Monsieur Zenith


Monsieur Zenith the Albino is a fictional character who appeared as a recurring antagonist in the Sexton Blake detective series. Created by writer Anthony Skene in 1919, Zenith became one of Blake's most notable and popular adversaries. Originally Romanian nobility living in exile, he is characterized by his albinism, world-weary demeanor, and gentleman thief persona.
Immediately recognizable by his crimson-colored eyes and white hair, Zenith is portrayed as an aristocratic criminal who operates with a strict code of honor. His character is distinguished by his formal attire, typically appearing in evening dress, and his habit of smoking opium-laced cigarettes. One of these cigarettes, marked with a crimson ring, is described as containing a lethal dose, which Zenith keeps as a last resort to avoid imprisonment.
Unlike many traditional antagonists, Zenith's motivation stems not from greed but from a profound ennui that can only be relieved through opium, danger, and adventure. His relationship with Sexton Blake is marked by sportsmanship rather than animosity, treating their encounters as an intellectual game. The character's background is deliberately shrouded in mystery, though he is often referred to as "Excellency" and wears foreign orders of distinction.

Literary influence and legacy

Zenith's character, influenced by the anti-heroes of Gothic fiction and master villains like Fantômas, went on to inspire other literary works. Most notably, he was an important influence in Michael Moorcock's creation of the fantasy character Elric of Melniboné. Moorcock later wrote an introduction to the re-publication of Skene's novel, Monsieur Zenith: The Albino, and incorporated the character into his own work The Metatemporal Detective.

Modern revival

In 2012, Obverse Books published Zenith Lives!: [Tales of M.Zenith, the Albino], a collection of Zenith short stories edited by Stuart Douglas. The anthology, Book 4 of The Obverse Quarterly, featured contributions from several authors: Stuart Douglas, Sexton Blake scholar Mark Hodder, Paul Magrs, George Mann, and Michael Moorcock.

Other uses