Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Futurism.
'Battlestar Galactica' Fan Review
I will admit I was one of those people who, growing up on the old 1970s sci-fi shows, had no real interest in a Battlestar Galactica reboot or re-imagining. I would rather have seen a Buck Rogers or even a Space 1999 before Battlestar Galactica. In truth, sometimes we don’t want people to take away from our personal definition of what a show should be. While the 70s Battlestar Galactica was cheesy, lighthearted, and silly, the new show was just the opposite. In fact, this was one of a handful of things that original fans cried foul about, that it was too serious, too dark, and no fun at all. Let’s not ever get started on the gender change for the character Starbuck.
By Jeff Fountain9 years ago in Futurism
Best Sci-Fi Graphic Novels for Kids
It can be challenging to find science fiction graphic novels for children that aren’t too scary or violent, but also don’t demean kids or gloss over their interests. While you have to make the call for your own kids, here are six great choices for all the youngsters on your Christmas list. Whether they’re preschoolers who can’t yet read or high school students who’ve been adoring fans of the genre for years, you’re sure to find something that’s just right. (And yes, it’s totally ok to devour it from front to back before you wrap it and pass it on to them. I won’t tell.)
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Futurism
The Most Amazing Quotes About Science Fiction
Science fiction is a world worked in and lived in by necessity, not by choice. If we as readers are seeking a world so dark and revealing when we could be visiting Rivendell instead, we’re seeking it because we need it. Why? The answer depends on the person. Some of us are in a perpetual state of near-frantic scientific curiosity that demands more satisfaction than our own research can give us. Some of us are struggling with mental illness, and the world of science fiction is a reassuring reminder that every world has its horrors. Some of us need to hear that we are not the only ones who would turn tail and run in the face of almost-certain death and unimaginable horrors. No matter why we seek it, there are always certain passages that speak the thoughts we can’t put into words, and in so doing give us a peace we can hardly explain. Here are a few; they’re just a sample of the many inspiring words from speculative authors, scientists, and visionaries.
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Futurism
What is Space?
The general idea of 19th century Empty Space was that as soon as one ventured beyond Earth's atmosphere, a few tens of miles over our heads, there was absolutely nothing there. It was a total vacuum, not an atom within range. A complete void was thought to exist above our heads.
By Conrad Morningstar9 years ago in Futurism
To Preserve a Demon
Writer/editor Jason Davis has a special ambition -- to catalog, digitize, edit, correct, annotate and re-publish (or publish for the first time, in some cases) all of Harlan Ellison's writings. Twenty-six four-foot-wide drawers of typescripts, over 100 feet of paper if stacked, the lifework of a man who is easily one of the most influential and cantankerous authors of the 20th century. Jason is spearheading the Harlan Ellison Books Preservation Project, a grand undertaking "To create definitive versions of all Harlan Ellison's writings, fiction and non-fiction, to preserve in print for posterity."
By Joshua Sky9 years ago in Futurism
Behind the Scenes of 'Star Wars'
Carrie Fisher is the beautiful Princess Leia, the woman who inspires the rebellion against the evil Galactic Empire. Carrie is the main female in the Star Wars movies up until A New Hope, where she still maintains her presence. When Star Wars was first released, this was quite an achievement. In the previous two biggest-ever money-making films of the 70s, The Godfather and Jaws, women had very little to say about things. But in Star Wars Carrie, tough-willed and rarin' to go, is right in there with the men. In February 1978, Fisher and some other Star Wars fan favorites sat down with Roy Pickard of PhotoPlay magazine to discuss their experience on the set of the well-known space opera.
By James Lizowski9 years ago in Futurism
History of Computer Villains
You've broken into the memory banks of a computer game company. "Global Thermonuclear War" is the game you're playing. At your next command, the Russians will annihilate the United States. But wait. something's very wrong here. This is no game. The U.S. Government believes it's under a real Soviet Attack. The Defense Department's computer has taken over your game and has gone crazy. It's preparing to launch real U.S. missiles. It's code red. Count down: 10, 9, 8...Wait! Stop! 6,5...It's only a game, 3,2...Isn't it? 1.
By Frank White9 years ago in Futurism
The Best 'Star Trek' Gifts
Beam some amazing gifts under your Christmas tree and impress the Trekkies in your life. Old, young, fans of the original series or devoted followers of the new one, it doesn’t matter - everyone will find something to love on this list (unless they don’t like Star Trek, in which case, why are you getting them a present again?). Give the holidays all you’ve got and remember to gift long and prosper.
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Futurism
Time Traveling Through a Lens
I would hesitate to claim that anything is impossible—or rather virtually impossible. The White Queen in Through the Looking Glass made a regular morning habit of believing at least six impossible things before breakfast. In my personal view, however, there is one thing that simply cannot be done traveling backward in time. I have absolutely no faith that we might be able to transport ourselves back to the Crusades, the Ice Age, or even earlier I do not doubt that Einstein's relativistic time-dilation effect is valid; but that is a different thing.
By Futurism Staff9 years ago in Futurism
