science fiction

The Islamic Blueprint of Dune

Hamad Naroze, Hunter College

How Frank Herbert and his iconic sci-fi “Dune” were influenced by Islam and the cultures of the Middle East.…

April 9, 2024

‘Star Trek’: Jake Sisko’s Coming of Age Story

Sydney Chastain, Florida State University

One of Star Trek’s most relatable characters for kids and young adults to be on screen.…

December 8, 2023

‘Stargate’ May Be Sci-Fi’s Most Self-Aware Franchise

Sydney Chastain, Florida State University

Meet a franchise that parodies its genre, its fans and itself.…

December 1, 2023

For an article on the OASIS in "Ready Player One," a blue figure in a purple shirt wears a virtual reality headset and holds their hand up that is slowly disintegrating into pixels.

Loneliness Epidemic: In the OASIS of “Ready Player One”

Noah Hernandez, University of Texas at San Antonio

Unraveling the intricacies of the loneliness epidemic as exhibited through the virtual reality OASIS of sci-fi book“Ready Player One.”…

November 11, 2023

In an article about Silo, a dark circular chasm descends into the earth.

‘Silo’: Murder in Dystopia

Shannon Strenfel, Arizona State University

The riveting mystery series "Silo" keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, with enthralling mysteries, original storytelling and sincere, powerful emotion at its center.…

September 4, 2023

A portrait of a blue-skinned Asari alien in an article about "Mass Effect."

The Massive Impact of the Asari in ‘Mass Effect’

Connor Lindsay, Queens University of Charlotte

The double-edged legacy of Bioware’s queer representation.…

August 24, 2023

In an article about sci-fi, Frankenstein's monster stands back-to-back with Peter Quill from Guardians of the Galaxy in front of a colorful background.

From ‘Frankenstein’ to ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’: ‘A True History’ of Sci-Fi

Ava Coates, Emory University

Science fiction has a long and complex past. How have sci-fi works from previous centuries influenced the modern genre?…

August 14, 2023

Many characters from tech noir works, including The Terminator and Blade Runner 2049.

Tech Noir: The Influence of Film Noir in Science Fiction

Morgan Brown, Wake Forest University

The movies of the 1940s and 50s still inspire artists today, even in vastly different genres.…

March 23, 2023

In an article about the Multiverse in Doctor Strange, an illustration of Doctor Strange and Wanda Maximoff

The Multiverse in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Has a Basis in Quantum Physics

Virginia Beall, Elon University

The latest entry in the MCU may be science fiction, but it isn't entirely out of the realm of possibility.…

June 11, 2022

‘Dune’ Reveals the Elements Essential to Every Science Fiction Story

Kim Becker, Aquinas College

While science fiction stories are everywhere, the audience may miss the underlying themes in the midst of the exciting plot, but they are worth examining.…

May 18, 2022

Future technology woven together from various books by Jules Verne

The Astonishing Science in Jules Verne’s Fiction Novels

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The 19th-century sci-fi author Jules Verne somehow predicted many technological inventions that exist today.…

May 5, 2022

The cast from the new Doctor Who Legend of the Sea Devils

‘Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils’ Serves Fans Seafaring Thrills

Rebecca Trevathan, University of Texas at Austin

The newest addition in the long-running franchise will take fans to unexplored regions while exploring same-sex romance.…

April 27, 2022

Photo of characters from the show The Silent Sea

‘The Silent Sea’ Is an Ambitious Show That Falls Short

Xochitl Menjivar, San Francisco State University

Enjoy this spoiler-free review of Netflix’s latest entry to the science fiction genre.…

January 12, 2022

a photo of Laurell K. Hamilton book Jason

Laurell K. Hamilton Is Sci-Fi, Romance and Fantasy All Rolled Into One

Angelica Rovinski, Arcadia University

The paranormal writer might just be the perfect choice for someone looking for books including a variety of fantastical (and erotic) aspects.…

December 5, 2021

In an article about Dune, a desert landscape with the sun in the sky

Why You Should Read ‘Dune’ Before Watching the Movie

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

The popular science fiction novel is infamously complex, and you may understand Frank Herbert's world better if you read the book first.…

October 21, 2021

In an article about slipstream, bookshelf full of books

Slipstream Is the Literary Style That Blends Genres

Amy Harris, Utah State University

Writers have been bending expectations for years, but only recently has their creativity been given a new category.…

October 4, 2021

In an article about techno-orientalism, neon signs of cyborg women float with a string of red paper lanterns among them.

Revisiting the Racial Fears of Techno-Orientalism and Cyberpunk

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

There's no question that cyberpunk draws heavy influence from East Asian culture and aesthetics, so why aren't Asian characters and creators given their dues within the genre?…

September 9, 2021

The Continuing Legacy and Enduring Nature of ‘Dune’

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

Frank Herbert’s seminal novel has influenced countless science fiction writers, even though it has remained a relatively niche series.…

August 27, 2021

An illustration of Justin Timberlake in 'Palmer'

‘Palmer’ Is a Welcome Addition to Justin Timberlake’s Stellar Acting Career

Fatima Sani, Rollins College

The Apple TV+ drama only proves Timberlake's talent and range as an actor — even as he faces criticism whenever he acts in a film.…

August 24, 2021

An illustration of Pratt in 'The Tomorrow War'

‘The Tomorrow War’ Is Chris Pratt’s Latest Venture Into Sci-Fi

Fatima Sani, Rollins College

The actor continues to make a splash in the genre despite often being labeled as the 'worst' Chris by social media.…

August 5, 2021

Schlock Mercenary celebrates twenty years of sci-fi comedy and fun

‘Schlock Mercenary’ Is Both a Fun Space Opera and an Example of Artistic Growth

Amy Harris, Utah State University

It can be intimidating putting art into the world but Howard Tayler, the creator of this strip, is living proof that you don't need to be extremely well-versed in the arts to make something that…

June 25, 2021

An illustration of BB-8 and Yoda from "Star Wars." (Illustration by Olivia Luo, The Ohio State University)

‘Star Wars’ Is Actually a Fantasy Series — Not Science Fiction

Elliot Jackson-Ontkush, Skidmore College

The franchise, which has now existed for more than 40 years, has elements of both genres. However, its tone and themes place it more firmly in the more magical of the two.…

June 19, 2021

An illustration of the title image of the show Love, Death and Robots for an article about its second volume. (Illustration by Lexey Gonzalez, Wichita State University)

‘Love, Death and Robots’ Is the Next Sci-Fi Show You Need to Binge

Justin Spencer, University of Texas at San Antonio

Space battles, alien monsters and a dog-walking, poop-scooping robot are all what makes the wild plunge into Volume 2 of this Netflix animated anthology exhilarating.…

May 9, 2021

‘Star Trek’ Is a Difficult Franchise To Get Into, but It’s Worth the Effort

Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

Although the iconic science fiction franchise consists of beautiful storytelling and world building, entering the fandom can seem intimidating due to the vast amount of material.…

May 3, 2021

Can ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Recapture the Hearts of Its Fans?

Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

The show got off to an admittedly rocky start, receiving negative feedback from longtime fans of the franchise. Is it possible to make a comeback?…

March 29, 2021

A still from the most recent addition to the Planet of the Apes trilogy.

The Underrated Legacy of the ‘Planet of the Apes’ Trilogy

Daniel Buccafusca, East Stroudsburg University

The movie series centering on apes conquering the world is often overlooked. Here's why it should be considered one of the greatest trilogies in history.…

March 28, 2021

for an article about science fiction predictions, screenshot of the video call from 2001 a space odyssey

13 Times Science Fiction Predicted the Technology We Have Today

Joseph Gorzka III, University of Virginia

Then-futuristic books and films have featured tools like FaceTime, credit cards, 3D printers and more before they became part of everyday society.…

March 8, 2021

2021 Will Find ‘Dune’ Getting Another Chance at Cinematic Recognition

Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

After many failed film attempts and getting overshadowed by 'Star Wars,' Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel is finally getting another opportunity to shine on the silver screen.…

March 7, 2021