Moved to :

http://peneslanecompendium.wordpress.com/

Happy Star Wars Day! :)

And the Nominees Are...

Hugo Awards were just released yesterday. This award is the most prestigious award in the speculative fiction dramas, awarding everything from best novel to best fan writer. Nominees, and winners, are chosen by members of Worldcon. However, it is possible to have no winner for a category.

The nominees and categories strive to offer seasoned writers, and newcommers, a chance to be recognized and added to the growing list of estemeed writers who have won in years past.

To view the complete list of nominees, go to: http://tinyurl.com/3sjajrw

Mourning in April

The month of April has seen the lost of two of the genres' influential women, and both from cancer:

Diana Wynne Jones

"How's Moving Castle is perhaps" the novel and film that first comes to mind when thinking of Jones. Her esteemed story of Sophie and Howl is full of memorable elements, including wizards and fire demons. Her novels were written typically in the Fantasy genre for children and adults, though she has written a small amount of nonfiction. Her stories typically range from amusing to social criticism.

Jones had grown up, with her two younger sisters, in a rather neglected household. She studied in Friends School Saffron Waldon, and attended St. Anne's College in Oxford, where she heard C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien give lectures; graduating in 1956.

Neil Gaiman wrote a nice long entry on his blog concerning the death of his mentor. Jones was 76 years old, and died of lung cancer. You can read his entry here: http://tinyurl.com/4epmp2x


Elisabeth Sladen


Sladen started her career as one of the most famous "Dr. Who" companions in 1973, after Katy Manning left the show. Playing opposite Jon Pertwee, the Third Doctor, Sladen became the beloved Sarah Jane Smith, and stayed on for three and a half seasons; as Pertwee finished as the Third Doctor, and Tom Baker picked up as the Fourth Doctor. Her departure from the series made front page news, and she returned later as guest appearances. Later she went on to have her own successful television spinoff series: "The Sarah Jane Chronicles."

Sladen began her performing life at the age of five by dancing in a production with the Royal Ballet. After attending drama school, she later traveled across England and appeared in numerous plays, such as Desdemona in "Othello."


Sladen worked on "Dr. Who" and "The Sarah Jane Chronicles" until 2010. She died at age 65 from cancer.

Review: Sucker Punch

Zack Snyder is known for pushing the limit on his films, and "Sucker Punch" is no exception.

While this film is not the most brilliant science-fiction/fantasy film ever made, it is not terrible. It is clear Snyder worked on the plot of the film for many years. While it was originally planned to be filmed and released prior to "Watchmen," the extra years probably did the story good. To be honest, it might have needed just a few more months to sit before fully moving forward with the project.

Snyder has said in interviews that he had argeuments with WB on whether or not women can hold a film. Snyder argued that there are not enough strong female leads like this out there. While this idea is good to start a basis of a film, when glancing at the surface of the film, it can be seen as a contradiction. Snyder names his characters things such as "Babydoll" or "Sweet Pea." Not to mention the first perception in a brothel. While the intention is there, there is concern as to whether the execution was right. However, Snyder's early career as a comic artist and writer, as seen in his adaption of his graphic novel "300" helped him balance the exoticism of women. By presenting the scenes in the film in views of a comic lens, he places before the audience the obvious extremism of the film, forcing the audience to think past what they see.

Emily Browning was not the original choice for the lead role, but was certainly the better. Compared to the first choice, Amanda Seyfried, she plays on her short stature and delicateness to its full potential when seducing the men to distract them from her plans of escape. While in the second layer of perception, the steampunk fantasy world, she proves just because she is little, it doesn't mean she cannot pack a punch.

While the acting was a little flat, and the Madame Gronski (Carla Gugino, also in "Watchmen") narration near the end grew a tad old, the overall execution of the film, I found was enjoyable. The story focuses on Babydoll losing everything she has known and loved, and being sent to an Institution. The film takes place in the year 1955, which is just on the edge before the Institution reforms. The main set of girls she works to escape with, Rocket, Sweet Pea, Blondie, and Amber, are all sent in for reasons that, after the reform, would not be considered grounds for institution. Babydoll has five days to escape before the "high-roller" comes in for her. Essentially, her father bribes the main orderly, Blue, to send Babydoll for a lobotomy.

Snyder also effortlessly creates remakes of popular songs such as "Where is my Mind" by The Pixies, and "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane, to fit the film. These songs weave in and out of the plot to assist the storytelling, rather than inhibit it; offering another perspective of Babydoll's mentality in this destructive world. I would definitely suggest this film if you're a female in the mood for some action and "girl power." However, if you are expecting brilliant Snyder science fiction, you will not find it here. Entertainment and visually appealing classic steampunk fantasy would be all you would receive.

While I have already posted the trailer in my last piece on the subgenres of science fiction, I will simply leave you with the remake of The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows."

New Season of Doctor Who

Doctor Who's new season is just around the corner. Matt Smith and Karen Gillan have managed to settle into their roles, and fans are excited for the upcoming season. On Easter, the show will premier in both America and England at the same time. American fans can now relax that they will not have to wait weeks after the show airs, trying to avoid spoilers, like they have for other famous BBC shows.

The new season will also showcase some well-known science fiction/fantasy writers, such as Neil Gaiman. While he is also currently remaining quiet on what his episode contains, he wrote the trailer has eight shots of his episode, as well as dialogue. It has, however, been revealed on Geeksofdoom.com (http://tinyurl.com/45p823d) that the name of the episode is "The Doctor's Wife," and will be the fourth episode of the season.

Watch the full-length Doctor Who promo:

A Genre of Subgenres

Science Fiction is often referred to as a genre, but it is possibly best explained as an umbrella genre. There are three types of Science Fiction, five eras, and at least tweleve sub-characteristics. As the genre grows each year, emerging in and out of the mainstream eye, as do these subgenres.

Three of the most famous of these are: Space Opera, Cyberpunk, and Steampunk. While these are some of the most common, it cannot be forgotten that most of the subgenres blend together to create the final product. With Zac Snyder releasing the first mainstream Steampunk film, here's a look back on some of the more famous of the three subgenres:

Space Opera

There is only one space opera that has claimed the hearts of millions of viewers in the world, both sci-fi fans and simply moviegoers alike: Star Wars.

George Lucas spent years into putting together the first film. Originally intended to just be Star Wars, the popularity surprised Lucas, and thus persuaded him in creating the Star Wars saga. Star Wars set the standard for science fiction films. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, is even considered the best science fiction film ever made. While the franchise has expanded to novels, video games, and expanding on both the Old Republic, and the issues of the New Republic, nearly 34 years later, and the saga shows no signs of slowing down.

Cyberpunk

With titles such as "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" and the film, "Neuromancer" cyberpunk emerged from the science-fiction genre as an era in the 80s/90s. Coined by Bruce Bethke with his short story "Cyberpunk," the era featured advance science, information technology concepts, themes of a breakdown or radical order in the social order, hackers, AI, and more.

"The Matrix" is perhaps one of the most remembered of the Cyberpunk era films. With Keanu Reeves playing the protagonist, Neo, and Hugo Weaving as his antagonist, Agent Smith, the story follows the course of the humans fighting to be awakened and reclaim Earth. While the triology found itself taking turns into different, dark corners of the subgenre that possibly should not have been addressed, it managed to create a complete story that affected novels, and even anime, in the Cyberpunk era.

Steampunk

The youngest of the movements, currently still in a characteristic/subgenre phase. Although it is slowly making its way to declare itself as a movement. With the first ever Steampunk Expo in 2010, in Michigan, Steampunk has garnered a following of millions, creating a subculture as it works to declare itself an era.

The concept of Steampunk is best described with a question: What would happen if the Industrial Revolution was pushed back a century? Throw in mythological creatures and you are now a part of Steampunk.

Zac Snyder (Watchmen, 300) will be releasing the first mainstream Steampunk film later this month. "Sucker Punch" may not be your average Steampunk story, but it has a lot of potential of setting the groundwork for future Steampunk films. It follows the story of a young girl, played by Emily Browning (A Series of Unfortunate Events), who is institutionalized by her evil stepfather. With the advice of Madam Gorski, played by Carla Gugino (Watchmen), she retreats into an alternate realtiy to devise a way for her, and the other girls, to escape.

Watch the trailer:

A Belated Birthday...

Yesterday would have been the 94th birthday of American comic writer and artist Will Eisner. He is perhaps most famous for his creation of "The Spirit."

Eisner created "The Spirit" in June 1939 as a seven-page urban crime fighter story. It was published in the Sunday newspaper. The comic ran June 1940 through 1952. The tabloid-sized feature followed the vigilante crime fighter, the Spirit, through his adventures, which he funded from the rewards he received when he captured villains. The only character to truly know who he was, and in turn gave him permission, was the Spirit's friend Central City Police Commissioner Dolan.



While the character of the Spirit became one of the classic icons of comic history, Eisner was often criticized for his portrayal of Ebony White, the African American sidekick. Often portrayed as a caricature of the racial "blackface" often associated with Jim Crow:

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Award, also known as The Eisner Award, given every year to celebrate American comic artists and writers. It was named in honor of Will Eisner, and is considered to be the most prestigious award a comic artist and writer can receive. It also includes the comic industry's Hall of Fame.

Star Wars in 3D

With 3D taking over the movie industry, it is no surprise that George Lucas has joined in on the excitement. While 3D can be seen as a visual treat, sometimes it begs the question of whether or not it is even worth it.

Fox recently announced that "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" will be the first of the saga to get the 3D makeover. Lucas plans to release all of the films in years to follow.

Hearing the "Star Wars" saga will be adapted to 3D and re-released does not come as a great surprise. However, choosing to go in order from beginning to end, as well as choosing to focus on the one film that received the most criticism out of any of the saga's episodes, seems to be a risky move for Lucas.

As a blogger wrote on Sci-fi Now's website: "Star Wars Episode I in 3D--because we didn't all complain enough when it was in two dimensions."

Whether or not it will generate new fans or revive the excitement for the saga can only be seen when it is released.

Catch The Phantom Menace in 3D on February 10, 2012.

A Return to the Small Screen

"Firefly" is getting another chance, thanks to the Science channel. The channel obtained the rights to the complete series and plans to air them in their entirety, as well as segments presented by physicist, Dr. Michio Kaku, on the theoretical science behind the series. This will be the first time since 2008 that "Firefly" will be aired in its entirety on television.

Entertainment Weekly interviewed Nathon Fillion, who played the lead character, Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds, who spoke of his love for the show and fans, as well his willingness to return to the infamous character were Fox to give it another chance.

"Firefly" will premier on Science Channel, March 6.

Read all of Fillion's interview here:http://tinyurl.com/4fvvfg8

Dr. Who Week

Facebook is known for its profile picture month celebrations. Starting on February 13, a member managed to spread an event to fans across the world of the classic British show, to dedicate a week to everything Dr. Who. Fans have been changing their profile pictures, to those of Doctors and companions, as well as famous aliens, such as the Slitheen, and variations of the Tardis.

In honor of Dr. Who week, after conversations with fans, as well as looking at the characters most chosen as a profile pic, I have put together the Doctors and Companions recognized and praised the most during the week:


The Doctors

Ninth Doctor

Though he only got one season, the current Dr. Who would not exist if it wasn't for Christopher Eccleston's portrayol of the infamous character. With the Bad Wolf arc, hints of Torchwood, Daleks, and a final kiss with Rose, what's not to love about his unffortunaetly short season?

Tenth Doctor

David Tennant is possibly the most popular of the Doctors. Picking up where Eccleston left off, he dives right in to the role with memorable jokes and lines. Tennant lasted three seasons, with many specials in between. Continuing the arc with Rose, mentions of Bad Wolf, a daughter, and The Master, the Tenth Doctor remains one of the most pivotal regenerations of The Doctor character.


Eleventh Doctor

Although many were worried for Matt Smith to take over after Tennant's long run, Smith managed to pull together the Eleventh regeneration well. With one season under his belt, he dives into the second with high hopes and Karen Gillian (Amy Pond) portraying his companion again, sparking a record for havnig the same companion in two complete seasons since the original show, before its sixteen year lapse between eight and nine.

The Companions:

Rose Tyler



The first companion since the sixteen year lapse, Rose started off strong, and ended strong. Billie Piper stayed true to the character, making her a well-rounded strong woman who was not afraid to look deep into the heart of the TARDIS to help save The Doctor. As her relationship grew, and though we all missed her during Ten's seasons, she returned, succeded in helping him save the universe, and even managed to live out her years happily with the human form of The Doctor.

Amy Pond

The current companion portrayed by Karren Gillian. Amy is a nice refreshing character, and a nice throwback to the fiestier companions. Although she has lately been critized as being a bit too scandalous iwth her short skirts and thin, black tights, the writers don't plan on changing her character any time soon. She brings a nice balance to the TARDIS and is the perfect counterpart to Matt Smith's portrayal of Eleven.

Romana

A Time Lady from the same planet as The Doctor, she regenerates until she finds the form she desires, and manages to continue her assignment as the Fourth Doctor's companion. While Lalla Ward portrays Romana's second regeneration, her first should not be forgotton. With Douglas Adams as script editor for her regeneration, and the close relationship with the Doctor, Romana is one of the most remembered companions, up there with likes of Sarah Jane, who currently on BBC has her own spinoff show.

X-Men: First Class

The much anticpated origin story of Xavier and Magneto finally released the first trailer. It's great to see how many different characters they are including in the story. Some have never been featured in an X-men film before.

X-Men: First Class

Happy Birthday Jules Verne!

Today marks the 183rd birthday of science-fiction author Jules Verne. Verne was one of the most influential writers, whos ideas not only pushed the genre forward, but made predictions for the future. He wrote about submerienes and air travel before those things were invted and known to the world.

Verne lived in a time when the Industrial Revolution was claiming Europe and science was what was happening. He began writing and studying Latin at an early age. When he was older, he moved to Paris to study law, but found himself torn between his love of theater and writing and work. Once his father found out he was actually writing more than he was studying, he removed all finances from Verne's name. Over time Jules Verne managed to get his work published, and his ideas influenced both fiction writers and scientists around the world.

Now, Verne's work has seen even more praise with the popularity of Steampunk. In fact, The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne, was a SyFy (It was still SciFi back then) original miniseries in 2000, that took place in the Steampunk genre.


As his stories are continued to be remade into movies, by actors such as Brendan Frasier in The Journey to the Center of the Earth, and dropping his name and influence in movies such as Tron: Legacy, Verne lives on and influences the genre of future writers.

Check out this Star Wars influenced superbowl 45 commercial!

Who Shot First?

There are times when I find certain phrases stick out more than others. In the science fiction genre this usually means they were repeated and/or of incredible importance. Examples are "So Say We All." (Battlestar Galactica) or "No power in the 'verse can stop me." (Firefly) The one I found myself debating over with a friend recently was: "Han shot first."

The phrase stems from an arguement over the character Han Solo in Star Wars' first installment, "A New Hope." George Lucus is known for going back to his original triology and editing scenes here and there. Every time he does this, the fans of the series burst in a large amount of outcries, calling for the original to stay the way it was made.

While a majority were upset over the editing of changing David Prowse as Darth Vader's spirit to Haden Christensen's younger image of Anakin, the one that seems to be debated almost as much as "Did Luke and Leia have a thing?" is "Who shot first? Han or Greedo?"

To those who watch "A New Hope" many times, it is almost undeniable that Han Solo shot Greedo first. As Greedo explains how he is going to collect Solo as bounty, Solo, unbeknowest to Greedo, removes his blaster from its holster and holds it hidden behind his left leg, propped on his right. Before Greedo can argue, he fires under the table. No one in Mos Eisley Cantina objects, simply because Solo pays the bartender the fee for clearing the corpse, and walks out the door.

Lucas argued that Greedo shot first, and that Solo "had no choice" but to fire. To back up this claim, in the remastered 1997 release of "A New Hope" it shows Greedo firing before Solo. He siad he wanted to make it clear to children that Solo would not have fired unless attacked. However, fans questioned Greedo missing at such a close range, and argue that by changing the shot, it in turn destroys Solo's morally ambigous character, as well as his transition from anti-her to hero.

Although Solo still makes a drastic change into being a hero, whether or not he was morally ambigous, I feel, is the center of the issue at hand. In the world of Tatooine, and Star Wars 'verse at the time after the fall of the Republic, it was more or less a killed or be killed universe. Solo's lifestyle, before Luke and Leia, was not one that ever allowed for moral actions. He was a smuggler, "reckless mercenary" and debeter to Jabba the Hut. Had he not killed Greedo, he would have surely found himself mounted on Jabba's wall way before the end of "The Empire Strikes Back."

True, changing or tweaking the scene so Han leans left and they fire at the same time changes the character of Solo. however, in the long run it does not change it drastically. Solo is still ambiguous as to where he stands until the end of "A New Hope" and continues developing his cahracter until he is full encased in carbonite. Not to mention the Han Solo Triology written after the films to further delve in his backstory and smuggling days with Chewbecca.

Since returning the scene to its original form in the 2004 release, the phrase "Han shot first" has now become as common as "Frakin' toasters." Even appearing on T-shirts such as this one:

Devoted fans are always willing to forgive and forget Lucas for his edits and tweaks to the films here and there.

Decide for yourself:

Original:

Edited:

Remember When...

The current Tron: Legacy movie has hit the theaters and found success in the science fiction world. Here is the original trailer for the 1982 film, Tron.

Second Chances

As most of you already know, Christopher Nolan has announced that Anne Hathaway is going to be playing Selina Kyle/Catwoman in the upcoming Batman movie. In adition to a new and improved Catwoman, Wonder Woman is being considered as a new television show.

While Selina Kyle has been done in the past, she has not been looked at twice since Halle Berry portrayed her. Unfortunately, not only did they change her name to Patience, they re-worked the entire universe to have amlost no relation to Batman.

While it can be argued Hathaway might be a little too nice to play Catwoman, I'm still excited to see her in action. Nolan has a tendency to bring out the best in actors. Besides, it is about time we get a decent Selina Kyle since Michelle Pfeiffer.

As for Wonder Woman, the pilot has been written, and the McG has been chosen to direct it. All that is left is the actress to portray Wonder Woman.

NBC, who owns Syfy, has done some nice jobs in the past in reworking old shows, such as Battlestar Galactica. True others have not been so brilliant, such as the miniseries Bionic Woman, but there seems to be potential with this version of Wonder Woman.

The Death Of A Show

Last night my friends and I stayed up to watch all the episodes of Firefly, followed by Serenity. As we watched, we debated over why the television show failed, and what Joss Whedon was thinking when he created the infamous show.

The television breakdown:

Serenity:

The pilot was a great way to leap into the story of Firefly, setting the stage for the western drama in space. However, even we had to agree with Fox's Rupert Murdoch that it was just too long. Whedon has had far shorter and far better pilot episodes that explained just as much. It was almost as if he was trying to cram so much information of the universe into one episode. If he took his time, he probably would not have been forced into the problems he was in.

The Train Job:

After the long and slow start, Fox requested a more action-packed episode, in answer came The Train Job. To be honest, I have yet to meet a Browncoat who can even sit through this episode more than once. In fact, we tossed it to the side after the first couple of minutes. Lots of things blowing up, Jayne with his guns, and then Mal's conscience getting the better of him, seemed to be something Whedon attempted to throw together to please Fox.

To make matters worse, when the show first aired in 2002, Fox started at The Train Job and continued from there. No one had any idea what was happening.

Bushwacked:

First time we see a human become a Reaver. Well hello there classic Whedon witty dialogue and humor with the sci-fi realems, we've missed you. Thank you for joining us so late into the start of the television series.

Shindig:

Every Browncoat's favorite Kaylee episode. It showed Mal had a heart for his crew and Inara. It also furthered the class differences between the elite companions, and the low-class war veterans and smugglers.

Safe:


Dear Whedon, why do you like to accuse your main characters as witches in at least one episode and have them burned on at the stake?

It was nice to see the little Tam siblings and the struggle of River and Simon's reunion. Zac Efron as Simon Tam was interesting.

This is also where the phrase "Big Damn Heroes" comes from.

Our Mrs. Reynolds:

As much as any sci-fi person loves Christina Hendrick's work and special appearances, we were personally not the biggest fan of her as Saffron in this episode. It added a new type of con man (er...woman) that could rival Mal like Irene could rival Sherlock Holmes, however, Whedon and the writers didn't seem to get a handle of her character until Trash.

Jaynestown:

"The Hero of Canton...the man they call Jayne!"

Catchy song, good lead up, bad ending. Also, as I would not suggest making Butterbeer at home...do not attempt Mudder's Milk.

Out Of Gas:

It seemed almost as if they were trying desperately to keep what little audience they had and offer them some back story with this episode. They held on to the classic idea of "the captain goes down with his ship" to the point where they almost killed off the Captain. Though, we all know from Buffy, Whedon is not opposed to killing off his biggest character.

Ariel:

"Two by Two, hands of blue."

Almost everything is revealed about River here for the aware viewer. The aliance, and her abilities are hinted at. Another great River and Simon history episode. Also Jayne betrays Mal...again.

War Stories:

In an attempt to make The Train Job not so wasted, let's bring back the Russian mafia man to torture Wash and Mal. Did I also mention Wash is upset with Zoe because she doesn't "obey" him? Dropped the ball with this one, my friend.

Trash:

Saffron is back and has a new husband she is trying to con. Her character is well-rounded and the thief vs. thief game in the episode is entertaining. We also get to see Nathon Fillion's tattoo.

The Message:

Trash was the last episode Fox ever aired on television. The last three were lost until Syfy decided to try playing the show in order. Whedon and company knew they were finished and wrote The Message to reflect this.

A war veteran's body is sent to Mal and Zoe, only to find that he is not dead. The tale of the tragic man finding a way to survive after the lost war, to the point where he does die. The sad music, and the cold, snow planet with Mal and Zoe carrying the coffin, were all to say goodbye to the show that never had a chance.

Heart of Gold:

The whorehouse. The only other episode not too many Browncoats like. It is also the episode Inara cannot wait for Mal's proclaim of love any longer. She leaves Serenity to establish her own training house for companions.

Objects In Space:

The segway into the film. The first bounty hunter we see, Jubal Early, tries to steal River from the crew. The crew is already having a difficult time controlling her, and saddened by this she considers going with Early. Luckily, she is smart and manages to create a plan to get rid of the hunter.

It is the first time we hear River is a psychic.

The film: Serenity

After Syfy aired the television shows in order, the fanbase suddenly skyrocketed, offering Whedon the chance to finish the story with a film.

There are the River Tam sessions and the comics that continue to try to bridge the gap between the show and the movie. Anything to complete the story and give the new fans what they wanted. But it was never enough.

Whedon pulled what he could together to fill in and reveal all behind the alliance and the secrets that "burned up River Tam's brain." And in his classic way, he kills off at least two characters everyone adores.

Sales soared after it was released to DVD. There has been talk of another film, but it would be difficult without the characters he killed, and all the realizations the characters went through in the movie. Although he played with the idea of it being River's dream, it seems Whedon plans to leave the mess that was Firefly/Serenity the way it is.

The show was doomed from the start. After Buffy, Fox was too eager to get another show out of Whedon. Issues rose when neither entered the filming stage with the same interpretations of how the show was to play out. A mistake made again with the creation of Dollhouse. Whedon lost almost everything after both Firefly, and then Dollhouse, failed. Now, as he gets ready to film Avengers, he tries to save what he can to make a comeback worth remembering.

Science Fiction and Fantasy at the Oscars

In years past science fiction and fantasy have been represented more than it has this year, even if it was just for the technical aspect. Sometimes the genre was not represented in the best way, such as last year's nominated "Avatar." Many of the leading science fiction writers always said, "Avatar wins, Sci-fi loses." Lucky for us, it lost best picture.

Despite that film no science fiction person aknowledges, the genre had been gaining respect in more professional circles. More and more science fiction and fantasy films are being made each year, not to mention the many comic book movies created recently. 2011 is looking at roughly seven comic turned film movies alone.

Unfortunately, this year only one science fiction film is nominated: "Inception." Fantasy was represented even less, only seen in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1."

Inception was indeed the best science fiction move of 2010, and I am more than happy to see it nominated. The idea was unique and flawless throughout the course of the film. The cast was perfect for their roles, and with Christopher Nolan to lead them, there was no surprise the film was praised everywhere.

Sure there were the usual chessy science fiction films such as "Resident Evil: Afterlife." Or possibly even "Repo Men," who, let's face it, stole the idea from "Repo! The Genetic Rock Opera." But there were a couple hidden gems last year as well.

"Tron: Legacy" was visually beautiful and offered a longer, more complex story than its 1982 counterpart had. By no means should it have been held to the same standard as "Inception" in the best film category, but it should have at least been recognized for its visual effects.

"The Book of Eli" was one of the best distopian style films to have been made in the past decade of science fiction history. Especially when we are constantly bombarded with those such as "2012."

Still, at least the genre is being represented this year at the Oscars. Perhaps we should not truly worry until there are no science fiction or fantasy films to be seen.

Friday Links

1. QMX online is a great source for lovely things from Firefly, SGU, Doctor Who, Battlestar Galactica, and more: http://www.qmxonline.com/

The link to this BSG propaganda poster specific gallery is: http://tinyurl.com/67qbodp


The link to Firefly's Blue Sun corporation propaganda poster gallery is: http://tinyurl.com/6kh9z37


2. Geek With Curves blogger, Amy Ratcliffe, put together a great post on Nathon Fillion's love for Han Solo resulting in the carbonite "Empire Strikes Back" Han Solo being placed on set and hidden in the background of some pivotal episode scenes: http://tinyurl.com/4zr5def


3. Neil Gaiman's "How To Talk To Girls At Parties," read by Neil Gaiman, is free on his website to download. It's a great story, and it is being turned into a short film: http://tinyurl.com/33n8uks

A hop and a skip across the pond.

It goes without saying that England has some of the best science fiction and fantasy creators and support at their disposal. Neil Gaiman and Diana Wynne Jones both came from England. Two of the most renowned science fiction magazines are based out of England. And, of course, who can forget "Doctor Who?" That fantastic show about a Time Lord, a companion, and a Police Call Box on the air since the 1960s. Therefore, it should come to no surprise when America's Syfy decides to pick up a show from England and recreate it for audiences here.

Yet as always, I am surprised and I find myself a tad nervous during the days leading up to the premiere.

The current science-fiction, with some horror, Syfy chose to recreate is: "Being Human." The famed British show was originally not supposed to be of the science fiction/horror genre. It was just three housemates: one agoraphobic, one with anger issues, and one with addiction problems. However, as creator Toby Whithouse developed the idea further, he found the characters becoming a ghost, a werewolf, and a vampire. In the two seasons, and third on the way, BBC has had, allowed the show to analyze aspects of life, death, and the things that can get in the way.

The three characters have a chemistry only a committed show can offer. They each have their own lives, and the mythology and tough times they encounter make the story a universe, allowing the viewer to become completely drawn in.

Syfy has been forced to deal with the recent cancellation of the "Battlestar Galactica" spinoff "Caprica," rejected a proposed show by Buffy's James Marsters, and yet still hang on to their many "Ghost Hunter" shows and "Sharkoctopus." "Being Human" has potential for them, but with the bar set high already, it's difficult for Syfy to even be compared.

The first episode aired this past Monday, and although it had its good sides, there were areas that seem to be a little rocky for the new show. Josh (Syfy's George) constantly argued with Sally (Annie) as to why she just doesn't leave the house. Aiden (named after the actor who played Mitchell in BBC's version) has special vampire powers that are reminiscent of "Twilight." With Mark Pellegrino (Lucifer on "Supernatural", and Jacob on "Lost") cast as Bishop (Herrick), there does seem to be potential for the main antagonist in the season. However, the cause established seems to be building a bit slower than in its British counterpart. Not to mention, Josh runs into his sister?

Call it purist if you will. However, I am willing to give Syfy's version of "Being Human" the benefit of the doubt, and continue watching to see how it decides to progress. Both shows decided to take a different route in establishing the relationship between the trio, and both are going about the main conflict in different, and very similar, beginnings. Yet, the show is not without its potential. It may provide the channel with a substantial story and fanbase.

Syfy's "Being Human" is on Mondays at 9pm

A Slayer's Birthday

Happy 30th Birthday, Buffy Summers.


It almost doesn't feel like fourteen years have come and gone since Joss Whedon's hit television show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer first hit the air. Praised as number six on the list of the greatest Science-fiction and Fantasy television shows by Total Sci-fi (http://tinyurl.com/26u9uvy ) Buffy's influence can still be felt today. It even, to many fan's dismay, will be made into a new feature film to come out to theaters next year. Unfortunately without Joss Whedon.

Whedon had stated from the very beginning that every monster Buffy and her friends face, is a metaphor relating back to the very real things teenagers have to face in life. But of course it isn't always tough and depressing. The show's witty dialogue and willingness to go to great lengths and explore themes most television shows shy away from these days, is what makes Buffy so special and still in everyone's minds today.

Sure past birthdays for Buffy have been difficult. Who can forget her long-time boyfriend, Angel, turning evil or her slayer powers being taken away to test her inner strength? But this year, Dark Horse Comics is turning Buffy's 30th into something good.



Since the show's ending at season 7, due to Sarah Michelle Geller's choice of moving on and coming to a full circle with her titular character, Dark Horse has picked up the show in comic form. The comic series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8, has Buffy and Xander in charge, based out of a citadel in Scotland. Today, Dark Horse is releasing Season 8 of Buffy on Blue Ray and DvD for all to enjoy.

"So, our endless season ends. We've laughed, we've cried, we've thrown up a little in our mouths, but most of all we've learned," writes Whedon in a letter to the fans.

Although the four-year season is coming to a close. Whedon is not letting up on his beloved character, planning to move forward with a ninth season.

"Every season Buffy had a different intent, and a different set of challenges, from which to build," Whedon writes, "...Some adjustment had to be made along the way, particularly when I completely changed my plan for Season 9...no matter how interesting the world stage or mystical dimensions can be, Buffy's best when she's walking that alley, dusting vamps, and nursing a pouty heart. We're not going back to square one, but our square will definitely have a oneishness to it."


Read Joss Whedon's full letter: http://tinyurl.com/4c8j36c