Xenology
Simon Spurrier
(Reviewer - Rebecca Brown)
2005 Black Library Publishing
ISBN: 1844162826

Notes & dissections from the alien bestiary of Biegel, & studies of its vile specimens by those present at its destruction.

“Know thine enemy, You are known to him already.” Sermon Primaris, The Ordo Xenos -- Warhammer 40,000 universe. This background book is “an Inquisition investigation into the diverse alien menace that threatens the Imperium. In a far-flung research station on Biegel 9, a renegade inquisitor has gathered together a collection of aliens from across the galaxy, & is keeping them alive to study.”

I wanted to categorize Xenology in horror, however, Webmaster said “No! It's pure cult fantasy & dark sci-fi!” So that's where this catalog of the anatomy of frightful aliens in all their horrible, bestial, nightmarish, creepy, awful, dreadful, horrifying, terrifying, alarming, scary, terrible, direful, gruesome, ghastly, grisly, macabre, lurid, petrifying, unnerving, hair-raising, bloodcurdling, shocking, repellent, harrowing, appalling, horrific, atrocious, ominous, portentous, eerie, weird details which are, strangely enough, quite alluring, & includes a bit of a mystery, too.

I can't begin to fathom Simon Spurrier's mind, although his mug shot shows a likable enough fellow with a gladsome grin. I do remember from my childhood, grimacing gargoyles staring down at me from the flying buttresses & drainpipes of many a church, & I suspect those images were also inculcated with Simon's baby food. His artwork is ferocious, disturbing & ugly as well as awesomely detailed & draughted, & charming. Go figure!

This Game Workshop edition is a superb addition to any Warhammer lovers' stash!

Simon Spurrier lives & works in London, England. He is a full-time writer & frequent contributor to 2000AD comic & Black Library & Black Flame novel imprints. His books include the novelization of the computer game Fire Warrior, Lord of the Night & Strontium Dog:Prophet Margin.
(03/26/06)

Rebecca