Visions of the Future- Top 5 Eras Since the Golden Age

Around when I was researching the 1920s in sci-fi history, I wrote a similar post to this one about the various eras leading up to the “Golden Age” of sci-fi that lasted from the 1930s to the 1950s. Well, just like most sci-fi franchises these days, I’m updating that concept for the modern times.

Here are five eras of science fiction history after the “Golden Age”:

1. Space Age Optimism (Late 1950s- late 1960s)-

In spite of the threat of nuclear war, the western world still held out hope for a glorious future, where mankind had tamed the world with technology, and reached out for the stars. Star Trek: The Original Series is one of the best examples of this humanist ideology. Design and architecture were also influenced by this projection into the future. The pinnacle of this era of sci-fi history was probably the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, when real human beings fulfilled the prophecies of science fiction writers by setting out into space, and setting foot on the moon.

2. Space Age Pessimism (1970s)-

Man had been to space, and to the moon, and yet the world was still a fallen place. Sci-fi writers of the 1970s questioned the bright future that had previously envisioned through stories like Logan’s Run, and Alien. Science fiction might have slid further down into this dystopian cynicism were it not for a certain 1977 space fantasy that split the genre into two diverging paths.

3. Franchise Sci-fi/ Cyberpunk (1980s)-

After Star Wars, there was a saturation of space adventures like Battlestar Galactica in popular culture. Many creators followed Star Wars’ example, and attempted to build multi-faceted franchises that appealed to younger audiences. However, not all science fiction fell into this trend. A new sci-fi sub-genre called cyberpunk became popular with some. Blade Runner, the film based off of Philip K. Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep”, is a good example of the fusion of high technology and the dark underbelly of society.

4. Nostalgia (1990s-2010s)-

The most recent trend in mainstream science fiction has been a return to the stories of our youth. I’m not saying that there have been no original ideas in the past twenty or so years. I’m only noticing the tendency to remake old material. The 1990s saw some great new ideas, such as Stargate, which took their cues from previous sci-fi and lovingly referenced it. More recently, we have seen continuations of older franchises, such as Star Wars, and an exorbitant amount of reboots and adaptations, such as the Star Trek reboots, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe adaptations of Marvel Comics’ stories. This isn’t all bad. In fact, some of these are very good stories that deserve to be brought back to public attention. However, it does leave one to wonder what the contribution of this generation will be to the future of the genre.

5. Metaphysical Focus? (2010s-?)

What does the future hold for science fiction? For many years now, science has been tied in with the secular, and science fiction has been considered a secular art. However, with the increasing religious tension in the world, and the quest of the millennial generation for metaphysical significance in life, it is becoming more and more evident that secularism isn’t going to lead us to that bright and shining future. To me, it seems that science fiction must incorporate spiritual elements as reality more and more in order to be honest about the world around us. I think that now is the prime time for Christians to break into the genre, and make an impact on the culture through sci-fi stories. Maybe I’m just an idealist, and need to hop in my time machine and go back to the 1950s, but I really do see an awakening in Christian geek culture that could lead to a new wave of literature, TV, and film that recognizes the truth of both the physical and metaphysical aspects of humanity.

What do you think of these categories? What do you think is coming next for science fiction? I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments.

Keep on glowing in the dark,

Elora

Visions of The Future- Top 5 Most Iconic Sci-fi Characters of the 20th Century

Remember way back in April, when I made a similar post about the characters of the 19th century? Well, this is like that but with 20th century characters. Sound simple? I thought so too, until I sat down to write the list.

Here is what I managed to come up with after weeding out some characters that I thought were iconic, and leaving what are,(hopefully), the legends of modern mythology.

5. The Doctor (Doctor Who)-

A character that has survived on television over a span of fifty-three years and twelve main actors certainly deserves a spot on this list. What is about the Doctor that continues to compel us? Is it the mystery? The quirkiness? The compassion? Perhaps it is that perfect blend of elements that keeps us asking the question “Doctor Who?”

4. Captain America (Marvel Comics)-

Even as the product of the Second World War, Captain America draws in readers and viewers from all generations. His belief that goodness and nobility still exist, and that there is still a right thing to do is particularly striking in an era of postmodern anti-heroes.

3. Darth Vader (Star Wars)-

I really wanted to put the entire original Star Wars crew at this spot in the list, but eventually, I settled for Darth Vader. Ultimately, the first six films are about his fall and redemption. And aside from R2-D2, no other character designs have reached quite the level of public recognition as that sinister, black mask.

2. Spock (Star Trek)-

Once again, I wanted to put the entire original crew on the list. They embody space age optimism, and the hopes and fears of the final frontier. But Spock is the most iconic, and the most, well, fascinating.

1. Batman and Superman (DC Comics)-

I tried to pick one. I really did. You can’t separate Batman and Superman, though. They represent the two sides of human nature- cynicism and hope. And yet both work together, (ideally), to fight injustice and promote peace.

I’m really interested to hear your opinions on this subject. Who do you think were the most memorable sci-fi characters of the 20th century? Who are your favorites? Take a moment to comment if you feel so inclined.

Keep on glowing in the dark,

Elora

Visions of The Future- Top 5 70s and 80s Franchises Resurrected Recently

We seem to be living in an era of great nostalgia when it comes to science fiction and pop culture. Why come up with something new when you can redo something you loved when you were younger? Here are five franchises that were popular in the 1970s and 1980s that have been updated recently, whether by a remake, reboot, prequel, sequel, or Kickstarter campaign. I have included on this list both things I am excited about, and things I believe should have been left to rest in peace.

5. Indiana Jones (1981-2008)-

Why would I include Indiana Jones on this list? You may ask yourself. It’s not science fiction. Or is it? George Lucas and Steven Spielberg teamed up once again with their stars Harrison Ford and Karen Allen to create a new Indiana Jones adventure starring Indy and his son, played by Shia LeBouf. Unfortunately, the film’s plot revolved around aliens, which had not previously played any role in the franchise. Fans were disappointed.

4. Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988-2015)-

After MST3K met its demise in 1999, the creators started working on their own seperate projects, (most of which still revolved around picking on movies). Joel Hodgson started Cinematic Titanic to continue riffing on old B-movies. Mike Nelson worked on creating Rifftrax, audio commentaries that can be synched to many movies, both good and not-so-good. Just this year, however, Joel started a Kickstarter campaign to bring back MST3K in all its glory. On December 11, it was fully funded, and 14 new episodes are slated to be released.

3. The Terminator (1984-2015)-

The original Terminator film was followed by four other films in 1991, 2003, 2009, and 2015. The most recent, Terminator Genisys, came out this summer, and is intended to serve as the first film in a new trilogy. Evidently, like its titular machine, this franchise is nearly impossible to kill.

2. Star Trek (1966-2016)-

Star Trek continued after cancellation in 1969 with five spin off series, ten films, and scores of novels, comic books, and video games. However, after the cancellation of the widely-panned prequel series Enterprise in 2005, it seemed as if Star Trek’s dilithium crystals were finally depleted.J.J. Abram’s reboot film Star Trek in 2009 breathed new life into the series, and brought in many new fans. It was followed by Star Trek Into Darkness in 2013, which mirrors Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, (in much the same way the mirror universe mirrors the prime universe, in my opinion). The trailer to the next film, Star Trek Beyond, was released yesterday. While the new series may not hold true to the philosophical heart of the original series, it is an entertaining way to reintroduce the characters into popular culture. Also, CBS recently announced that a new Star Trek television series will begin in January of 2017.

1. Star Wars (1977-2015)-

But what can I tell you that you don’t already know from every advertisement you see on television and online? I am seeing the new movie on Thursday, and am planning to write a (spoiler-free!!!) analysis on whether or not I think it fits into the Star Wars universe.

Keep on glowing in the dark,

Elora

Visions of the Future- Top 5 Things that Wouldn't Have Happened Without Star Wars

As we approach the release of a new Star Wars movie, it’s hard to miss all the ways  George Lucas’ space fantasy has saturated our culture. Here are five of the many iconic movies, television shows, and franchises that owe their success, popularity, and sometimes their entire existence to Star Wars.

5. Battlestar Galactica (1978)-

For many young Star Wars fans in the 1970s, Battlestar Galactica was Star Wars on tv- the thing that tided them over until the next movie came out. It’s easy to see why. Do a Google search on Battlestar Galactica, and compare it aesthetically to A New Hope. The resemblance is uncanny. The legends even tell that Gene Coon of Star Trek fame recommended to Glen Larson that he put the word “star” in the title, in order to cash in on the popularity of Star Wars, (and Star Trek, to some degree).

4. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982)-

This feel-good sci-fi came out while the original Star Wars trilogy was still being released. Spaceships and aliens were all the rage. As an interesting side note, there is a theory that E.T. comes from the Star Wars galaxy, as Star Wars figures and a Yoda cameo appear in E.T., and E.T.’s race appears in the senate chamber  in The Phantom Menace.

3. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)-

This movie breaks the mold, as it is not sci-fi or pure fantasy. However, this iconic adventure flick, and its sequels, may never have sold were it not for the popularity George Lucas and Harrison Ford had attained after the first two Star Wars movies.

2. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)-

When the actors who played the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise saw that Imperial Star Destroyer cruise through space in the first few moments of Star Wars, they started looking forward to the phone call from the studio. This is one of the reasons I believe the perceived feud between Star Trek and Star Wars is silly. George Lucas admits to being heavily inspired by Star Trek in creating Star Wars; and, without Star Wars, the cultural phenomena that is Star Trek would have ended at the cancellation of The Animated Series.

1. Pixar (All of it)-

Before the legendary animation company was making everyone cry with their incredible stories and beautiful CG, they were the Graphics Group, which was part of Lucasfilm back in 1979.

Keep on glowing in the dark,

Elora

Visions of the Future: Top 5 Moon Landing Predictions

That the United States successfully landed the first human beings on the moon in 1969 is common knowledge. However, it is less commonly known that many details of this momentous accomplishment were predicted by science fiction decades prior to the actual event.

Here are, in chronological order, five correct predictions science fiction made,(sometimes even inadvertently), about the first moon landing.

1. From the Earth To The Moon by Jules Verne (1887)-

You may be tired of hearing about Jules Verne by now. If so, too bad. This is a series on science fiction history. He is going to come up a lot. While the Apollo 11 mission didn’t see its crew members launched out of a giant cannon towards the moon, many of Verne’s calculations were close to feasible. Perhaps one of the most fascinating coincidences surrounding the story is that Verne’s characters blasted off from Florida. The first moon landing began at Kennedy Space Center, near Orlando, Florida.

2. Woman in the Moon directed by Fritz Lang (1929)-

Two years after his classic silent film Metropolis made cinematic history, director Fritz Lang released this tragic space romance, based off the novel written by his wife, Thea von Harbou. Though the man crux of the film is the drama, it did introduce viewers to new ideas about rocket travel, including the introduction of a multi-stage rocket.

3. Tintin- “Explorers on the Moon” by Hege (1954)-

Tintin was a serialized adventure comic by Herge, a Belgian cartoonist, starring a young reporter named Tintin. In 1954, Herge became interested in space travel, and decided to send his character along on the first manned mission to the moon. Inspired by Jules Verne’s From The Earth to The Moon, the 1950 film Destination Moon, and the real life German V-2 rocket, he crafted a technical and realistic tale of men on the moon.

4. The Outward Urge by John Wyndham and Lucas Parkes (1959)-

Though it appears to be co-authored by two people, the author-names listed for this novel are really just two pen names for the same person. John Wyndham created an intricate future history in which he painted a fairly accurate, if belated, picture of the early struggle to reach the stars, first moon landings, and first space stations.

5. Star Trek “Tomorrow is Yesterday” (1967)-

The plot of “Tomorrow is Yesterday” has become a staple trope of the Star Trek universe throughout its nearly fifty year history. The crew of the Enterprise must go back in time to study a specific period of history (in this case, the 1960s), and end up interfering more than they intended to. What makes this episode remarkable is a radio report announcing that the first manned mission to the moon was to take place that Wednesday. Two years later, on Wednesday, July 16th, 1969, Apollo 11 left earth’s atmosphere for the moon.

Keep on glowing in the dark,

Elora