The Supersonic Phallus is a short, entertaining novel about reporters investigating flying saucers, with a queer twist. Set in 1947 small-town Colorado, north of the alleged Roswell, New Mexico, UFO crash site, it follows young reporter Sam as he and his colleague, Dean, check out sightings.
As they discover the underlying truth, they face challenges to their ethics: Business interests want parts of the story withheld; the military wants it dropped entirely. Their editor sees the sightings as a potential tourism boost and orders them to conceal information damaging to this prospect. Along the way, Sam and Dean begin a passionate romance.
Narrated by Sam, the novel moves briskly, raising the excitement as Sam and Dean hear of the UFO’s first appearances before seeing one and later figuring out what it is.
The characters are mostly well-rounded and easy to root for. Dean is idealistic, wanting to publish the entire story, while Sam hesitates, thinking of his career if he goes against his editor. Even a character Sam initially dislikes turns out to have good intentions.
This is a light-hearted story, with colorful characters and descriptions. When Ernie bursts into the newsroom, looking for the editor, the author winkingly conveys his swagger: “’Wilt in? Or did the Martians get him? Or maybe a moose?’ [he says]…as all five-feet-five of him stumped on cowboy boots towards Wilt’s office…”
Watching Sam and Dean’s relationship develop is wonderfully sexy. Complications ensue, as Sam is married with children, while Dean, proudly homosexual, wishes Sam could be with him.
Given her importance to Sam and his choices, Sam’s wife seems one-dimensional compared with many other characters. And an unexpected ending leaves unanswered questions. Some explicit language, even in regular conversation, might discourage certain readers (the book’s title comes from a description of a distinctively shaped UFO).
Despite these minor issues, readers seeking an amusing read with relatable characters will enjoy The Supersonic Phallus.