Greetings! Welcome to the latest edition of The New Absurdist‘s ‘Siskel and Deadebert’ story reviews. As you may or may not know, Deadebert has been, well...dead for some time now. He can no longer give the thumbs up so we’ll have to do rotting appendages. I myself, Gene Siskel, am NOT dead, but I have infected my limbs with gangrene, so that I may also give a rotting appendage up or down. This week’s story is going to be 'The Condo' by Billy Risby.
Siskel: Usually writing one rambling paragraph as a story with no line breaks is tiresome on the eyes. Deadebert: In this case, the story works as a blast of absurdism that functions best when delivered as such. Siskel: The American dream is a much hackneyed subject for arts of any of a million different mediums. Deadebert: The short story has often been the target of these ill-conceived, garbage pieces. Siskel: In this case, I am taken aback by its articulateness. Deadebert: And that goes along with the '1-shot deal' format this story is penned in. Siskel: Billy Risby posted so many stories in a short period of time; he currently stands without a post in months as one of the most prolific writers the site has known.
Deadebert: Using a form of dark humor, it pokes fun at the futileness of getting ahead in an economic system that has laid many innocent victims to waste. Siskel: Our story's protagonist seems to be one of them; he might have traveled off the deep end this time though. Deadebert: I love the last sentence, which truly exploits the element of absurdism, with an anti-climax type of statement. Siskel: Despite his other misfortunes, the man seems to have also contracted rabies. Deadebert: You know, this is usually the point where we give out rotten appendages up or down and then move onto ripping into each other. Siskel: Instead, why don’t we join forces against these haters. Oh yeah, suffice to say, its 2 rotten appendages up, agreed?
Deadebert: You know it. Siskel: I’m with that, fool. Deadebert: Pass me that blunt my man. I need to get fired up for this kill. [arming AK-47] Siskel: Let’s cook these motherfuckers! [cocking AR-15] Deadebert: I’m about to sweep the street with this bitch. Siskel: Let’s remind these hoes who runs the motherfucking game. Deadebert: You KNOW I’m with that.