Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it possible?
I’ve been interested in superheroes for a long time, and not only because I think telekinesis would be useful. No, what really intrigues me is that your average superhero story is a fantasy dressed up as science fiction. As I see it, there are three basic types of superheroes: – The Mutated Hero, who’s undergone…
“Rationality” sets science fiction apart from fantasy
In an article published in the journal CLCWeb:Comparative Literature and Culture, Simone Caroti argues that “cognition” is what sets science fiction apart from fantasy, using Greg Bear‘s Blood Music as an example. The act of cognition, of rationally making sense of – and coming to terms with – the estranging elements, increases the sense of…
Why I want to fuck J. G. Ballard
So I can have his babies, that’s why. Though I’m reliably informed that this may no longer be possible, if indeed it ever was…which is a pity. I’ve been a big fan of Ballard’s since I discovered The Atrocity Exhibition. Your mid- to late teens are a great time for discovering new ways of seeing…
Father-daughter team use a 3D printer to create awesome nanobot art
Jeff and Ashley Sierzenga recently took it upon themselves to bring to life the flesh-eating nanobots from Jeff Carlson’s bestselling series Plague Year. Here you can see their entire project, from schematics to the final model. A mechanical engineer with a lifelong interest in science fiction and science fact, Jeff Sierzenga explains: My daughter has…
Your Car Desperately Needs This Button
Your car has so many features that you probably don’t even know how to use half of them. Unfortunately what it lacks happens to be an incredibly important little button. Republished with permission from Matthew Inman aka “The Oatmeal,” a former web designer turned comic artist. You can see more of his work on The…