Summary
Starter Villain by John Scalzi provides a fresh perspective on the classic villain origin story. Published in 2023, this sci fi novel focuses on Charlie Fitzer, a substitute teacher who unexpectedly inherits a hidden villain empire from a mysterious uncle. Complicated by genetically engineered spy cats and talking dolphins, the plot examines power and morality while maintaining a light tone.
Plot
Starter Villain follows Charlie Fitzer, a substitute teacher in Chicago. Charlie's routine life changes when his estranged Uncle Jake dies. Jake, previously known as a parking-lot magnate, secretly led a supervillain empire. Charlie inherits this empire, complete with hidden wealth, a volcano lair, genetically engineered dolphins, and intelligent cats.
Initially, Charlie plans to attend Jake’s wake to secure financing for a local pub. The situation intensifies when he encounters hostility and narrowly avoids an attack. Not long after, his house is destroyed. Unaware of Jake's criminal ties, Charlie is thrust into the world of supervillains. Charlie must navigate his uncle's legacy and evade persistent threats. As the new leader of a villainous network, he meets Morrison, Jake's adept deputy, and partners with Hera, a clever cat.
John Scalzi introduces a world where tech entrepreneurs craft plans for evildoers, dolphins negotiate for better conditions, and spy cats hold unexpected power. The book mixes humor and satire as Charlie deals with the absurdities and moral dilemmas of his new life.
Characters
Charlie Fitzer: A former business journalist eking out a living as a substitute teacher who inherits a supervillain empire from an estranged uncle. Charlie navigates a world of power and unusual antics.
Jake Baldwin: Charlie's deceased uncle, a billionaire parking-lot mogul, who funded a secret supervillain enterprise. Jake's legacy and influence create challenges and intrigue for Charlie.
Mathilda Morrison: As Jake's chief assistant, Mathilda guides Charlie through the complexities of his uncle's villainous world. Her insights are essential for his journey.
Hera and Persephone: Genetically enhanced cats who possess superintelligence and spying abilities. They assist Charlie and contribute to the distinctiveness of Scalzi’s universe.
Anton Dobrev: A rival villain, leading the Lombardy Convocation, who tests Charlie with strategic challenges and treachery.
Roberto Gratas: Following Dobrev, Gratas heightens the conflict with aggressive tactics, threatening Charlie's control over the empire.
Intelligent Dolphins: Genetically modified animals who serve as protectors and introduce humor. Their labor strike and shifts in loyalty play a significant role in the story’s tropical backdrop.
Themes
John Scalzi's Starter Villain explores themes of social commentary, critiquing capitalism, wealth disparity, and entrenched power systems. The story follows Charlie Fitzer, who unexpectedly inherits a supervillain empire. He navigates a landscape marked by greed and inequality. Charlie encounters tech entrepreneurs with unconventional ideas and genetically modified dolphins negotiating labor contracts. This highlights power dynamics within elite circles. As Charlie enters this unusual realm, he views villainy as ordinary. The narrative draws parallels to the corporate world's male dominance. Scalzi questions the myth of the lone genius, proposing that figures maintaining societal inequalities are part of a dysfunctional lineage. The novel combines humor with social insights to explore real-world complexities.
Quick facts
In Starter Villain, author John Scalzi parodies traditional supervillain tropes, incorporating elements of satire and social commentary.
Charlie Fitzer, the protagonist, is a substitute teacher with dreams of opening a pub who inherits a secret island volcano lair equipped with a death ray.
Starter Villain includes quirky elements like unionized dolphins involved in labor disputes and genetically engineered, hyper-intelligent talking spy cats.
Charlie faces threats from a coalition of wealthy, corporate-backed supervillains.
Starter Villain won the 2024 Dragon Award and was a finalist for the 2024 Hugo Award for Best Novel.
Scalzi incorporates themes of capitalism, class warfare, and ethical quandaries amidst comedic villainy.
The audiobook version is narrated by the renowned actor Wil Wheaton.
Critics compare the novel's humor-driven plot to works like The Kaiju Preservation Society and the Austin Powers movie franchise.
About the author
John Scalzi is an author best known for his works of science fiction with a distinctive mix of humor and social commentary. He made his sci-fi debut in 2005 with Old Man's War, which became a Hugo Award finalist. His New York Times bestseller Redshirts won the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Novel. His 2023 novel Starter Villain is perhaps his most satirical and most autobiographical. Like protagonist Charlie Fitzer, Scalzi has a background in journalism and is familiar with the industry’s layoffs. And like Charlie, Scalzi hails from Chicago and remains connected to the region and its working-class values. Scalzi also writes nonfiction, on subjects ranging from personal finance to astronomy to film, and was the Creative Consultant for the television series Stargate: Universe.
