Your results:
You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
| Dependable and trustworthy. You love your significant other and you are a tough cookie when in a conflict.  |
Thursday, January 26, 2006
The Results are In
STK gets . . .
Your results:
You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
Click here to take the "Which Serenity character am I?" quiz...
Your results:
You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Kathleen's Turn
Nancy took the test, with similarly humorous results....
Your results:
You are Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)
Click here to take the "Which Serenity character am I?" quiz...
Your results:
You are Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)
| You are good at fixing things. You are usually cheerful. You appreciate being treated with delicacy and specialness.  |
Seriously?
Your results:
You are Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic)
Click here to take the Serenity Personality Quiz
I appear not to be 'command material'. So much for the sweep.
Of course, I think Simon has one of the best bits in the whole series (along with his sister):
Simon: You're in a dangerous line of work, Jayne. Odds are you'll be under my knife again. Often. So I want you to understand one thing very clearly: No matter what you do or say or plot, no matter how you come down on us, I will never, ever harm you. You're on this table, you're safe... because I'm your medic. No matter how little we may like or trust each other, we're on the same crew. Got the same troubles, same enemies—and more than enough of both. We could circle each other and growl, sleep with one eye open, but that thought wearies me. Now I don't care what you've done, and I don't know what you're planning on doing, but I'm trusting you. I think you should do the same. Because I don't see this working any other way.
[exits]
River: Also, I can kill you with my brain.
Classic.
You are Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic)
| Medicine and physical healing are your game, but wooing women isn't a strong suit.  |
I appear not to be 'command material'. So much for the sweep.
Of course, I think Simon has one of the best bits in the whole series (along with his sister):
Simon: You're in a dangerous line of work, Jayne. Odds are you'll be under my knife again. Often. So I want you to understand one thing very clearly: No matter what you do or say or plot, no matter how you come down on us, I will never, ever harm you. You're on this table, you're safe... because I'm your medic. No matter how little we may like or trust each other, we're on the same crew. Got the same troubles, same enemies—and more than enough of both. We could circle each other and growl, sleep with one eye open, but that thought wearies me. Now I don't care what you've done, and I don't know what you're planning on doing, but I'm trusting you. I think you should do the same. Because I don't see this working any other way.
[exits]
River: Also, I can kill you with my brain.
Classic.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Ditto
I figured I'd end up with Simon, but I think the married question bumped me to Zoe. I can live with that.
Your results:
You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
Click here to take the Serenity Firefly Personality Test
Your results:
You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
| Dependable and trustworthy. You love your significant other and you are a tough cookie when in a conflict. |
Sunday, January 22, 2006
The Return of Gwen Stacy
While the event was a little before the start of my serious comic reading time, the death of Gwen Stacy has always stood, at least to me, as one of the most significant deaths of comic book history. Unlike the deaths of numerous comic book heroes, heroines, and supporting cast members, Gwen Stacy remains dead. Until now! It appears Sam Raimi is bringing her back in Spider-man 3. The Perfessor, over at Cuppacafe, offers his thoughts.
I never fully bought the then-given "official" reasons for her death, and I mark her death as a seminal point in my young life, for to me, at that point in time, she was a real to me as anyone both inside and outside of fiction, and I honestly believe that her death had a profound effect on me even to this day.
Give the whole piece a read; it's a good one.
I never fully bought the then-given "official" reasons for her death, and I mark her death as a seminal point in my young life, for to me, at that point in time, she was a real to me as anyone both inside and outside of fiction, and I honestly believe that her death had a profound effect on me even to this day.
Give the whole piece a read; it's a good one.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Go Figure
Your results:
You are Green Lantern
Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...
You are Green Lantern
| Hot-headed. You have strong will power and a good imagination.  |
Webhead
I haven't posted anything here for a while, and this seemed appropriate.
Your results:
You are Spider-Man
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz
Your results:
You are Spider-Man
| You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have great power and responsibility.  |
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Good News . . .
And it has nothing to do with my car insurance. Several Sci Fi type announcements have my interest piqued.
Kyle Rayner: Ion. In the upcoming year, my favorite Green Lantern returns in his own series. Woohoo! Will a retain his affiliation with the GLC? Unknown. To honest, I don't really care. I developed an affinity for the character, one not shared by about half of GL fandom, and can't wait to see Kyle back in his own title.
The Sci Fi Channel picked Battlestar Galactica for two additional seasons. That's excellent news for those of us who think BG is the best television show on the air presently. NBC Universal also asked Moore to develop a couple new science fictionish properties. Let's hope they're not stretching him too thin.
Finally, Sideshow Collectibles plans to release a new Iron Man comiquette (what's the difference between a maquette and comiquette?). Behold!
Holy Guacamole! That's a terrific looking piece. The $250 price tag is a bit rich for this comic fan, but it's nice to dream.
Kyle Rayner: Ion. In the upcoming year, my favorite Green Lantern returns in his own series. Woohoo! Will a retain his affiliation with the GLC? Unknown. To honest, I don't really care. I developed an affinity for the character, one not shared by about half of GL fandom, and can't wait to see Kyle back in his own title.
The Sci Fi Channel picked Battlestar Galactica for two additional seasons. That's excellent news for those of us who think BG is the best television show on the air presently. NBC Universal also asked Moore to develop a couple new science fictionish properties. Let's hope they're not stretching him too thin.
Finally, Sideshow Collectibles plans to release a new Iron Man comiquette (what's the difference between a maquette and comiquette?). Behold!
Holy Guacamole! That's a terrific looking piece. The $250 price tag is a bit rich for this comic fan, but it's nice to dream.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Villainy Most Foul
I found this story the other day, and thought regular readers might like to take a look and comment:
Top Ten Villainous Moments: Our list of the most deliciously evil events in comics.
It's a little sad just how few of these I've actually read: only #9, #6, and #5.
Top Ten Villainous Moments: Our list of the most deliciously evil events in comics.
It's a little sad just how few of these I've actually read: only #9, #6, and #5.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
But Wait, There's More...
Ten More Really Awful Ways to Die in Fantasy and Science Fiction
10. Being eaten by a grue.
9. Being impaled during mass...and you're the one conducting the service.
8. Having your magical essence drained away by being hung upside down and skinned alive.
7. Walking onto the bridge of a captured ship just in time to hear the computer say, "Seven ... six ... five ..."
6. Having your head teleported away from your body.
5. Death due to rapid aging brought on by a poor choice in stemware.
4. That Spanish brat you taught a lesson to all those years ago finally catches up with you.
3. Being dragged down to the underworld after the woman you've spent the last three thousand years trying to resurrect abandons you.
2. Being eaten by dung beetles after abandoning the man who's spent the last three thousand years trying to resurrect you.
1. Being sucked into a jet engine because you've ignored Edna's first rule of costume design: NO CAPES!
10. Being eaten by a grue.
9. Being impaled during mass...and you're the one conducting the service.
8. Having your magical essence drained away by being hung upside down and skinned alive.
7. Walking onto the bridge of a captured ship just in time to hear the computer say, "Seven ... six ... five ..."
6. Having your head teleported away from your body.
5. Death due to rapid aging brought on by a poor choice in stemware.
4. That Spanish brat you taught a lesson to all those years ago finally catches up with you.
3. Being dragged down to the underworld after the woman you've spent the last three thousand years trying to resurrect abandons you.
2. Being eaten by dung beetles after abandoning the man who's spent the last three thousand years trying to resurrect you.
1. Being sucked into a jet engine because you've ignored Edna's first rule of costume design: NO CAPES!
Monday, November 21, 2005
Even More Ways to Go
Mike came up with a doozy of a list this time, eh? Gotta love that dark sense of humor. As I wouldn't want anyone to think I'm not into dark humor, I have a few "ways to die" I'd like to add to the list.
The Top Ten Worst Ways to Die in Fantasy and Science Fiction
10) Having a witch, mad with the power of Chaos magic, wish you into non-existence.*
9) Being eaten by a Rancor.
8) Activating a radio to God and having your face melted off.
7) Pickled by toxic waste, your entire body splats on the windshield of a fast moving vehicle.
6) You survive several years as the Chief Engineer on a starship, only to have your life snuffed out in the lamest. series. finale. ever.
5) A bug in your brain, a phaser in your hand. Do the math.
4) Finally free of your human captors, your internal battery runs out of power. Time to die.
3) Called into existence as a sperm whale, your first few moments of life include striking the ground at terminal velocity.
2) Standing in the gateway to Hell, your soul finally restored to your body, your girlfriend slides a sword into your belly.
1) Seconds away from destroying the Rebel Alliance forever, it dawns on you that you forgot to close the thermal exhaust port.
*Not only is this a terrible way to die, it's even worse when the execution is lame, lame, lame.
The Top Ten Worst Ways to Die in Fantasy and Science Fiction
10) Having a witch, mad with the power of Chaos magic, wish you into non-existence.*
9) Being eaten by a Rancor.
8) Activating a radio to God and having your face melted off.
7) Pickled by toxic waste, your entire body splats on the windshield of a fast moving vehicle.
6) You survive several years as the Chief Engineer on a starship, only to have your life snuffed out in the lamest. series. finale. ever.
5) A bug in your brain, a phaser in your hand. Do the math.
4) Finally free of your human captors, your internal battery runs out of power. Time to die.
3) Called into existence as a sperm whale, your first few moments of life include striking the ground at terminal velocity.
2) Standing in the gateway to Hell, your soul finally restored to your body, your girlfriend slides a sword into your belly.
1) Seconds away from destroying the Rebel Alliance forever, it dawns on you that you forgot to close the thermal exhaust port.
*Not only is this a terrible way to die, it's even worse when the execution is lame, lame, lame.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
What A Way To Go
I was watching the end of The Wizard of Oz the other night, and I saw the famous "I'm melting!" scene. And it made me think, "What a crappy way to go." But there are worse, I suppose.
The Top Ten Worst Ways to Die in Fantasy and Science Fiction
10. Being turned into a cardboard dodecahedron, then squished.
9. Having an alien embryo burst out of your chest. (It's even worse if the alien then produces a top hat and cane and tap dances away.)
8. Committing suicide on the moon because you realize you can never hope to control the awesome power you have, only to come back and then die again numerous times over the next thirty years.
7. Being beaten to death by Doomsday as a publicity stunt.
6. Having your head put on a pike as a warning to the next ten generations that some favors come with too high a price.
5. Having your soul sucked out through your mouth.
4. Being Force-choked by a Sith Lord while watching him talk to the poor sap who's about to get your job.
3. Being blasted by a Cardassian possessed by a Pagh Wraith.
2. Landing your spaceship safely under impossible conditions, only to be impaled seconds later when a huge spear crashes through your windshield.
1. Finally recovering something precious to you after losing it decades earlier, only to lose your balance at the moment of triumph and fall into a lava pit.
So, did I miss any?
The Top Ten Worst Ways to Die in Fantasy and Science Fiction
10. Being turned into a cardboard dodecahedron, then squished.
9. Having an alien embryo burst out of your chest. (It's even worse if the alien then produces a top hat and cane and tap dances away.)
8. Committing suicide on the moon because you realize you can never hope to control the awesome power you have, only to come back and then die again numerous times over the next thirty years.
7. Being beaten to death by Doomsday as a publicity stunt.
6. Having your head put on a pike as a warning to the next ten generations that some favors come with too high a price.
5. Having your soul sucked out through your mouth.
4. Being Force-choked by a Sith Lord while watching him talk to the poor sap who's about to get your job.
3. Being blasted by a Cardassian possessed by a Pagh Wraith.
2. Landing your spaceship safely under impossible conditions, only to be impaled seconds later when a huge spear crashes through your windshield.
1. Finally recovering something precious to you after losing it decades earlier, only to lose your balance at the moment of triumph and fall into a lava pit.
So, did I miss any?
Friday, November 04, 2005
Late but Fantastic
Okay, I'm behind the times, but I just saw Fantastic Four last weekend. I will say just one thing:
Michael Chiklis was the perfect choice to play Ben Grimm.
Can't wait for the sequel(s)!
Michael Chiklis was the perfect choice to play Ben Grimm.
Can't wait for the sequel(s)!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
One Thing Leads to Another
We're all aware of the recent movie "Doom" based on the ground-breaking video game. Yes, it appears to be awful and no, I have no plans to see it. But I found out something interesting about it.
As those who have played the game know, two of the more interesting weapons available are a shotgun and a chainsaw. According to IMDb.com, the decision to include these two weapons was based on "Army of Darkness" and the rest of the "Evil Dead" series.
So what we have, in the end, is a movie based on a video game based on a movie.
New ideas, anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
As those who have played the game know, two of the more interesting weapons available are a shotgun and a chainsaw. According to IMDb.com, the decision to include these two weapons was based on "Army of Darkness" and the rest of the "Evil Dead" series.
So what we have, in the end, is a movie based on a video game based on a movie.
New ideas, anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Look Who's Coming to Dinner
If you haven't been keeping track of recent events in the Marvel comics universe, the House of M miniseries (which I haven't been reading--I've had it with the x-men mega events) is about to drastically change the mutant landscape. Rumor has it that the estimated 16 million mutants in the Marvel universe will be culled to somewhere between 200-300. Despite the silliness of the entire affiar, one good thing appears to be coming out of the House of M mess.
That's right, Excalibur is returning as a monthly series and Chris Claremont is heading up the reconceptualization of the team. I'll be calling the comic shop to add this to my hold file.
That's right, Excalibur is returning as a monthly series and Chris Claremont is heading up the reconceptualization of the team. I'll be calling the comic shop to add this to my hold file.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Kneel, er, Vote Before Zod
Looks like the 2008 Presidential elections just got a lot more interesting:
General Zod 2008
Given our recent discussion of Nicolas Cage and his new child, Kal-El, I found the following picture/caption particularly funny.
The future President and his staff react noticeably as Ed Randall, campaign worker, pronounces the the name of Nicolas Cage's heathen child. (AP/Boston Globe)
General Zod 2008
Given our recent discussion of Nicolas Cage and his new child, Kal-El, I found the following picture/caption particularly funny.
The future President and his staff react noticeably as Ed Randall, campaign worker, pronounces the the name of Nicolas Cage's heathen child. (AP/Boston Globe)
Monday, September 26, 2005
Meditations on the New Mutants
In the wake of the previous article, Doug Ramsey: Reloaded, I've been thinking about the New Mutants. I always liked the idea of an 'X-Men junior varsity' team. I wondered what it would be like to have superpowers when I was a teenager.* True, the stories weren't quite as good as what the X-Men got, and the artwork was absolutely atrocious sometimes. But I still really liked the team. Here are my thoughts on them.
Cannonball
Sam Guthrie was always my favorite member of the team. He was tall and a little clumsy, bright but socially awkward, and hung up on a girl who didn't even know he existed. He also had a strong sense of what was right and wrong and always wanted to do the right thing, even if he wasn't always sure what that was. I found a lot in him that I could relate to. And his graduation costume rocked!
Mirage
Dani's personality made her a fine complement to Sam as a team leader. Her 'I hate all white men' thing was a little clichéd and annoying, but fortunately it didn't peek out too often. The development of her powers was sometimes a little incoherent, though. Being able to show someone their deepest desires or fears is pretty cool—but what does it have to do with communicating with animals? The ability to create objects from thin air was a fairly logical development of her power, which I liked. But the Valkyrie thing made no sense to me. It seemed like the writers never knew what to do with her. They should have spent more time developing her personality, not her powers.
Karma
I thought Shan had a lot of potential, but any time she was on stage, her personality—like her mutant power—was just a little too one-dimensional. Too bad.
Wolfsbane
I also found some things to relate to in Rhane, and she did show some growth as the series progressed. But I think the writers put way too much emphasis on the internal conflicts and angst caused by her religion. Why is the media so quick to portray anyone with strong religious beliefs as either a prude, a fanatic, or just plain unbalanced? We're not all freaks....
Sunspot
One of the few bricks in comics that didn't also have exceptional defenses. Strong and powerful, yet also strangely vulnerable—which is also a pretty good description of his personality. His bravado at times seemed like a cover for deep insecurities he may not have even realized he had. And of course there was his hot temper. Every team needs an irritant, and Roberto made for a good one.
Magik
Every team also needs a bad@ss, and she was it. Illyana was just not to be screwed with, especially if you relied on any kind of mystical forces to keep you in the fight. I think even her brother was afraid of her—and he was seven and a half feet tall and made of steel.
Magma
While Amara's powers and personality were interesting enough, what I really liked about her was her history. The idea of a Roman colony lost deep in the South American jungle for centuries was a nice touch. Too bad the writers decided to retconn it and make it a hidden mutant colony instead. Lousy rewrites!
Warlock
I guess teams also need a 'fish out of water' character from time to time, and I suppose Warlock was as good a fit as any for this team. He did provide for a few interesting story lines, but usually only because of being pursued by his father, the Magus. Other than that, I never really felt that he fit in with the rest of the team. And having him run off with Sunspot and leave Doug (Cypher) behind in the "Fallen Angels" miniseries was just stupid.
Cypher
In retrospect, I can see that Cypher was just a waste of a good character concept. See the previous article for details. He had a lot of potential for growth and development in his own right, but was usually relegated to the roles of DNPC for the rest of the team, or someone for Colossus to get jealous over (because of all the time Kitty spent with him). The one really decent story involving him was the time he combined with Warlock to defeat the Magus—by rewriting Magus' DNA. That was seriously cool, and worthy of any true science geek (even a linguist).
Wow, it's kind of fun to think about characters from so long ago. Maybe I'll take a look at another superteam soon. Alpha Flight, maybe. That team really put the 'dis' in 'dysfunctional'. Suggestions, anyone?
--
*Heck, sometimes I still do.
Cannonball
Sam Guthrie was always my favorite member of the team. He was tall and a little clumsy, bright but socially awkward, and hung up on a girl who didn't even know he existed. He also had a strong sense of what was right and wrong and always wanted to do the right thing, even if he wasn't always sure what that was. I found a lot in him that I could relate to. And his graduation costume rocked!
Mirage
Dani's personality made her a fine complement to Sam as a team leader. Her 'I hate all white men' thing was a little clichéd and annoying, but fortunately it didn't peek out too often. The development of her powers was sometimes a little incoherent, though. Being able to show someone their deepest desires or fears is pretty cool—but what does it have to do with communicating with animals? The ability to create objects from thin air was a fairly logical development of her power, which I liked. But the Valkyrie thing made no sense to me. It seemed like the writers never knew what to do with her. They should have spent more time developing her personality, not her powers.
Karma
I thought Shan had a lot of potential, but any time she was on stage, her personality—like her mutant power—was just a little too one-dimensional. Too bad.
Wolfsbane
I also found some things to relate to in Rhane, and she did show some growth as the series progressed. But I think the writers put way too much emphasis on the internal conflicts and angst caused by her religion. Why is the media so quick to portray anyone with strong religious beliefs as either a prude, a fanatic, or just plain unbalanced? We're not all freaks....
Sunspot
One of the few bricks in comics that didn't also have exceptional defenses. Strong and powerful, yet also strangely vulnerable—which is also a pretty good description of his personality. His bravado at times seemed like a cover for deep insecurities he may not have even realized he had. And of course there was his hot temper. Every team needs an irritant, and Roberto made for a good one.
Magik
Every team also needs a bad@ss, and she was it. Illyana was just not to be screwed with, especially if you relied on any kind of mystical forces to keep you in the fight. I think even her brother was afraid of her—and he was seven and a half feet tall and made of steel.
Magma
While Amara's powers and personality were interesting enough, what I really liked about her was her history. The idea of a Roman colony lost deep in the South American jungle for centuries was a nice touch. Too bad the writers decided to retconn it and make it a hidden mutant colony instead. Lousy rewrites!
Warlock
I guess teams also need a 'fish out of water' character from time to time, and I suppose Warlock was as good a fit as any for this team. He did provide for a few interesting story lines, but usually only because of being pursued by his father, the Magus. Other than that, I never really felt that he fit in with the rest of the team. And having him run off with Sunspot and leave Doug (Cypher) behind in the "Fallen Angels" miniseries was just stupid.
Cypher
In retrospect, I can see that Cypher was just a waste of a good character concept. See the previous article for details. He had a lot of potential for growth and development in his own right, but was usually relegated to the roles of DNPC for the rest of the team, or someone for Colossus to get jealous over (because of all the time Kitty spent with him). The one really decent story involving him was the time he combined with Warlock to defeat the Magus—by rewriting Magus' DNA. That was seriously cool, and worthy of any true science geek (even a linguist).
Wow, it's kind of fun to think about characters from so long ago. Maybe I'll take a look at another superteam soon. Alpha Flight, maybe. That team really put the 'dis' in 'dysfunctional'. Suggestions, anyone?
--
*Heck, sometimes I still do.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Doug Ramsey: Reloaded
I found this article through Fark.com about the Top 10 obscure comic-book characters that should be brought to the big screen. Some of IGN's nominees included Animal Man, the Question, the Flaming Carrot, and the spectacular Spider-Ham. And one of the nominees was someone with whom I was actually familiar: Cypher.
Yes, that Cypher. Doug Ramsey of the New Mutants. And my initial reaction was, "You've got to be kidding. Cypher? That guy's as useless as a chocolate teapot. Even dying didn't make him interesting."
And then I read their proposed story:
"Mutants live in a world that fears and hates them, but truth-be-told, if Doug Ramsey existed in our world, he'd be one rich man. Cypher has the ability to instantly understand and communicate in any language, even binary. Rather than your typical X-Men flick, Cypher would actually be an incredibly successful intelligence agent, who happens to house the deep, dark secret that he's a mutant. A Cypher flick could prove to be the rare superhero thriller."
And I thought, that's one decent story idea.
Which is exactly one more decent story idea than the geniuses at Marvel ever came up with for the character.
Yes, that Cypher. Doug Ramsey of the New Mutants. And my initial reaction was, "You've got to be kidding. Cypher? That guy's as useless as a chocolate teapot. Even dying didn't make him interesting."
And then I read their proposed story:
"Mutants live in a world that fears and hates them, but truth-be-told, if Doug Ramsey existed in our world, he'd be one rich man. Cypher has the ability to instantly understand and communicate in any language, even binary. Rather than your typical X-Men flick, Cypher would actually be an incredibly successful intelligence agent, who happens to house the deep, dark secret that he's a mutant. A Cypher flick could prove to be the rare superhero thriller."
And I thought, that's one decent story idea.
Which is exactly one more decent story idea than the geniuses at Marvel ever came up with for the character.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Science Fiction and Fantasy as Equipment for Living
Since Mike posted some ideas for my potential class here at Army of Dorkness, I thought I'd add a follow up. After several hours of writing and rewriting, I think I've developed a suitable course description. Check it out.
This course explores the ways in which science fiction and fantasy media (film and television) contributes to an understanding of contemporary human life. Embracing the futuristic, the magical, and the spectacular, mediated forms of science fiction and fantasy invite viewers to enter a public dialogue concerning issues of science, ethics, art, and religion. Throughout the semester, students will examine the ways in which mediated artifacts assist in the constitution and negotiation of human aspirations and apprehensions.
I've also developed a working title.
Rocket ships, Replicants, and Ringwraiths: Science Fiction and Fantasy as Equipment for Living
I'm open to suggestions for the title. The only requirement is that the second half of the title--Science Fiction and Fantasy as Equipment for Living--has to stay the same. I'm using a couple articles that talk about media as "Equipment for Living" as the foundation for the course (mad props to Marsha for reminding me of the piece). With that in mind, I also had a couple other potential titles.
Metahumans, Magicians, and Monsters from the ID
Starships, Simulacrum, and Sorcerers
Hyperspace, Hellmouths, and Hobbits
The more I think about it, the more I like the 3rd postential title. It's vague enough that it captures the spirit of science fiction/fantasy and specific enough that it reveals some of the films/programs that we'll watch.
This course explores the ways in which science fiction and fantasy media (film and television) contributes to an understanding of contemporary human life. Embracing the futuristic, the magical, and the spectacular, mediated forms of science fiction and fantasy invite viewers to enter a public dialogue concerning issues of science, ethics, art, and religion. Throughout the semester, students will examine the ways in which mediated artifacts assist in the constitution and negotiation of human aspirations and apprehensions.
I've also developed a working title.
Rocket ships, Replicants, and Ringwraiths: Science Fiction and Fantasy as Equipment for Living
I'm open to suggestions for the title. The only requirement is that the second half of the title--Science Fiction and Fantasy as Equipment for Living--has to stay the same. I'm using a couple articles that talk about media as "Equipment for Living" as the foundation for the course (mad props to Marsha for reminding me of the piece). With that in mind, I also had a couple other potential titles.
Metahumans, Magicians, and Monsters from the ID
Starships, Simulacrum, and Sorcerers
Hyperspace, Hellmouths, and Hobbits
The more I think about it, the more I like the 3rd postential title. It's vague enough that it captures the spirit of science fiction/fantasy and specific enough that it reveals some of the films/programs that we'll watch.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Society
Over at Rhetorical Imprints, Derek talked about teaching a class that explores the way science fiction and fantasy have addressed important social issues. I think this is an excellent choice. In my mind, one of the defining characteristics of "real" science fiction has always been that it provides a lens through which to look at important social issues, especially those dealing with technology. While modern sci-fi and fantasy cinema may not have this goal in mind, they still provide occasional thought-provoking moments.
Derek listed several movies and their relevant issues, then asked for additional suggestions. Here are mine:
X-Men, X2: X-Men United
Marvel Comics' X-titles have always been an allegory for racism (except in the 90s, when the X-titles were about Wolverine's bad temper and superheroines drawn to look like Dolly Parton in zero gravity). These two films carry the issue of race over to the screen quite well. There are other issues of being different from what is accepted in society as well. For example, the "Have you tried not being a mutant?" line from X2 is a clear reference to sexuality.
A Series of Unfortunate Events, Matilda
Both movies feature exceptional children who are abused and/or neglected by their parents or guardians. What obligations do parents have toward their children? To what degree are children responsible for obeying parents who don't love and take care of them? When does the state become responsible for removing children from abusive situations? And what kind of a difference can a single role model (a teacher, for example) make in the life of a child?
Hercules
Most of the recent Disney animated films can be viewed as morality plays in miniature, in my humble opinion. This one serves as a mirror for fame in popular culture. How does our society define heroism? At what point does a person go from being merely famous (or notorious) to being truly heroic?
The Incredibles
I can see at least two issues addressed by this movie. First, what balance exists between the push for equality and the drive for individual excellence? (Dash: "Dad always said our powers were nothing to be ashamed of. Our powers made us special." Helen: "Everyone's special, Dash." Dash: "That's just another way of saying no one is.") Second, what is (or should be) the role of the family in today's society? What is the balance between devotion to family, personal development, and professional success?
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek tends to get a little preachy sometimes, and this movie is certainly the preachiest. But it raises important issues about humanity and the ecosystem. What obligations does humanity have towards other forms of life on Earth? And how can economic concerns and ecological concerns be balanced?
Bicentennial Man, Artificial Intelligence: AI
The book "I, Robot" raised important questions about the relationship between Man and machine. Most of the reviews I read indicated that these were left out of the film. If "I, Robot" had been more like these two movies, I may have bothered to see it. Okay, enough ranting, on to the questions. As computers become increasingly complex, at what point do they begin taking on organic features? What is the difference between computation and sentience?
The Running Man
I've even got a prospective title for a paper on this one: "Reality Television and the Culture of Voyeurism". If you've watched any reality TV lately, I think you'll agree that we're not all that far away....
Okay, that's what I've got. Comments?
Derek listed several movies and their relevant issues, then asked for additional suggestions. Here are mine:
X-Men, X2: X-Men United
Marvel Comics' X-titles have always been an allegory for racism (except in the 90s, when the X-titles were about Wolverine's bad temper and superheroines drawn to look like Dolly Parton in zero gravity). These two films carry the issue of race over to the screen quite well. There are other issues of being different from what is accepted in society as well. For example, the "Have you tried not being a mutant?" line from X2 is a clear reference to sexuality.
A Series of Unfortunate Events, Matilda
Both movies feature exceptional children who are abused and/or neglected by their parents or guardians. What obligations do parents have toward their children? To what degree are children responsible for obeying parents who don't love and take care of them? When does the state become responsible for removing children from abusive situations? And what kind of a difference can a single role model (a teacher, for example) make in the life of a child?
Hercules
Most of the recent Disney animated films can be viewed as morality plays in miniature, in my humble opinion. This one serves as a mirror for fame in popular culture. How does our society define heroism? At what point does a person go from being merely famous (or notorious) to being truly heroic?
The Incredibles
I can see at least two issues addressed by this movie. First, what balance exists between the push for equality and the drive for individual excellence? (Dash: "Dad always said our powers were nothing to be ashamed of. Our powers made us special." Helen: "Everyone's special, Dash." Dash: "That's just another way of saying no one is.") Second, what is (or should be) the role of the family in today's society? What is the balance between devotion to family, personal development, and professional success?
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek tends to get a little preachy sometimes, and this movie is certainly the preachiest. But it raises important issues about humanity and the ecosystem. What obligations does humanity have towards other forms of life on Earth? And how can economic concerns and ecological concerns be balanced?
Bicentennial Man, Artificial Intelligence: AI
The book "I, Robot" raised important questions about the relationship between Man and machine. Most of the reviews I read indicated that these were left out of the film. If "I, Robot" had been more like these two movies, I may have bothered to see it. Okay, enough ranting, on to the questions. As computers become increasingly complex, at what point do they begin taking on organic features? What is the difference between computation and sentience?
The Running Man
I've even got a prospective title for a paper on this one: "Reality Television and the Culture of Voyeurism". If you've watched any reality TV lately, I think you'll agree that we're not all that far away....
Okay, that's what I've got. Comments?
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