The Mysterious James Tiptree of Speculative Fiction
Science fiction writer James Tiptree Jr. wouldn't talk on the phone or appear in person. He developed friendships with contemporaries like Ursula le Guin and Philip K. Dick purely through letters. And...
11 Maalis 201525min
Utopias: The First Science Fiction?
A French philosopher is certain his ideas will help human beings evolve -- not just emotionally or psychologically. We will start to grow tails. And that inspires his disciples to start a socialist co...
25 Helmi 201519min
Scott Snyder on Writing Batman Comics
They say you shouldn't meet your heroes because you might be disappointed. What happens when you're told from now on you are your childhood hero? For many people that would be a metaphor but that actu...
11 Helmi 201521min
Deprogramming The Sexy Robot Trope
The desirable robot has been a trope in science fiction for almost a century. American University professor Despina Kakoudaki (author of "Anatomy of a Robot") says watching actors play robots is a wis...
29 Tammi 201517min
The Golem and The Jinni Blend Jewish and Muslim Folklore
"The Golem and The Jinni" by Helene Wecker is one of my favorite novels in recent years. It's about two mythological characters meeting in late 19th century New York -- one from Arab culture and the o...
14 Tammi 201525min
Reinventing Buffy in Comics
In April 2007, I interviewed Joss Whedon for a public radio story about how he was continuing Buffy The Vampire Slayer as a comic book. I only got to use a few sound bytes for that piece, but I always...
31 Joulu 201424min
Action Figures for The Kidult Generation
Kids may be aging out of action figures earlier than ever, but action figure collectables for adults is booming. I visit two of the leading toy shops, NECA and Sideshow Collectables, and I talk with p...
17 Joulu 201420min
In Defense of Captain Hook
Peter Pan is never supposed to grow up, but Illinois State University professor Karen Coats says the character has grown over time from a Victorian symbol of immaturity to a celebration of the inner-c...
4 Joulu 201424min
