NOIRPUNK SF– social micro-cosmology of the near future
I have just finished reading BLACK TITANIUM the new book by Nick Harkaway. The novel, quite short and an engrossing read, is a perfectly realized synthesis of the science fiction and noir genres. This fusion begins with the title, which expresses the story’s conceptual novum and affective momentum.
NOVUM PROXIMUM – the “Titans”, transgenic transhumans
“Titanium” refers to an extremely expensive gene therapy, T7 (Titanium 7), which recalibrates the body’s biological clock, setting it to a youthful, pre-pubertal age. This allows the body to restart its growth by repairing all its damaged organs and limbs. The lucky beneficiary of the treatment is not only rejuvenated, but renews the maturation process, growing beyond normal adult standards – and the process can be repeated after a few decades, creating in effect potential immortality.
POLITICAL MICRO-COSMOLOGY – The Ultra-rich, Hyper-Care, and Sub-super-humans
Only a privileged few hyper-rich candidates can access the T7 treatment and become quasi-superhumans. The injustice stemming from the existence of an ultra-rich class is compounded by their access to hyperbolically superior care, not only in terms of health and strength, but also longevity. The existence of these superhumans redefines who we are, we are not sub-humans, but sub-super-humans.
DEATH OF AN UNKNOWN TITAN: On the Interpenetration of Worlds
“Noir” refers to a sombre and investigation, with multiple twists, conducted by a cynical and disillusioned private investigator, who remains profoundly human, Cal Sounder. Cal must solve a case involving the murder of a seemingly nondescript man, except for the fact that he is a Titan unknown to the profane world of non-Titans, including the police, who can find no trace of his civil status prior to a few years ago, as if he emerged from nowhere. This unprecedented collision of worlds, Titanic and basic, poses some delicate problems.
TRIGGERING EVENT: A Paradoxical Murder
Human-Titan Roddy Tebbit had the appearance of a man in his forties, yet was 91 years old and two and a half meters tall. Tebbit was difficult to kill, thanks to the greater density and increased strength of his Titan body. He was also dangerous to kill, since he belonged to the super-elite who effectively direct the course of the world, or rather the course of the two worlds, theirs and ours.
SPECULATIVE ETHICS: is the novum a bonum?
Cal Sounder is the perfect intercessor between the two worlds. He knows the twisted and manipulative world of the Titans well, thanks to his Titan ex-girlfriend. He could have become a Titan, but he refuses to accept that a human could hold so much power and wealth. He remains by choice a base-line human.
DARK ANGEL: go-between of worlds, in spite of himself
Cal leads the investigation in the dark underbelly of the two worlds. He is a complex figure, perpetually disillusioned, he manages to remain humane. He doesn’t play by the rules, but it works…most of the time. His services are required by the police because his methods are heterodox but effective. Moreover, he is the perfect scapegoat if the investigation causes too much trouble.
CONCLUSION: The Titans are among us
The novel is easy to read, with a presto tempo, and I devoured it in a few hours, with great pleasure. Written for us, the sub-super-humans of the present, it is both a work of “entertainment” and an incitement for us to confront the titanic problems already shaping the world to come.
Further reading:
Review by Steven Shaviro https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5520304917
Review by Jeanne https://necromancyneverpays.wordpress.com/2023/05/24/titanium-noir/
Review by Jeroen Admiraal: https://jeroenthoughts.wordpress.com/2023/06/28/nick-harkaway-titanium-noir-2023-review/