With the new Star Wars movie hitting big, people unfamiliar with fantasy and science fiction may feel out of their depth. For you normal folks, I offer a short introduction – a non-nerd primer so to speak – of accessible examples from fantasy and science fiction in four different media. Movie: Star Wars Recently my […]
The Martian: A Review of a Science Fiction Novel
The Martian: A Review of a Science Fiction Novel Samuel recommended a science fiction novel to me: The Martian by Andy Weir. Mr. Weir is a first-novel hero in my view. He published his chapters in 2011 through his blog. Subsequently a publisher put the book into print in 2014. I’ve used the acrostic ‘MARS’ […]
The Fantastic Appearance of the Human Body
Fantasy and science fiction fans are accustomed to extraordinary beings. We expect such things. Star Trek introduced an alien race of blue bipeds. Farscape one upped them with a sentient species of blue plants. How’s that for fantastic? Creatures with tentacles, tails, and antennae have parade by. The general human body is boring. Or not? […]
Science Fantasy? What Hybrid Is That?
I’ve been blogging about science fantasy for a time now but have never sat down with you and defined what science fantasy is. Hold onto your hat, here we go: Science fantasy is a work of fiction that has elements of science fiction mixed with fantasy. O, now that helpful, wasn’t it? I think not. […]
3 Independence Day Movies for the Family
No, this blog isn’t about fantasy or science fiction, though we’ll touch on these. I’m giving you three Independence Day movies to watch with your family. We’re going to have to go to some older movies, made when America was more celebrated than bashed. Once the 70’s came along, the Hollywood flavor of the decade […]
Star Wars Summertime
Summer is the time for blockbusters. I remember the summer the quintessential blockbuster opened in theaters. This movie spawned five sequels, an animated series, millions of product tie-ins, and a Christmas special. (The producers would like to forget the Christmas special.) Of course, I’m talking of Star Wars. Why, even minor characters, like Boba Fett, […]
Is the Justice League Committed to Democracy or Is It an Oligarchy?
I’d like to give you another short thinker-blog. Have you ever wondered if the Justice League, such a stalwart defender of America, is really committed to the ideals of democracy? Since they have superpowers, doesn’t that set them above the populace? Having such powers allows them to stand up against and above an elected government. This […]
Romance in Fantasy and Science Fiction
MythQuest: A Review of a Science Fantasy Series
Recently on Netflix I caught a Canadian TV series called MythQuest. Its first and only season was shown in 2001. As a science fantasy, MythQuest falls within the purview of our consideration as fantasy and science fiction fans. Let’s look at the concept, the writing, and the acting. Concept Any fantasy or science fiction dispenses […]
The Problem with Invincibility
Invincibility is a story killer. The magic in fantasy or the technology in science fiction can be so awesome that nothing is able to stand against it. For storytelling, this is bad. Story needs conflict, a way to endure or overcome, a real chance of failure. If the hero is so endowed with greatness that […]