I’m not going to hide the fact that I’m a bit of a Robert Rankin fan. While only newly discovering his books (first one read in October last year), I’m in awe of his comedic prowess. I’m absolutely convinced he is a dark and dastardly criminal genius who has settled on the plan to kill each and every one of us – with humour. Unless our governments pay him the almighty sum of a lifetime supply of beery substances at the local pub of his choosing.

Should Mister Rankin ever make this demand of any government, my advice is simply to pay the man.

With The Toyminator, I wasn’t in possession of the almighty prequel, but I’m sure it’s almighty because Mister Rankin wrote it, and therefore it is indeed almighty. While not as almighty as his other series, this book featuring the very growly Eddie Bear is still a wonderful book. As testament to how wonderful it is, I shall attempt to tell you how much I hate Narniaisms.

By Narniaisms, I mean I despise with great passion any book which crosses over from “our” world to “theirs.” Can’t stand the bloody idea. It’s just ridiculous. Almost as ridiculous as the Startrekism of making every alien race inferior to the human race in terms of “emotional” responses. Like we’re going to build spaceships to fly out and teach the universe about peace, love, happiness and the amazing amazingness that is “humanity.”

No one writing that garbage has set foot near a current events program, obviously. Never heard of what’s been happening in the Middle East. Probably still lives at home with mummy, too.

Anyway. I can’t stand it. Hate hate hate hate hate it.

Mister Rankin has written a book where Eddie Bear goes from “there” to “our” world.

And I still loved it. He’s kept a strong grasp on his humour, his flawed characters and their crazy antics, as well as keeping his plots going with a well-oiled string of gags and references.

Although, I must admit it was down to the chickens. Amazing how you can make the banal funny just by adding chickens.