Good Burger (as Joseph Locke)

Ah, *Good Burger*. Now, some might balk at including a film tie-in on a list celebrating Ray Garton's literary contributions, but to them, I say you're missing the point! While the screenplay might be credited elsewhere, Garton penned the novelization, and within its pages, he injects a subtle layer of darkness and surreal humor that elevates it beyond mere kiddie fare. He takes what is already a bizarre, almost Lynchian premise – a fast-food war fought with ridiculous inventions and corporate malfeasance – and imbues it with a distinct Gartonian flavor. It's not *Live Girls*, certainly, but the way he crafts the dialogue and paints the atmosphere, there's a disquieting undercurrent that speaks to his talent for unsettling the reader, even while maintaining the film's inherent silliness. To dismiss *Good Burger* is to ignore Garton's range as a writer. It demonstrates his ability to adapt his skills to different genres and audiences, showcasing his craftsmanship in crafting a compelling narrative, regardless of the source material. Furthermore, the novel allows for an exploration of internal monologues and character motivations that the film simply doesn't have the time for. You get a deeper, if slightly warped, understanding of Dexter and Ed, and the sheer absurdity of Mondo Burger feels even more menacing when filtered through Garton's prose. Therefore, I argue that *Good Burger*, in its own peculiar way, belongs on this list as a testament to Garton's versatility and unique voice.