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The Brothers Crunk
Brothers Divey and Reynold Crunk are two traveling breakfast burrito salesman just trying to make a living in the post-apocalyptic world of Planet Japan. After discovering a mutilated robot corpse in the middle of the desert, Divey mysteriously transforms into something abominable, setting a bizarre series of events into motion. Reynold follows his brother into the dark underworld of Tokyo, where there are no rules and old video game accessories are used as real weapons. THE BROTHERS CRUNK is an 8-bit fack-it-all adventure in 2D. Please consult a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms while reading: convulsions, eye or muscle twitching, altered vision, involuntary movements, disorientation, or loss of awareness.
104 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2010
8 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
William Pauley III
40 books609 followersRead/listen at www.doomfiction.com
"The beauty of Pauley’s work is that he makes the reader (relatively) comfortable with these fun, weird elements and then injects the narrative with short bursts of deep thinking and questions that cut to the marrow of human nature." — Gabino Iglesias, author of The Devil Takes You Home
William Pauley III has been praised by critics and readers alike for his contributions to weird science fiction and horror over the last 15 years. He's received rave reviews from Fangoria Magazine, Verbicide, and Dead End Follies, the latter stating "William Pauley III is one of the most recognizable voices in weird literature." He is the author of The Bedlam Bible, Hearers of the Constant Hum, and Automated Daydreaming. He lives in Lexington, KY.
"The beauty of Pauley’s work is that he makes the reader (relatively) comfortable with these fun, weird elements and then injects the narrative with short bursts of deep thinking and questions that cut to the marrow of human nature." — Gabino Iglesias, author of The Devil Takes You Home
William Pauley III has been praised by critics and readers alike for his contributions to weird science fiction and horror over the last 15 years. He's received rave reviews from Fangoria Magazine, Verbicide, and Dead End Follies, the latter stating "William Pauley III is one of the most recognizable voices in weird literature." He is the author of The Bedlam Bible, Hearers of the Constant Hum, and Automated Daydreaming. He lives in Lexington, KY.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 29, 2018
I know virtually nothing about video games. With Nintendo and 8 bit at the core of this adventure, however, I did not feel at a disadvantage. (The only thing I know about 8 bit is that Horse the Band uses it.) For me, The Brothers Crunk goes all the way up to 11 bit. That's a lot, right? This little book packs a punch of fun. With a power glove! The Crunk brothers, also featured in the author's novel Hearers of the Constant Hum, are brackfas burrito entrepreneurs in the post-apocalyptic world of Planet Japan. Divey Crunk is separated from his brother, Reynold, when the latter becomes fused with Vandenboom, leader of The Damned Dirt Devils. Divey follows Vandenboom and the D.D.D. into the Doom Magnetic, hoping to catch up with his brother. He is accompanied by Pete Meat on the back of an ostrich.
Here are some of the things that the pair (trio if you count the bird) encounters: Robococks, Wasp Women, an evil Edokkolug, Blitzkrieg Bowsers and a mutilated cyborg carcass. In a world like this, is it even possible for the Crunk Brothers to reunite? Grab yourself a slab of facking brackfas jerky and find out.
Here are some of the things that the pair (trio if you count the bird) encounters: Robococks, Wasp Women, an evil Edokkolug, Blitzkrieg Bowsers and a mutilated cyborg carcass. In a world like this, is it even possible for the Crunk Brothers to reunite? Grab yourself a slab of facking brackfas jerky and find out.
March 25, 2022
I worked really hard on this book, damn it! FIVE STARS!
June 7, 2023
Its more like 2 stars. Odd and bizarre
March 28, 2011
(This review was originally written in Japanese, but was hastily [and poorly] translated for the sake of rushing it to English speaking markets to capitalize on the explosion in popularity of hastily- [and poorly-] translated Goodreads reviews.)
Corpulent populations of kudos regard to the constructor of the published book materials nomenclatured THE BROTHERS CRUNK assmbled by letter arranger William Pauley the 3. Containment of emotion regards to material found upon perusal most extraneous of aforementioned word groupings, eyeballers of book this most difficult will find. Excessive celebration penalties abounding.
Of familiarity to fantastical old-timey gaming contol systematics, recommendations gush forth, plus double good excitablility for literary genre "bizarro" suggested from this reviewer. Please for to extend the thankful yous upon letter arranger William Pauley the 3 for most estimable and honorable calculations toward enjoyable leisure hours laid on doorstep of handsomely presented masterpiece bearing moniker THE BROTHERS CRUNK.
Book is this receiving of heartiness "Two opposable thumbs thrust upward!"
(To unlock original Japanese version of this review, please key in the following: up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start)
Corpulent populations of kudos regard to the constructor of the published book materials nomenclatured THE BROTHERS CRUNK assmbled by letter arranger William Pauley the 3. Containment of emotion regards to material found upon perusal most extraneous of aforementioned word groupings, eyeballers of book this most difficult will find. Excessive celebration penalties abounding.
Of familiarity to fantastical old-timey gaming contol systematics, recommendations gush forth, plus double good excitablility for literary genre "bizarro" suggested from this reviewer. Please for to extend the thankful yous upon letter arranger William Pauley the 3 for most estimable and honorable calculations toward enjoyable leisure hours laid on doorstep of handsomely presented masterpiece bearing moniker THE BROTHERS CRUNK.
Book is this receiving of heartiness "Two opposable thumbs thrust upward!"
(To unlock original Japanese version of this review, please key in the following: up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start)
June 25, 2022
William Pauley III is really good. I have liked everything I have every read by him. Weird fiction is hard for me sometimes but this one was just weird enough without going over the edge and losing me. I really dug it.
Make me crave a Pete and bean burrito.
Make me crave a Pete and bean burrito.
June 4, 2025
This book was so much fun. It's a story that managed to blend Antz with Mad Max and Kill Bill in my mind.
I've never cared about ostriches so much.
I've never cared about ostriches so much.
April 21, 2016
Vivid imagery, clever dialogue, endering characters, and just a hint of gross; this isn't a book you read, but a book you experience. Pauley knows what he's doing.
Hansen's art is beautiful as always but it was a treat to see less romantic pieces by her. She and Pauley's work make a wonderful package.
Hansen's art is beautiful as always but it was a treat to see less romantic pieces by her. She and Pauley's work make a wonderful package.
July 26, 2016
This review is old, I wrote it awhile back back just noticed I never put it on here.
This has been the first book I’ve read by William Pauley 3 but it will not be the last. This book is described as an 8 bit F a c k-It-All adventure, and it definitely is an adventure. It will take you to some weird and very interesting places. Page after page you will not know where you are headed, but believe me you will still continue on with the journey, and it is worth it.
The cover of The Brothers Crunk may be one of the best book covers I’ve ever seen. It looks like an old school Nintendo game, complete with the black plastic sleeve, simple yet extremely effective. It was the first thing that put this book on my radar. It should be noted that the cover was done by Brandon Duncan who has created many notable covers for books by authors like Andersen Prunty and D. Harlan Wilson.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Japan, TBC is the story of brothers Divey and Reynold who are traveling brackfas burrito salesmen. After a wreck in the desert that costs them their van, Divey comes across what amounts to part of a metal skeleton. This is where the story really takes off into uncharted territories. An attack from some wasp women ends with the awakening of the cyborg Vandeboom and the real beginning of the adventure that has Reynold searching for his missing brother. Throughout this you will get plenty of Nintendo references, from old controllers to games, most will remember from childhood.
I’ve read that this book is set in the same universe as another book by William Pauley 3, Doom Magnetic, and may have ties to it. I am looking forward to reading that book next. I was definitely impressed with my first foray into the odd mind of Pauley. He has the ability to create humorous and interesting characters, throw them into a completely absurd world and craft a uniquely believable story.
I'm adding to this review since I just listened to the audio book. It was very entertaining, William Pauley narrated it himself and did a fantastic job. I recommend it if you like audiobooks, it's a great story that is very well acted out.
This has been the first book I’ve read by William Pauley 3 but it will not be the last. This book is described as an 8 bit F a c k-It-All adventure, and it definitely is an adventure. It will take you to some weird and very interesting places. Page after page you will not know where you are headed, but believe me you will still continue on with the journey, and it is worth it.
The cover of The Brothers Crunk may be one of the best book covers I’ve ever seen. It looks like an old school Nintendo game, complete with the black plastic sleeve, simple yet extremely effective. It was the first thing that put this book on my radar. It should be noted that the cover was done by Brandon Duncan who has created many notable covers for books by authors like Andersen Prunty and D. Harlan Wilson.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Japan, TBC is the story of brothers Divey and Reynold who are traveling brackfas burrito salesmen. After a wreck in the desert that costs them their van, Divey comes across what amounts to part of a metal skeleton. This is where the story really takes off into uncharted territories. An attack from some wasp women ends with the awakening of the cyborg Vandeboom and the real beginning of the adventure that has Reynold searching for his missing brother. Throughout this you will get plenty of Nintendo references, from old controllers to games, most will remember from childhood.
I’ve read that this book is set in the same universe as another book by William Pauley 3, Doom Magnetic, and may have ties to it. I am looking forward to reading that book next. I was definitely impressed with my first foray into the odd mind of Pauley. He has the ability to create humorous and interesting characters, throw them into a completely absurd world and craft a uniquely believable story.
I'm adding to this review since I just listened to the audio book. It was very entertaining, William Pauley narrated it himself and did a fantastic job. I recommend it if you like audiobooks, it's a great story that is very well acted out.
August 20, 2012
A wild ride through post-apocalyptic Japan, this one was a good'in!
I, like a couple others, was drawn to the cover and title of this novella. I am of the Nintendo generation, who grew up along side video games, and the cover and promise of an 8-bit adventure made me say, "Yes, please." to this read.
=Start mini-summary=
The Burrito Brothers have to get to Tokyo with their new found supply of meat to make some bank selling "brakefas burritos." That's their job and livelihood until their trip is derailed by a sinister cyborg and his gang, that's when the Nintendo & Sega weapons come out.
=End mini-summary=
Does that make you want to read it? I submit that it should! It's almost like a cult film like "The Wizard" from the early 90's, an homage to the Nintendo Entertainment System. Super Scope-6, The Power Glove, the classic controller, and even secret cheat codes are involved.
A little like Blade Runner meets the bizarro genre, Pauley writes his characters well, introducing cyborgs and the various other bizarro seamlessly. Often humorous, the actions sequences balanced the story well, and most importantly it had a well put together Bizarro storyline that wraps up very neatly with a great ending that leaves you wanting more.
I have not read his other story set in the same world called "Doom Magnetic!" but I want to now, especially after reading this and hearing there may be a Doom Magnetic trilogy.
4.5 Stars - one of the great bizarro novellas out there.
I, like a couple others, was drawn to the cover and title of this novella. I am of the Nintendo generation, who grew up along side video games, and the cover and promise of an 8-bit adventure made me say, "Yes, please." to this read.
=Start mini-summary=
The Burrito Brothers have to get to Tokyo with their new found supply of meat to make some bank selling "brakefas burritos." That's their job and livelihood until their trip is derailed by a sinister cyborg and his gang, that's when the Nintendo & Sega weapons come out.
=End mini-summary=
Does that make you want to read it? I submit that it should! It's almost like a cult film like "The Wizard" from the early 90's, an homage to the Nintendo Entertainment System. Super Scope-6, The Power Glove, the classic controller, and even secret cheat codes are involved.
A little like Blade Runner meets the bizarro genre, Pauley writes his characters well, introducing cyborgs and the various other bizarro seamlessly. Often humorous, the actions sequences balanced the story well, and most importantly it had a well put together Bizarro storyline that wraps up very neatly with a great ending that leaves you wanting more.
I have not read his other story set in the same world called "Doom Magnetic!" but I want to now, especially after reading this and hearing there may be a Doom Magnetic trilogy.
4.5 Stars - one of the great bizarro novellas out there.
April 3, 2023
Once again William Pauley III has made me giggle while listening to an audiobook. A fun and quick listen that made a long drive enjoyable. I’m glad I listened to this one after I listened to the Doom Magnetic trilogy. This one fell right into place. Highly recommend.
My thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an advanced copy.
My thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an advanced copy.
December 22, 2013
Never underestimate the power of video games on the unconscious mind. William Pauley III has composed a love letter to 8-bit fantasy and the subconscious, full of interesting dialogue. For someone who grew up playing Nintendo games, I felt like this book pulled something surreal from my own subconscious, something raw and heretofore unacknowledged.
The characters and their reaction to the world around them seems almost childlike, with actions and desires that seem to be motivated by their inability to understand any level of morality. These characters live in video games and they are manifestations of unreality. They are the desensitized versions of people who are two-dimensional, with two-dimensional motivations that are defined by the fantasy in which they participate.
Pauley gives us interesting dialogue, a fun premise, and a collage of moments that inform a video game-style adventure that doesn’t take time to define itself or explain how/why it exists; like any video game, its presence is unapologetic, and it is a vehicle for escape from reality, until it becomes its own reality, as is the case for these characters. There is a sort of explanation provided near the end of the novel that attempts to provide a basis for causation, but it isn’t necessary; Pauley has already sold us on the concept.
If you enjoy surreal bizarro, this is book is a page-turner. When it comes to bizarro, I’m not always looking for catharsis or rising action; I want literature that is an escape from literature, a variation of unreality that is an escape from itself. As nonsensical as any classic video game narrative from the Nintendo era, I found myself wondering about the impact of those particular games on my own subconscious. I didn’t grow up with Call of Duty games or games where mass-murder was part of the objective. I played games like The Brothers Crunk.
The characters and their reaction to the world around them seems almost childlike, with actions and desires that seem to be motivated by their inability to understand any level of morality. These characters live in video games and they are manifestations of unreality. They are the desensitized versions of people who are two-dimensional, with two-dimensional motivations that are defined by the fantasy in which they participate.
Pauley gives us interesting dialogue, a fun premise, and a collage of moments that inform a video game-style adventure that doesn’t take time to define itself or explain how/why it exists; like any video game, its presence is unapologetic, and it is a vehicle for escape from reality, until it becomes its own reality, as is the case for these characters. There is a sort of explanation provided near the end of the novel that attempts to provide a basis for causation, but it isn’t necessary; Pauley has already sold us on the concept.
If you enjoy surreal bizarro, this is book is a page-turner. When it comes to bizarro, I’m not always looking for catharsis or rising action; I want literature that is an escape from literature, a variation of unreality that is an escape from itself. As nonsensical as any classic video game narrative from the Nintendo era, I found myself wondering about the impact of those particular games on my own subconscious. I didn’t grow up with Call of Duty games or games where mass-murder was part of the objective. I played games like The Brothers Crunk.
December 20, 2010
It's 'facking awesome!' Here are all my reasons why:
* If you couldn't tell 'Fack' is my new favorite word. I really like saying it a lot.
* The dialogue and arguments between Divey and Reynold are very funny.
* Pete's head explosion was awesome and when he came back as meat that moment was even more awesome.
* Pink Death XXX - I want to know what liquor store sells this so I can buy a bottle.
* The line "laughing like a dehydrated weasel" I really like that description and try to use that when I'm out with friends because it always makes them smile and be like WTF all at the same time.
* Vanderboom the TV demon from Tokyo.
* That whole section with Brenner when he can't aim for shit and kills himself in the process.
* Deathbryte she's gross and I like that lightning bolts from her eye when she's mad. It gives a whole new meaning to death stare.
* If you couldn't tell 'Fack' is my new favorite word. I really like saying it a lot.
* The dialogue and arguments between Divey and Reynold are very funny.
* Pete's head explosion was awesome and when he came back as meat that moment was even more awesome.
* Pink Death XXX - I want to know what liquor store sells this so I can buy a bottle.
* The line "laughing like a dehydrated weasel" I really like that description and try to use that when I'm out with friends because it always makes them smile and be like WTF all at the same time.
* Vanderboom the TV demon from Tokyo.
* That whole section with Brenner when he can't aim for shit and kills himself in the process.
* Deathbryte she's gross and I like that lightning bolts from her eye when she's mad. It gives a whole new meaning to death stare.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2023
I have read most of this writers works and I have to admit, that even I was like wha?? in parts of this one. Not a bad wha? just a what the heck am I reading kind of wha?
So in here we have a pair of brothers, just trying to live their lives. Then an incident in the desert changes everything. I am not really sure I could describe this story and make it make sense, so lets just say that its basically a mario game come to life.
I really liked it and snorted out loud at the "you are talking to a pile of meat" comment. Yall know I love audio, but the downside to audio is that I cannot highlight passages to share. This one had so many good passages.
So in here we have a pair of brothers, just trying to live their lives. Then an incident in the desert changes everything. I am not really sure I could describe this story and make it make sense, so lets just say that its basically a mario game come to life.
I really liked it and snorted out loud at the "you are talking to a pile of meat" comment. Yall know I love audio, but the downside to audio is that I cannot highlight passages to share. This one had so many good passages.
February 13, 2023
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I’m in awe. This story by William Pauley III is masterfully written and any fan of true horror will appreciate the graphic details! Connor Brannigan completely encompasses this narration and his Australian accent really brings the brothers to life! And as always, the horror of the story is balanced out by overwhelming humor that never fails to put a smile on my face! Highly recommend, just don’t try the jerky!!!
I’m in awe. This story by William Pauley III is masterfully written and any fan of true horror will appreciate the graphic details! Connor Brannigan completely encompasses this narration and his Australian accent really brings the brothers to life! And as always, the horror of the story is balanced out by overwhelming humor that never fails to put a smile on my face! Highly recommend, just don’t try the jerky!!!
September 11, 2012
William Pauley III, The Brothers Crunk (Grindhouse Press, 2011)
Where do I begin with this warped, psychotic, somewhat delightful little novel? Well, I guess I could start in the desert, where we meet the titular brothers, Divey and Reynold, a couple of breakfast burrito salesmen who are headed for the big city, where they hope there's a bigger market for breakfast burritos than there is in the middle of nowhere. As we open, they're playing Russian Roulette with their business partner, a very large chap of African descent whose name is unimportant (you can probably guess why). All well and good, and they're on their way until they find the corpse of a robot to which the spirit of the leader of an otherworldly biker gang is attached...a spirit which possesses Divey, at which point Reynold must continue on into the big city alone in an attempt to rescue his brother. Well, not entirely alone. Meet Meat Pete...
Sound confusing? It's not, it's just bizarro: the genre where folks take all the things you know and love from the real world and do strange, unusual, quite possibly illegal (and most definitely perverse) things to them. In Pauley's 8-bit world, old Nintendo attachments are actual weapons, for example, which makes for some really amusing fight scenes—The Wild Bunch by way of Videodrome played out on a Commodore VIC-20. It's funny as hell, if a bit too neatly-wrapped and a lot too short. Pauley could have done a great deal more with this conceit; I'm hoping we'll get more of the adventures of Divey, Reynold, and Meat Pete, as well as the other assorted oddballs found here, in future books. This is fun stuff. Probably not the world's best intro to bizarro, but if you know the genre already, this is definitely one to pick up. *** ½
Where do I begin with this warped, psychotic, somewhat delightful little novel? Well, I guess I could start in the desert, where we meet the titular brothers, Divey and Reynold, a couple of breakfast burrito salesmen who are headed for the big city, where they hope there's a bigger market for breakfast burritos than there is in the middle of nowhere. As we open, they're playing Russian Roulette with their business partner, a very large chap of African descent whose name is unimportant (you can probably guess why). All well and good, and they're on their way until they find the corpse of a robot to which the spirit of the leader of an otherworldly biker gang is attached...a spirit which possesses Divey, at which point Reynold must continue on into the big city alone in an attempt to rescue his brother. Well, not entirely alone. Meet Meat Pete...
Sound confusing? It's not, it's just bizarro: the genre where folks take all the things you know and love from the real world and do strange, unusual, quite possibly illegal (and most definitely perverse) things to them. In Pauley's 8-bit world, old Nintendo attachments are actual weapons, for example, which makes for some really amusing fight scenes—The Wild Bunch by way of Videodrome played out on a Commodore VIC-20. It's funny as hell, if a bit too neatly-wrapped and a lot too short. Pauley could have done a great deal more with this conceit; I'm hoping we'll get more of the adventures of Divey, Reynold, and Meat Pete, as well as the other assorted oddballs found here, in future books. This is fun stuff. Probably not the world's best intro to bizarro, but if you know the genre already, this is definitely one to pick up. *** ½
December 3, 2013
An entertaining bizarro mash-up of sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and oldschool Nintendo gaming culture with a B-movie feel to it. One of the book's strengths is the quirky dialog, which is consistent throughout. There’s also cartoonish violence, wasp women, a hybrid slug-lady villain, a TV demon cyborg, a colorful gang of mutants, a talkative ground meat-encased skull named Meat Pete, Nintendo peripheral devices used as real-world weapons, and a helpful ostrich to boot. Fun stuff.
August 2, 2025
What the heck did I just read? Totally bizarre. I assume that is what the author was after so if that is your thing then give this a try. It was not for me.
August 8, 2011
Reynold and Divey Crunk run a “brackfas burrito” truck, using a mystery source of meat. After a car accident, Divey gets possessed by Vandenboom, leader of the Damned Dirt Devils, leading Reynold on a chase to get his brother back. This is a short synopsis without giving too many spoilers.
We start with an opening scene where the brothers try to trick their business partner into a game of Russian Roulette using an overpowered 1984-era Nintendo zapper. You remember that gray plastic pistol that came with the old 8-bit Nintendo consoles? Yeah, that's the one.
Unfortunately, this felt like where the novel peaked. Being a huge fan of old-school games, not to mention a regular reader of Bizarro fiction titles, I wanted to like this book a lot more. But something about it just didn't click for me. The references to Nintendo accessories being used as actual weapons felt tacked on and silly rather than clever or...well, bizarre.
The story felt very average and there seems to be some lack of motivation to the characters for their actions, or there are changes to character directions that, instead of making you go “Ooooo” with a sense of awe, make you go “huh?” with a sense of confusion.
A particular aspect to the novel that could have been played a little better in this regard was Pete, or rather Meat Pete. After being captured by Wasp Women, Reynold uses the meat for the brothers' burritos made from Pete to reconstruct him as a pile of talking meat that only he can hear talking to him (it made me flashback to Pizza the Hut from “Spaceballs”). This seemed clever in a way, but at the same time felt like a lost opportunity that could have been used to greater effect. It should also make the case that gory does not equal bizarre. Don't expect that slapping buckets of blood or fresh human meat all over a book will make it bizarre or clever (it doesn't necessarily preclude it, just don't rely on it).
Upon looking up the author, William Pauley III, it appears that this is not the first novel he's written in this particular world, such as Doom Magnetic!, which would explain some of the passing reference that seemed like we were supposed to already know who or what some of these people were. This wasn't clear from the book description and might have helped. Or it might not. I'm not sure. I may try to track down Doom Magnetic! and see if it helps in understanding and appreciating The Brothers Crunk a little more.
Don't get me wrong here. I would not say that The Brothers Crunk is a bad book, but it felt rather mediocre. It's short, so if you don't like it, it won't be major waste or time, or you could like it quite a bit and take more away from it than this reviewer did, which after reading some other reviews could very well be the case. It seems that this book may be very specific to the reader. There are aspects to like, but this reader ultimately found it disappointing.
2.5 out of 5 stars (2 stars for the book, meaning it was “OK;” however, I do want to add that the cover art is awesome and alone deserves 5 stars, so since we can't give half stars on the system, The Brothers Crunk gets the benefit of the doubt and gets 3 stars).
We start with an opening scene where the brothers try to trick their business partner into a game of Russian Roulette using an overpowered 1984-era Nintendo zapper. You remember that gray plastic pistol that came with the old 8-bit Nintendo consoles? Yeah, that's the one.
Unfortunately, this felt like where the novel peaked. Being a huge fan of old-school games, not to mention a regular reader of Bizarro fiction titles, I wanted to like this book a lot more. But something about it just didn't click for me. The references to Nintendo accessories being used as actual weapons felt tacked on and silly rather than clever or...well, bizarre.
The story felt very average and there seems to be some lack of motivation to the characters for their actions, or there are changes to character directions that, instead of making you go “Ooooo” with a sense of awe, make you go “huh?” with a sense of confusion.
A particular aspect to the novel that could have been played a little better in this regard was Pete, or rather Meat Pete. After being captured by Wasp Women, Reynold uses the meat for the brothers' burritos made from Pete to reconstruct him as a pile of talking meat that only he can hear talking to him (it made me flashback to Pizza the Hut from “Spaceballs”). This seemed clever in a way, but at the same time felt like a lost opportunity that could have been used to greater effect. It should also make the case that gory does not equal bizarre. Don't expect that slapping buckets of blood or fresh human meat all over a book will make it bizarre or clever (it doesn't necessarily preclude it, just don't rely on it).
Upon looking up the author, William Pauley III, it appears that this is not the first novel he's written in this particular world, such as Doom Magnetic!, which would explain some of the passing reference that seemed like we were supposed to already know who or what some of these people were. This wasn't clear from the book description and might have helped. Or it might not. I'm not sure. I may try to track down Doom Magnetic! and see if it helps in understanding and appreciating The Brothers Crunk a little more.
Don't get me wrong here. I would not say that The Brothers Crunk is a bad book, but it felt rather mediocre. It's short, so if you don't like it, it won't be major waste or time, or you could like it quite a bit and take more away from it than this reviewer did, which after reading some other reviews could very well be the case. It seems that this book may be very specific to the reader. There are aspects to like, but this reader ultimately found it disappointing.
2.5 out of 5 stars (2 stars for the book, meaning it was “OK;” however, I do want to add that the cover art is awesome and alone deserves 5 stars, so since we can't give half stars on the system, The Brothers Crunk gets the benefit of the doubt and gets 3 stars).
July 31, 2011
I'm not a huge fan of reading books on my computer, but at 99 cents I just couldn't turn down the opportunity to snag the kindle version of this book. It took me a lot longer than it would have if I'd read it in print form, but that's the price I pay for choosing kindle over print. Actually, everything I've read of William Pauley III's has been on my computer/ebook reader (which doesn't support the kindle format...). I'd like to have some of his work in print format at some point in time, maybe when his Doom Magnetic trilogy comes out.
Ok, firstly, I was really looking forward to reading this book after reading his previous novella, Doom Magnetic! which is set in the same universe and contains a few connecting elements between the two stories. And secondly, I was really looking forward to reading it because it's a Grindhouse Press title. Now, Grindhouse Press have only published a few titles, and out of the three Grindhouse titles I'd read previously, I'd really enjoyed the lot of them. William Pauley III = good and Grindhouse Press = good.
Now, onto the actual content of the book. It's a bizarro space western, but it's more bizarro than Doom Magnetic! is western. Both are really weird. The Brothers Crunk is really quite impossibly unpredictably weird. I'm still not sure what actually happened. Set on planet Japan, the brothers Crunk make their way through the apocalyptic wastelands and there's meat Pete, the legendary Vandenboom and his Damned Dirt Devils, and Divey Crunk somehow merging himself into Vandenboom and Reynold Crunk trying to get his brother back. And then there's the Doom Magnetic, which rips a hole in time and space and allows the Devils to reach their enemy, the slug-woman-creature-thing, Dethbryte.
There's also nintendo laser guns and the power glove controller with real-world functionality, and everyone is trying to destroy everyone else and everyone in the book is a complete jerk and the only real redeemable characters are the brothers Crunk who, despite their flaws, managed to get swept up in this unfortunate mess, with Divey trapped inside Vandenboom and Reynold competing against all odds to try and get him back.
Ok, what? This book is absurd. It so violently changes plot and direction so quickly and so violently escalates into madness it's a real effort to keep up. But it's real stylish and real creative and real crazy stuff. I love it, even though it leaves me scratching my head wondering what I just read.
Ok, firstly, I was really looking forward to reading this book after reading his previous novella, Doom Magnetic! which is set in the same universe and contains a few connecting elements between the two stories. And secondly, I was really looking forward to reading it because it's a Grindhouse Press title. Now, Grindhouse Press have only published a few titles, and out of the three Grindhouse titles I'd read previously, I'd really enjoyed the lot of them. William Pauley III = good and Grindhouse Press = good.
Now, onto the actual content of the book. It's a bizarro space western, but it's more bizarro than Doom Magnetic! is western. Both are really weird. The Brothers Crunk is really quite impossibly unpredictably weird. I'm still not sure what actually happened. Set on planet Japan, the brothers Crunk make their way through the apocalyptic wastelands and there's meat Pete, the legendary Vandenboom and his Damned Dirt Devils, and Divey Crunk somehow merging himself into Vandenboom and Reynold Crunk trying to get his brother back. And then there's the Doom Magnetic, which rips a hole in time and space and allows the Devils to reach their enemy, the slug-woman-creature-thing, Dethbryte.
There's also nintendo laser guns and the power glove controller with real-world functionality, and everyone is trying to destroy everyone else and everyone in the book is a complete jerk and the only real redeemable characters are the brothers Crunk who, despite their flaws, managed to get swept up in this unfortunate mess, with Divey trapped inside Vandenboom and Reynold competing against all odds to try and get him back.
Ok, what? This book is absurd. It so violently changes plot and direction so quickly and so violently escalates into madness it's a real effort to keep up. But it's real stylish and real creative and real crazy stuff. I love it, even though it leaves me scratching my head wondering what I just read.
April 19, 2023
The Brothers Crunk by William Pauley III: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Narrated by Connor Brannigan
Audiobook Length: 2h 04 min
Brothers Divey and Reynold Crunk are two breakfast burrito salesmen with their van attempting to survive in the post-apocalyptic world of planet Japan. Their requirements are simple as all they seek is more meat for survival. However, weird events unfold taking place when Divey comes across a cyborg corpse amidst desert and transforms into something weird! Reynold follows his brother into a more bizarre city of Tokyo where there are no rules and Nintendo accessories are used as real weapons.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tub Fight and I had great expectations from this story. William Pauley III manages to keep the mark high with this story as well. The story keeps getting weirder and gross. It kept me engaged and confused throughout the story. The plot is unpredictably bizarre. The vivid imagery of Pauley is a great characteristic of the story. Humorous dialogues balance the darkness of the story.
While the central emotional tone of the story is weirdness, it still manages to create an emotional bond with the brothers. This quick paced humorous bizarre audiobooks is a complete experience on its own.
I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Connor Brannigan and kudos to the narrator. Connor does an amazing job in portraying different characters with his accent. I loved the book and would definitely recommend the audiobook version for the best experience.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing the audiobook, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Narrated by Connor Brannigan
Audiobook Length: 2h 04 min
Brothers Divey and Reynold Crunk are two breakfast burrito salesmen with their van attempting to survive in the post-apocalyptic world of planet Japan. Their requirements are simple as all they seek is more meat for survival. However, weird events unfold taking place when Divey comes across a cyborg corpse amidst desert and transforms into something weird! Reynold follows his brother into a more bizarre city of Tokyo where there are no rules and Nintendo accessories are used as real weapons.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tub Fight and I had great expectations from this story. William Pauley III manages to keep the mark high with this story as well. The story keeps getting weirder and gross. It kept me engaged and confused throughout the story. The plot is unpredictably bizarre. The vivid imagery of Pauley is a great characteristic of the story. Humorous dialogues balance the darkness of the story.
While the central emotional tone of the story is weirdness, it still manages to create an emotional bond with the brothers. This quick paced humorous bizarre audiobooks is a complete experience on its own.
I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Connor Brannigan and kudos to the narrator. Connor does an amazing job in portraying different characters with his accent. I loved the book and would definitely recommend the audiobook version for the best experience.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing the audiobook, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 20, 2011
Anyone within 10 years of my age would probably buy this book if for no other reason than the cover art. But if one is hesitant to buy it, allow me to share: It's an absolute bizarro ball.
This story occurs within the universe that Pauley created with 'Doom Magnetic!'. It's fast, furious and lot of fun. The plot involves wasp women, traveling meat venders, and copious amounts of strange.
Take a walk through Pauley's imagination, I dare you. Aterward, you'll be watching for his next book like the rest of us, and no matter what you'll go in expecting to read, you'll be hanging on with white knuckles through the break-neck pace that the Doom Magnetic series has so-far provided.
This story occurs within the universe that Pauley created with 'Doom Magnetic!'. It's fast, furious and lot of fun. The plot involves wasp women, traveling meat venders, and copious amounts of strange.
Take a walk through Pauley's imagination, I dare you. Aterward, you'll be watching for his next book like the rest of us, and no matter what you'll go in expecting to read, you'll be hanging on with white knuckles through the break-neck pace that the Doom Magnetic series has so-far provided.
August 12, 2015
The Brothers Crunk by William Pauley III is a bizarre and darkly humorous story about two brothers in post-apocalyptic Japan where a slug rules with an ironclad tongue. Set in a Dali-esque landscape, readers are introduced to Wasp Women, meat suits, people burritos and robotic corpses, all tucked into a surrealistic nightmare that is reminiscent of Cronenberg’s eXistenZ. If you like using old video game accessories as weapons, think of ostriches as family, and are onboard with the idea of a breakfast jerky, then this book is for you.
It's fun, fast-paced, and one hell of a ride.
Highly recommended.
It's fun, fast-paced, and one hell of a ride.
Highly recommended.
February 16, 2011
I read this book for three days straight. Had to stop when my thumbs got blisters and the game console started to smoke.
November 10, 2015
Great imagery, intriguing dialogue, just enough weirdness, and a lot of fun.
September 16, 2024
William Pauley III is one of the most unique writers I have ever come across. His stories aren’t to be read; they are to be experienced.
The Brothers Crunk is no exception. Written like a really weird episode of Ren & Stimpy (eg Space Madness) meets the Heavy Metal movie, this novella is chock full of surreal landscapes, gallows humor, blood & guts, and everything else that’s fun.
On a side note, please check out the audiobook versions of WPIII’s stories to get the full experience. Pauley is a great writer, and Connor Brannigan is an all-time great reader. I can’t stress enough how much magic happens when these two collaborate.
The Brothers Crunk is no exception. Written like a really weird episode of Ren & Stimpy (eg Space Madness) meets the Heavy Metal movie, this novella is chock full of surreal landscapes, gallows humor, blood & guts, and everything else that’s fun.
On a side note, please check out the audiobook versions of WPIII’s stories to get the full experience. Pauley is a great writer, and Connor Brannigan is an all-time great reader. I can’t stress enough how much magic happens when these two collaborate.
February 21, 2023
This book was an absolute fever dream. I just love William Pauley's writing style and the incredibly imaginative stories he tells.
January 28, 2025
A medium length tale of the amusing Brothers Crunk and their adventures with their meatless mexican food truck on planet Japan. Struggling for meat, they try to trick a friend into a game of russian roulette that is rigged against him so they have a new source of meat. As usual with these two, it doesn't go swimmingly, and Reynold ends up travelling to rescue his brother Divey and meets some strange people who help or are against him.
It was good to get out of the claustrophobic Eighth Block Tower for a while but this world was no less strange, complete with ancient video game weapons and bosses to battle.
It was good to get out of the claustrophobic Eighth Block Tower for a while but this world was no less strange, complete with ancient video game weapons and bosses to battle.
March 11, 2023
This was such a unique story, amazing writing as always, interesting, fun storyline and overall a brilliant book!
I absolutely loved everything about this and highly recommend reading it!
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for an AudioARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely loved everything about this and highly recommend reading it!
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for an AudioARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 30, 2023
Superb. I've now listened to this twice, and the second time was just as good!
July 21, 2011
A surreal trip across the apocalyptic wastelands. The Burrito Brothers have a a rough start as they make their way toward the city with the goal of selling as many burrito as they can with their new found supply of meat. Getting there and doing well, that just isn't fun now is it? A chance encounter with the remains of a cyborg sets up their new journey that is filled with deranged archaic video game tech, wasp women, a revenant, and an ostrich. Showing the commitment that you never leave a brother behind, even if he has undergone unexpected changes, Reynold is willing to put his own life on the line in order to continue their business. A creative hurricane that quickly slides toward a gigantic conclusion, this was a real treat of mixed genre that I fully enjoyed, and has me eagerly awaiting another set in this world.
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