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Yes. There are actually two printings of the book; the original in 1984 and the reprint in 2001.

Information on the original Buckaroo Banzai novelization :

The book was written by Earl Mac Rauch and was published in August, 1984. It contains four pages (eight sides) of photos from the film in the center of the book.

Buckaroo Banzai
By Earl Mac Rauch
ISBN 0-671-54058-0
Published by Pocket Fiction
Copyright 1984

The following information was provided by fredami on 6/1/94 :

The events that occur in the movie are in the book, but that's only half the story. There's a big subplot concerning master villain Hanoi Xan. Xan is running around controlling events that we see in the movie.

The book is written by Reno, who is the official Buckaroo scribe. He explains that he has held some of the more lurid details of the story out of fear of warping those of already weak mental fiber. Reno makes references to at least a dozen other Buckaroo books he's written, based on his adventures.

In the back of the book is a letter written by Orson Wells' manager that states, "Please be informed that our client denies categorically any connection with the outer space creatures mentioned in your book. At no time was he contacted by said aliens, although he does not deny the possibility that he was hypnotized and made to do things that he was not aware of. Also, Orson would very much like to see any proof that you may have to the contrary."

Information on the reprint of the Buckaroo Banzai novelization :

The following is the press release from Pocket Books before the reprinted novel was released:

"Pocket Books to publish The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pocket Books is proud to announce the return of a cult favorite novel, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai, by Earl Mac Rauch. Based on the motion picture of the same title, Buckaroo Banzai has long been out of print and has, for years, commanded collectors' prices for those lucky enough to find a copy for sale.

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai will be published in large-format paperback on December 4, 2001, with a cover price of $12.95 US/$19.50 CAN/ L 8.99 UK. The Pocket Books edition will feature a new introduction by the author and a full color insert with photos from the film.

Pocket Books' publication of The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai coincides with MGM Home Video's premiere widescreen release of the Collectors' Edition of the film later this year. Buckaroo Banzai had been scheduled for a mid-2001 DVD release, but was delayed when an outpouring of fan support caused MGM to rethink its plans. Realizing that Buckaroo Banzai's numerous loyal fans wanted more, MGM Home Video decided to produce an elaborate Collectors' Edition featuring many extras, including previously deleted scenes.

Loyal fans of Buckaroo Banzai will also find the Pocket Books novel of considerable interest, since it was written by Earl Mac Rauch, the quirky literary genius who also penned the film's screenplay. In his novel, Rauch reveals many secrets about the elusive Dr. Banzai and his associates that are not found in the film.

Here's what the back cover of the novel has to say about Dr. Buckaroo Banzai, the world-famous scientist, musician, physician, and philanthropist:

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"I speak Spanish to God, French to women, English to men, and Japanese to my horse." --Buckaroo Banzai

Buckaroo Banzai. A strange, elusive figure, his name whispered in barrooms and boardrooms, his advice sought by pashas and presidents, his exploits recounted in movies, novels and comic books that seem somehow more real than life itself.

Buckaroo Banzai. First and foremost an extraordinary brain surgeon. In his spare time designer and driver of the electrifying Jet Car, a speed machine faster than sound! Buckaroo Banzai. A happy man whose life has been marked by great tragedy, who speaks a dozen languages and writes songs in all of them. His musical sidekicks the Hong Kong Cavaliers--Rawhide, Reno, the Swede, Perfect Tommy, Flyboy, Big Norse, Pecos-- are one of the toughest, most popular hard-rocking bar bands in east Texas.

Join Team Banzai on their two-fisted, action-packed assault against the evil red Lectroids from Planet 10! Experience the horrors of the Shock Tower and the Pitt deep within the walls of Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems as Buckaroo Banzai fights against impossible odds to rescue Penny Priddy from the clutches of Dr. Emilio Lizardo, the diabolically alien dictator. Pray that Buckaroo will succeed, knowing only too well that if he fails the Earth itself will be blown to dust!

For the first time in nearly twenty years, Pocket Books is proud to present The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai. This special edition features a new introduction by the author and a color insert featuring photos and illustration seen here for the very first time!

"No matter where you go, there you are."

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This page was last updated on June 10th, 2016.
Maintained by Sean Murphy [figment@figmentfly.com]