Author
Frank Banta
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Subjects
Books by Frank Banta
The Dragon Slayers
"The Dragon Slayers" by Frank Banta is a science fiction story published in the early 1960s. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic setting on Venus, focusing on the humorous and adventurous struggles of a couple, Pole and Bliss Kenton, who are engaged in the peculiar occupation of harvesting pretzins in the Venusian jungle. The story touches on themes of survival and resourcefulness, as the characters contend with the dangers of the exotic environment, including snakes and a fearsome dragon. In this whimsical tale, the Kentons face constant challenges, notably a menacing dragon that threatens their modest home and livelihood. The plot follows a comedic sequence of events as they navigate personal dilemmas and unexpected dangers, all while adhering to the absurd guidelines established by their superiors. When Bliss falls victim to a vacuum snake, and their cabin is burned down by the dragon, they find assistance from their Division Chief, Carl Wattles, delivering them a fumigation bomb designed for far smaller reptiles. Ultimately, in a twist of fate, the couple uses the bomb against the dragon in a daring and resourceful act, resulting in remarkable consequences that leave them with an unexpected new home, showcasing the blend of humor, creativity, and cleverness in their resourceful response to danger.
The Connoisseur
"The Connoisseur" by Frank Banta is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative explores themes of desire, value, and the complex interplay of human relationships within a speculative setting. The story presents an unconventional and thought-provoking view on the idea of marriage and the value assigned to individuals. The storyline follows a protagonist who enters into a negotiation to "purchase" a young girl named Lisa from her father, using various valuable items as currency. As the father and daughter barter, Lisa’s innocence and growing awareness of her own value come into play. While Lisa appears to be merely a prize in this transaction, she ultimately asserts her individuality by refusing the initial offers, leading to a surprising conclusion that raises questions about agency and respect in relationships. The story combines dark humor with a critique of social norms, all set against a backdrop of a fantastical spaceship and its crew, making for a compelling reflection on human nature and the concept of worth.
When Whirlybirds Call
"When Whirlybirds Call" by Frank Banta is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. This story revolves around a bizarre menace in the form of giant, predatory whirlybirds that terrorize the inhabitants of Featherton on Grimes Planet. The plot centers on the character of Five-gun Charles DeCrabbe, a self-assured bounty hunter determined to rid the town of these feathered aggressors with his assortment of unconventional weaponry and tactics. In the narrative, DeCrabbe navigates the challenges posed by the Coocoo-downdraft-peoplehawk-whirlybirds, which capture and drop townspeople. Initially underestimating the situation, the townspeople have failed to subdue these peculiar threats despite their best efforts. As DeCrabbe sets to work, he employs a series of strategic and sometimes humorous plans, including using robot mannequins to lure and trap the whirlybirds. Ultimately, through a mix of ingenuity and perseverance, he learns to exploit the birds' vulnerabilities, leading to a triumphant departure from the town, where he is celebrated as a hero. The story blends elements of adventure and satire within its quirky premise, showcasing the concept that sometimes the most bizarre challenges can lead to unexpected solutions.
Handyman
"Handyman" by Frank Banta is a science fiction story published in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around a character named James Ypsilanti, who resides in a post-apocalyptic, prison-like environment, presumably on an Earth ravaged by war. The central theme appears to explore human survival and the absurdity of existence in a world where traditional roles and relationships have been fundamentally altered. The story follows James Ypsilanti as he confronts his absurd reality within the prison, where he finds himself demolishing his door for warmth, as the heating system is dysfunctional. He interacts with a carpenter, who represents the only other "being" around, yet is a robot, illustrating a profound isolation. As Ypsilanti ruminates on his past and the ruined world outside, he navigates his daily routine of destruction and despair, revealing a mix of dark humor and tragic reflection on the nature of loneliness and human endurance in a desolate landscape. The book is a satirical examination of both the individual’s plight and the broader implications of societal collapse.
The Happy Homicide
"The Happy Homicide" by Frank Banta is a satirical short story that falls into the crime fiction genre, penned in the early 1980s. The narrative takes place during a courtroom drama wherein the defendant, John Bork, is on trial for the murder of his wife, Fannie Bork. The overarching theme revolves around the absurdity of the judicial process and highlights the reliance on bizarre technological evidence, specifically a machine that allegedly enables the deceased to "testify" about her own murder. The story unfolds in a courtroom setting where the prosecutor introduces the "Very Complicated Monstrous Proximilator," a machine designed to extract memories from Fannie Bork's brain. As the proceedings evolve, John Bork interjects with humorous and sardonic remarks, revealing his comedic resignation to the evidence against him. Ultimately, despite the peculiar theatrics of the trial and overwhelming circumstantial evidence, the jury delivers a surprising verdict of "not guilty." This outcome emphasizes the farcical elements of the narrative, showcasing a critique of the legal system where technical contraptions and procedural absurdities overshadow genuine justice.
Droozle
"Droozle" by Frank Banta is a whimsical novella written during the early 1960s. This light-hearted fantasy tells the story of Jean Lanni, a struggling artist, and his unusual companion, a twelve-inch pen-shaped snake named Droozle. The narrative explores themes of creativity, partnership, and the challenges faced by artists and authors alike in a comedic setting. The plot revolves around Jean's relationship with Droozle, who has developed a talent for writing but has recently begun producing lengthy literary works that financially strain Jean's aspirations. While initially enjoying Droozle's success with bestsellers about snakes, Jean faces a crisis when the snake decides to write ambitious classics instead. As Jean grapples with the prospect of losing his financial stability and potentially his relationship with his girlfriend, Judy Stokes, he comes to realize the importance of creative collaboration and understanding between him and Droozle. The story culminates in a humorous negotiation between them, leading to an unexpected resolution and a fresh perspective on artistic expression.