Sci-Fi

World’s Largest Public Archive of SF And Fantasy Receives $3.5-Million

Earlier this month we learned that UC Riverside Library’s Eaton Collection of Science Fiction and Fantasy – the world’s largest public reserve of SF/F books and materials – has come under threat by new management. Now, the Eaton Collection is the beneficiary of a $3.5-million gift – the largest ever received by the university’s library.…

The Nexus 6 Could Be the Nexus X Because of Blade Runner

When talking about unannounced smartphones, everything is uncertain—including the name. And while it makes sequential sense that Motorola’s rumored upcoming contribution to the Nexus line would be the Nexus 6, it will likely be called something else. Because the Nexus 6 already exists. Well, sort of. Not as a smartphone, but as a much more…

What Is the Best Justification for a Plot Twist That You’ve Ever Seen?

There’s nothing better than a well-executed plot twist, especially when you’re able to look back at the story and realize that you’d been given hints all along. What science fiction or fantasy story does this the best? (Warning: We’re going to have to talk spoilers.) My pick is the original Alien film, where we discover…

What Was a Truly Original Story Idea That Degenerated into Clichés?

There is nothing more frustrating than a science fiction or fantasy story that starts out in a brilliantly original way … only to fall apart in a mess of overused, tropey awfulness. What movie, TV series, or book disappointed you in this way? You need to warn the rest of us! Post pictures, video, or…

The 10 Dark, Gritty Rules of Dystopian Science Fiction

Everybody loves a good dystopia, where the world of today has turned into a nightmare of decay, hopelessness and gelatinous food cubes. But to do them right, you need to follow these ten rules. Warning: Sarcasm ahead. Top image: Doomsday. 1. All the technology of today’s world should still be around, but in a decayed…

Please Don’t Let Ariana Grande Protect Us From Killer Aliens

Ariana Grande’s new music video is billed as an “inconceivable outer space adventure.” Well, “Break Free” is an adventure alright. But is it an adventure you’d like to embark upon? That depends on your confidence in Ariana Grande as an interstellar space warrior. I, for one, have very little confidence in Ariana Grande’s ability to…

UC Riverside’s Eaton Science Fiction Collection is in danger from new management. Professor Nalo Hopkinson reports that the largest public collection of science fiction and fantasy is endangered by the library administration, who has alienated the staff and plans to reduce the size of the collection. [Boing Boing]

What Is the Most Science Fictional Place You’ve Ever Visited?

Sometimes going on a trip or vacation makes you feel like you’ve stepped through a wormhole and into another world. Tell us about the most science fictional or fantastical trip you’ve ever taken — whether it was to another continent, or just down the street. Photo by Frank Kovalchek. Don’t just give us a one-word…

Slip Into the Sweet, Ambient Sounds of Science Fiction

A specific number of variables need to be in place so I can shrug off procrastination and get some real work done. Chief among them is setting the right aural mood. Now, I love listening to music, but the kind of audio I consume—mostly hardcore and post-punk rock—is only a distraction. It’s hard to focus…

Your Ultra-Short Stories Provide Glimpses Into A Cheerful Dystopia

Whether they were focusing on a cybernetic raven with a sardonic side, a Grim Reaper who just wants to figure out how to retire already, or a search engine out for revenge, your flash fiction stories took us into some dark (yet surprisingly fun!) worlds. Pulled from your submissions to our six-word science fiction call,…

We Want To Hear Your Six-Word Science Fiction Tales!

What kind of story can you tell in only six words? Will you send us the text from the off-world signage of the future (“EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS BEFORE TERRAFORMING” / tarrkid), go through the ship’s log of a strange vessel (“The ship’s unsalvageable.” – my body’s pilot / csmason04), or something else entirely? Tell…

24 Must-Read Books About Space Travel

Last month, we asked you to name your favorite book about space travel and explain why. Hundreds of you replied with awesome, succinct, and sometimes very funny explanations of your favorites. Below, find two dozens of your best recommendations, from childhood favorites to Mars colonization to, yes, alien sex. And be sure to comment below…

I wish I could live long enough to see these future cities in real life

Paul Chadeisson is a French concept designer who creates exquisite futuristic urban environments. You probably know his work from games like Remember Me but there’s much more in his portfolio. Here are some of his fantastic cities I would like to visit. Paul Chadeisson is a French concept artist who has worked in games like…

Which Dystopias Are Too Realistic to be Enjoyable?

Everybody likes to watch civilization crushed by flaming alien weapons from space, or eaten from the inside out by zombies. But sometimes a dystopia goes too far, getting so bleakly realistic that you can no longer enjoy the carnage. What dystopian stories were like that for you? Tell us your answers in comments below —…

Optical illusion GIFs make classic horror characters three-dimensional

Saline used a well-known optical illusion to turn the greatest scary monsters of all time into beautiful postcards that feel three-dimensional on your screen. I love that they paid homage to the often gimmicky classic horror films of yesteryear with such a gimmicky technique. SPLOID is a new blog about awesome stuff. Join us on…

Ukrainian Science Fiction Writers Predicted the Russian Invasion

Fedor Berezin is a former Soviet military officer and science fiction writer in Ukraine. Now, two of his novels — War 2010: The Ukrainian Frontand War 2011: Against NATO — have become reality. And he’s not the only Ukrainian SF author who imagined the Russian invasion before it happened. In a fascinating story by Cathy…

Stunning sci-fi concept sketches are actually 3D renders

I love the 3D concept art by Neil Maccormack because it doesn’t look like 3D at all. His renders—which he finishes in Photoshop—feel like acrylics painted with real brushes. His palette—which sometimes reminds me of Ralph McQuarrie’s—is crucial for the painterly feel of his creations. Neil Maccormack is a freelance 3d artist based in Geneva,…

Study the Fonts in the Movie Moon, To Discover Something Wonderful

There are a million reasons to love Duncan Jones’ incredible indie flick Moon, starring Sam Rockwell as an abused Lunar Industries worker who discovers his life is not what it seems. Still, you’ll be surprised how amazing the movie looks when you read Dave Addy’s essay about fonts in the movie, which reveals a lot…

I wish they made an animation series out of these sci-fi illustrations

These are the cool monstrous creations of Brian Miller. He recently completed them for The Robot Workshop activity book. Someone should turn his work into a sci-fi animation series a la Samurai Jack. Giant Moster Smash!: I actually had a few different options for the spread which included a more pulled out view of the…

Your Short Science Fiction Stories Are Ominously Enjoyable

Whether focusing on the Star Trek crew that finally traveled right beyond the fourth wall, a hive mind divided against itself, or the low-level employees of a terraforming corporation grappling with some baffling HR directives, this collection of short stories is marvelously unsettling. Enjoy this collection of some of our favorite six-word science fiction stories,…