The Mammoth Book of Comic Fantasy
Edited by Mike Ashley
Robinson trd pbk, 539 pgs, £6.99
Review by Mike Don (1998)
Contrary to received wisdom, Terry Pratchett didn't invent comic fantasy. In fact, the contents of this anthology indicate that his peculiarly-inspired lunacy is far from typical. Most of the genre evokes the quiet smile, not the helpless, gasping giggles. Mickey-taking pastiche dominates; and is dominated, in turn, unfortunately, by pastiches of the traditional fairy-tale. Even in jest it becomes repetitive. But humour is a funny thing (sorry), a very personal taste. I found myself relishing stories which, while light in tone, I wouldn't consider 'comic', such as Alan Dean Foster's or Randall Garrett's. Among the outright funnies, Amy Myers and Anne Gay, both of whom take the Tom Holt approach. Dishonourable mentions go to Craig Shaw Gardner and Robert Rankin. Still, with 35 titles, there's surely something for all tastes.