Picture a British storyteller who spins tales so wild they could only be called 'Far Fetched Fiction'—meet Robert Rankin! Born in 1949 in London, Rankin has delighted readers with over 30 novels blending fantasy, science fiction, and uproarious humor. His Brentford series, set in a quirky London suburb, is a riot of alien conspiracies, ancient evils, and lovable oddballs, making him a cult favorite among fans of comedic speculative fiction.
With a knack for turning the mundane into the fantastical, Rankin’s stories are like a pub chat with a delightfully eccentric friend. His self-coined genre, Far Fetched Fiction, reflects his mission to carve out a unique literary niche, free from competition and bursting with imagination. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this master of silliness!
The Making of Robert Rankin
Robert Fleming Rankin was born on July 27, 1949, in Parsons Green, London. Growing up in Brentford, a West London suburb, he was surrounded by the ordinary streets that would later become the extraordinary backdrop for his novels. A self-described lover of 'weirdos,' Rankin discovered occultist Aleister Crowley in art school during the 1960s, sparking his fascination with the bizarre. Before writing, he juggled 41 jobs, from carpentry to prop rental for movies, but his love for words never wavered.
In the late 1970s, Rankin began penning short stories, and a chance meeting with artist Alan Aldridge led to his first novel, The Antipope, published in 1981. Written by hand in pubs, this debut launched the Brentford series and marked the birth of Far Fetched Fiction. His goal? To avoid competing with other authors and snag his own bookstore shelf!
Robert Rankin’s Unforgettable Stories
Rankin’s novels are a whirlwind of science fiction, fantasy, urban legends, and metafiction, all laced with running gags and outrageous characters. The Brentford series, starting with The Antipope, follows heroes Jim Pooley and John Omally as they battle demonic popes and alien plots in their sleepy suburb. The series’ nine books, published between 1981 and 2009, are beloved for their chaotic charm.
Another gem, The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse (2002), introduces Eddie Bear, a teddy bear detective in a toy city plagued by nursery rhyme character murders. This darkly funny tale won the SFX Best Novel Award in 2003. Rankin’s The Brightonomicon (2005), adapted into a star-studded BBC audio drama, showcases his knack for blending steampunk and occult humor. His Japanese Devil Fish Girl series (2010–2012) dives into steampunk adventures with space pirates and time-traveling sprouts, proving his boundless creativity.
Rankin’s style is unmistakable: think Douglas Adams meets Terry Pratchett, with a dash of Monty Python. His recurring characters, like the nefarious Hugo Rune, and gags, like the coveted M134 mini-gun, create a cohesive, hilarious universe. Often writing in pubs with pen and paper, Rankin infuses his work with a playful, conversational vibe that invites readers to join the fun.
Why Robert Rankin Matters
Robert Rankin’s impact lies in his ability to make the absurd feel like home. His Far Fetched Fiction has inspired a generation of comedy fantasy authors, earning comparisons to giants like Adams and Pratchett. By setting most of his stories in Brentford, he transforms a quiet suburb into a mythic battleground, resonating with readers who crave escapism with a British twist. His fan club, Sproutlore, once a vibrant community, reflects his cult following.
Beyond writing, Rankin’s talents shine in his book cover sculptures, audio narrations, and webcomics like Empires. As a Fellow of The Victorian Steampunk Society, he’s cemented his place in speculative fiction. His refusal to take himself seriously—think air-ukulele performances at signings—makes him a beloved entertainer who brings joy to every page and stage.
- Born: July 27, 1949, Parsons Green, London
- Key Works: The Antipope, The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse, The Brightonomicon
- Awards: SFX Best Novel Award (2003), The Hub Best Comedy Audio Award
- Fun Fact: Rankin writes by hand in pubs and creates his own book cover art!
Snag The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse and dive into Robert Rankin’s gloriously bonkers Far Fetched Fiction today!