SFC Newsletter A Boy, a Bike, and an Extra-Terrestrial How a stranded alien and a suburban boy reshaped science fiction storytelling. Plus, the moment E.T. turned tears into box office history and three behind-the-scenes trivia gems.
SFC Newsletter Happy Birthday to the Jedi Who Wouldn't Bend to the Council Happy birthday to Liam Neeson, the man behind Qui-Gon Jinn. This week we honor his role in “The Phantom Menace” and look at why sci-fi mentors always seem to die too soon. Trivia included.
Book Review "More Than Human" by Theodore Sturgeon Is a Science Fiction Masterpiece Theodore Sturgeon's "More Than Human" explores human evolution through unity, empathy, and moral depth, offering timeless science fiction that speaks to the heart as much as the mind.
What If? If Wash Had Lived in Serenity Explores how "Serenity" might have changed if Wash lived—shifting its themes from sacrifice to resilience and offering a richer emotional resolution in the face of sci-fi’s harsh realities.
SFC Newsletter Sci-Fi Still Needs Heroes Luke Skywalker reintroduced the classic hero’s journey to science fiction. Nearly fifty years later, his path still echoes in stories of sacrifice, courage, and moral clarity—from Luke to Logan.
Book Review When a Man Stands Alone – Responsibility in "I Am Legend" In Richard Matheson’s “I Am Legend,” Robert Neville shows what it means to be a man of discipline, duty, and resolve—even when the world falls apart.
Trivia Buck Rogers reuses Battlestar Galactica props Discover how "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" reused sets, props, and effects from "Battlestar Galactica" to cut costs while building a distinct identity in late 1970s science fiction television.
Book Review Why "Fahrenheit 451" Still Matters in the Age of Noise Bradbury’s "Fahrenheit 451" remains a chilling reflection on censorship, mass distraction, and moral decline in a world that trades truth and memory for comfort and silence.
The Men of Science Fiction The Making of a Citizen Johnny Rico’s journey in "Starship Troopers" reveals how true patriotism is shaped through hardship, personal loss, and the quiet resolve to serve something greater than oneself.
Science Fiction Films Time Travel, Teenagers, and a DeLorean with an Attitude In "Back to the Future" (1985), directed by Robert Zemeckis, time travel meets charm. A nostalgic classic rated 8.5/10.
The Men of Science Fiction Dave Bowman’s Morality at the Edge of the Unknown Dave Bowman in "2001: A Space Odyssey" exemplifies moral courage, facing technological and cosmic challenges with quiet virtue in one of science fiction’s most profound narratives.
Science Fiction Films Obedience and Oblivion Michael Radford’s Vision of Orwell’s World Explore the haunting vision of a totalitarian future in "Nineteen Eighty-Four" (1984), directed by Michael Radford. Rating: 7.0/10.
Book Review "Gather, Darkness!" Blends Science and Sorcery in a Dystopian Future Fritz Leiber’s "Gather, Darkness!" explores power, illusion, and rebellion in a theocratic future where science masquerades as miracle and truth flickers beneath layers of engineered belief.
The Men of Science Fiction Leto II: The Visionary Guardian Leto II of the Dune saga chooses sacrifice over self to guide humanity’s future. His story is one of discipline, destiny, and the true price of freedom earned through vision and mastery.
Science Fiction Films Why The Terminator Still Defines Science Fiction After Four Decades "The Terminator" (1984), directed by James Cameron, blends action and suspense in a thrilling tale of AI and humanity's fight for survival. Rating: 8.1/10.
Star Wars Star Wars Droids Echo Silent Running Discover how the expressive service drones in "Silent Running" influenced the creation of R2-D2 and C-3PO in "Star Wars," linking two iconic sci-fi films through mechanical character evolution.
Book Review "Foundation" Shows the Future Through the Lens of History Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" explores the fall of empire through science and strategy, offering a timeless vision of civilization shaped by knowledge, planning, and the power of ideas.
The Men of Science Fiction Case Finds Redemption in "Neuromancer" In William Gibson’s "Neuromancer," Henry Dorsett Case finds redemption not through justice or glory, but by reclaiming his code and purpose in a world stripped of law, faith, and order.
Science Fiction Films "Starman" and the Quiet Power of Connection "Starman" (1984), directed by John Carpenter, offers a touching blend of romance and science fiction. It scores a nostalgic 7.0/10 for its heartfelt storytelling.
What If? What if Neo Took the Blue Pill What if Neo chose comfort over truth? This deep dive into "The Matrix" explores the consequences of taking the blue pill and the philosophical cost of refusing to wake up.
Star Wars Tarkin’s Trap and the Illusion of Victory in "Star Wars" The Death Star escape in "Star Wars" Episode IV — A New Hope appears triumphant, but one overlooked detail reveals a calculated Imperial trap that nearly ends the Rebellion before it truly begins.
What If? What if Roy Batty Had Lived Past His Lifespan? What if Roy Batty had more time? This thoughtful exploration of "Blade Runner" reimagines Batty’s fate, revealing how more time could have reshaped his legacy and the world he tried to understand.
Trivia The Art That Sold "Star Wars" Ralph McQuarrie’s concept art helped George Lucas secure support for "Star Wars" at 20th Century Fox, transforming bold ideas into visuals that convinced a skeptical studio board.
Star Wars The Forgotten Concepts Behind "A New Hope" Early drafts of "A New Hope" featured wild ideas—Luke Starkiller, a female Han Solo, and a queenly Leia. Discover how these changes shaped the mythic tale that launched a science fiction empire.
SFC Newsletter Before Skynet There Was Colossus A look back at "Colossus: The Forbin Project" and its legacy as the original AI overlord, plus how obedient machines became science fiction’s greatest threat.
