debut novel and a career that’s anything but ordinary.
Robert Brockway’s Unforgettable Stories
Brockway’s bibliography is a thrilling mix of horror, sci-fi, and dark comedy. His Vicious Circuit trilogy—The Unnoticeables (2015), The Empty Ones (2016), and Kill All Angels (2017)—is a punk rock urban fantasy set across the 1970s and 2010s. It follows misfits like Carey and Kaitlyn battling angelic entities that ‘solve’ human lives by erasing redundancies. With gritty action and biting humor, the series is a love letter to the rebellious spirit of punk.
His cyberpunk novel Rx: A Tale of Electronegativity (2013) explores a dystopian future through a drug-fueled lens, showcasing his knack for vivid world-building. Carrier Wave (2020), a post-apocalyptic horror epic, delves into cosmic dread, while Everything Is Going to Kill Everybody (2010) is a comedic non-fiction collection that hilariously dissects apocalyptic scenarios. Brockway’s style fuses visceral imagery, snarky dialogue, and philosophical undertones, making his work both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Whether he’s writing about sludge monsters or existential angels, Brockway’s themes often grapple with identity, freedom, and the chaos of existence. His ability to balance humor with horror creates a unique reading experience that feels like a rollercoaster through a haunted funhouse.
Why Robert Brockway Matters
Brockway’s impact lies in his fearless approach to storytelling. By blending genres like horror, sci-fi, and comedy, he’s expanded the boundaries of speculative fiction, appealing to readers who crave originality. His work resonates with those who see the world through a skeptical, slightly anarchic lens, much like the punk subculture he celebrates. As a former Cracked.com editor, he brought wit to digital media, and his novels continue that legacy, offering a fresh voice in a crowded literary landscape.
Beyond his books, Brockway’s influence extends to his comedy ventures, like the podcast Dogg Zzone 9000 and the humor site 1900HOTDOG. His ability to connect with niche audiences through humor and horror ensures his stories endure, inspiring new writers to embrace the weird.
- Born: Los Angeles, California
- Key Works: Vicious Circuit trilogy, Rx: A Tale of Electronegativity, Carrier Wave
- Notable Role: Former senior editor at Cracked.com
- Fun Fact: His dogs are named after Lethal Weapon detectives!
Ready to explore a world where angels are terrifying and humor is dark? Grab The Unnoticeables and dive into Robert Brockway’s wild, genre-defying universe!